PM Optical Switch

1xN Polarization Maintaining Optical Switches Working at 630nm, 780nm, 1310nm, 1550nm with RS232 or USB port from Fibermart

Fibermart Polarization-maintaining (PM) Optical switches are mostly used in the telecommunications, network technology, sensor and measurement technology. Fiber-MART.COM offers PM switches for all standard PM fibers with module, bentchtop, rack mount or mini packages. The Fibermart polarization maintaining optical switch controlled by TTL communication protocol. For the RS-232 or USB control version, click PM Fiber Switch (RS-232 or USB).

These PM optical switch are available in different configurations – from 1x1 (on/off switches) to n x m (matrix switches) – making it possible to achieve configurations such as, for example, 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, 1x64, 2x2, or 2x4 pm optical switches. The Fibermart Polarization-maintaining optical switch works at 630nm, 780nm, 980nm, 1310nm or 1550nm center wavelengths.

Product Highlights

● 630nm, 780nm, 980nm, 1310/1550nm Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Optical Switch

● 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, 1x64, 2x2, or 2x4 different configurations Available

● RS232, TTL, USB Control port supported with PC connection for PM Fiber Optical Switches

● 2.0 mm Narrow Key(or Wide Key optional) FC/PC or FC/APC or LC UPC, LCAPC Connectors

● Individual Test Report Included with Each pm optical switch (Click Here for a Sample Data Sheet)

● Custom Wavelength, 1xN, 2xN configurations and Connector Options

● Extinction Ratio (dB) ≥ 18dB, insertion loss IL typically between 0.4dB and 1.2dB

Introduction

Fibermart Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Fiber Optical Switch is a high-performance, electro-optic routing device engineered for applications where controlling the polarization state of light is as critical as directing the signal path itself. Designed to work with standard PM fibers, it offers precise switching across a broad spectrum from 630nm to 1550nm. Available in configurations from simple 1x1, 1x2, Dual 1x2 on/off to complex 1xN and MxN matrices, and supporting multiple control interfaces, this switch is the definitive solution for advanced telecommunications, high-fidelity sensing, and quantum optics systems where polarization integrity cannot be compromised.

Features

● Custom wavelengths including 630nm, 780nm, 980nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, covering visible to standard telecom bands.

● Available in wide layouts from 1x1 (Latching or Non-Latching) to 1x2, 1x4, up to 1x64, as well as D2x2 and 2x4 matrix switches for complex routing needs.

● High Extinction Ratio (≥ 18 dB with connectors on), ensuring superior separation and maintenance of polarization states with low cross-coupling.

● Supports TTL, RS-232, and USB control interfaces with software control for easy system integration, available in module, benchtop, rack-mount, or mini packages.

● Low Insertion Loss (typically 0.4 dB to 1.2 dB), with high performance SENKO connectors including FC/PC, FC/APC, and LC/UPC, APC with narrow or wide key options.

● 100% Tested with an individual test report for each unit, CE, RoHS, FCC certificated, verifying lifetime performance against specified parameters for guaranteed reliability.

Principles

A Polarization-Maintaining Optical Switch functions by electronically redirecting an optical signal from an input port to a selected output port, but with the critical added function of preserving the linear polarization state of the light. Unlike standard switches, PM switches are engineered to maintain precise alignment between the internal birefringent axes of the PM fiber and the switching element (often a moving prism or a magneto-optic crystal).

When light enters the switch, its polarization state is aligned to the "slow axis" or "fast axis" of the input PM fiber. The switch's internal optics are designed to maintain this axis alignment throughout the physical redirection of the light path to the output port. The key performance metric is the Extinction Ratio (ER), which measures the switch's ability to keep the intended polarization pure and isolate it from the orthogonal, unwanted polarization. A high ER (≥ 18 dB) indicates minimal polarization cross-talk, ensuring the signal's polarization state remains intact, which is essential for coherent communications, interferometric sensing, and many quantum protocols.

Applications

● Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Backbone

● R&D and Laboratory Testing

● System Monitoring Access

● Configurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (OADM)

Specifications