Dark Fiber

TMCnet Contributor

Finisar Corporation, specializing in fiber optic subsystems and components for communication applications, has introduced its new WaveShaper S-series programmable optical processors.

With more flexibility and better performance features the new optical processors are expected to provide advanced arbitrary filter generation and switching capabilities for making the optical system development and production test more precise. This capability is required in telecom equipments and by systems manufacturers, R&D labs and universities.

In a release, Finisar claims the WaveShaper optical processors are suitable as DWDM system and component testing tools besides helping in optical pulse shaping and control and high-speed optical research and development.

The WaveShaper S-Series makes the platform more powerful with features like an enhanced Liquid Crystal on Silicon optical engine which provides higher optical resolution for controlling filter shape and dispersion. The new software includes drivers for LabVIEW and Linux which simplifies integration of the WaveShaper into complex test systems. Also the small compact size occupies less space within the test systems.

“With the new S-Series, Finisar continues to demonstrate its leadership in optical filtering and Wavelength Selective Switch technology,” said Simon Poole, director of new business ventures for Finisar, in the release. “By leveraging our extensive optical expertise, we have again delivered unmatched control, precision, and flexibility to our customers.”

Being a fully programmable optical filter and wavelength selective switch, WaveShaper is capable of controlling the amplitude as well as phase characteristics of filters and switches. This simplifies testing of high-speed optical systems and subsystems at 40 and 100 Gbps and allows research in new areas like Optical Fourier Domain Waveform Manipulation that is required in femtosecond laser pulse generation.

“The WaveShaper has a unique capability to generate optical transfer functions with arbitrary amplitude and phase,” said Professor Ben Eggleton, at the University of Sydney.

He added that the ability to easily and precisely implement Optical Fourier Domain Waveform transformations has introduced new areas of optical communications research based on the WaveShaper’s precise control of pulse shape and timing.

Finisar proposes to demonstrate both the enhanced WaveShaper S-Series Programmable Optical Processors, the WaveShaper 1000S and WaveShaper 4000S at ECOC in Vienna next week.

The company’s fiber optic subsystems and components enable high-speed voice, video and data communications for networking, storage, wireless and cable TV applications.