Reduced cladding MT Ferrule: the evolution of high-density optical connectors

Realizing high-density wiring for next-generation data centers

As the evolution of optical communication technology accelerates, the demand for faster speeds and larger capacities in data centers is increasing. To meet this demand, Hakusan continues to develop cutting-edge optical connector technology. In this article, we will introduce in detail the "reduced cladding MT Ferrule" that is at the core of this technology.

What is a reduced cladding fiber MT Ferrule?

The reduced cladding fiber MT Ferrule is a multifiber optical connector component that uses a "reduced cladding fiber" that is smaller than conventional optical fibers. While the cladding diameter (the diameter of the part that confines the light) of a normal optical fiber is 125µm, the reduced cladding fiber has an extremely thin size of just 80µm.

This smaller reduced cladding results in the following advantages:

1. High density packaging: More fibers can be packed into a smaller space
2. Improved flexibility: The cable's bending radius is smaller, allowing for greater wiring freedom
3. Lightweight: Contributes to reducing the overall weight of the cable

Hakusan 's reduced cladding MT Ferrule have the following features.

• reduced cladding optical fiber hole
  Optical fiber hole for 80µm cladding diameter (80µm)
  
• High-precision optical fiber holes
  Although the optical fiber hole is narrower than that of a normal MT Ferrule (125µm),
  Achieves Single-mode low-loss fiber hole precision.
  
• Fiber pitch with compatibility in mind
  The optical fiber pitch is 250µm to ensure compatibility with conventional MT Ferrule. *All other designs are the same as those of standard MT Ferrule, except for the optical fiber hole diameter.

Why are reduced cladding MT Ferrule necessary?

Maintain compatibility with existing systems

The biggest advantage of reduced cladding MT Ferrule is that it can achieve high density while maintaining compatibility with existing optical connector systems. Conventional MT Ferrule have a fiber pitch (distance between fibers) of 250 µm, but reduced cladding MT Ferrule maintains the same pitch while also allowing for lighter cable wiring.

Affinity with Silicon Photonics

Silicon photonics (a technology for integrating optical circuits onto silicon chips), which has been attracting attention in recent years, requires the arrangement of optical elements with fine pitch. Reduced cladding MT Ferrule is an ideal solution to meet this requirement.

Specific application examples

Optical module relay connector

reduced cladding MT Ferrule plays an important role in connecting silicon photonics chips and conventional optical fiber systems. It enables a smooth connection between the narrow pitch (125µm) array on the chip side and the 250µm pitch of conventional optical fiber systems.

Application to Co-packaged Optics

With the advancement of AI (artificial intelligence) and big data processing, a technology called "Co-packaged Optics" that integrates electrical and optical circuits into a single package is attracting attention. Reduced cladding MT Ferrule provides the high-density optical connection that is essential to realizing this technology.

The Importance of reduced cladding MT Ferrule

As data centers become faster and larger in capacity, the need to increase the density of optical communication infrastructure is becoming an unavoidable issue. Reduced cladding MT Ferrule offers an innovative solution to this issue.

1. Improved space efficiency: Process more data in limited rack space
2. Reduced labor costs: Fewer cables reduce wiring labor costs
3. Flexible design: Easier wiring in tight spaces and opens up new possibilities for optical module designs

Furthermore, its high compatibility with silicon photonics means it can be easily integrated with next-generation optical circuit mounting technologies, which is expected to dramatically improve the processing power and efficiency of data centers.

summary

Reduced cladding MT Ferrule is a key technology that will support the future of data centers. It enables high-density optical transmission and contributes to the construction of next-generation optical communication infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Through this innovative technology, Hakusan will continue to meet the advanced requirements of our customers and support the evolution of data centers. If you are considering the introduction of reduced cladding MT Ferrule, please contact us. Together, let's build the future of high-speed, efficient communication infrastructure.

Reference Links

- Various Single-mode fibers "ClearLite®" (Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.)

​ ​・Corning® RCBI Optical Fiber (Corning Corporate Site)

Hideyuki Nasu, Satoshi Ide, and Fumio Koyama, "Data Center Optical Interconnection Technology," Journal of the Institute of Electrical, Information and Communication Engineers, Vol. 106, No. 2, pp. 106-113.

・A Full Picture of High-Speed Optical Communication Data Centers: Technological Innovation Supporting the Digital Infrastructure of the Future (Dexerials Corporation)