Micro Electro Mechanical Optical Filters

Electrostatic MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology is the foundation of the MTF series of optical noise filtering devices. With their excellent noise rejection capabilities, Santec's MTFs offer an alternative to the newest transceiver or EDFA.

Optical Filter Product Line-Up

Source: Santec Corporation

Variable Attenuator-Integrated Optical Tunable Filter - MTF-VOA

Image Credit: Santec AOC Corporation

Based on electrostatic MEMS technology, MTF-VOA is an integrated component that combines a variable optical attenuator and a tunable optical filter. It enables independent attenuation of the optical output power and adjustment of the filter's center wavelength.

The wavelength and attenuation range that MTF-VOA can modify are approximately 40 nm and 35 dB, respectively. MTF-VOA works with optical transceivers that comply with Small Form Factor (SFF) industry standards, including QSFP-DD and CDP2-DCO.

The low-voltage drive and tiny size (7.5 × 5.5 × 3.5 mm) satisfy the growing demand for optical transceivers, which are becoming smaller and use less power.

Features

• Extremely small
• Excellent optical qualities
• Compatibility with thin fibers up to 80 μm in cladding diameter
• Minimum fiber bending radius of 5 mm
• Low-voltage drive of 12 V
• Compliance with RoHS

Variable Bandwidth-Optical Tunable Filter - MTF-VB

Image Credit: Santec AOC Corporation

The variable bandwidth-optical tunable filter in optical transceivers is a small, MEMS-based optical part that eliminates noise following optical amplification.

A recently developed wavelength and bandwidth optical tunable filter (MTF-VB), based on Santec's proprietary patented technology, can adjust both the transmitted wavelength and the transmitted bandwidth from 200 GHz to 700 GHz (3 dB bandwidth), whereas the previous 1st and 2nd generation optical tunable filters could only adjust the transmitted wavelength of optical signals.

From 400 Gb/s to 1.2 Tb/s (QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, etc.), this is Santec's first small component product with flexible transmission rate support that allows ASE noise rejection with an ideal filter bandwidth.

This product works with optical transceivers that comply with SFF (Small Form Factor) industry standards, like QSFP-DD and CFP2-DCO. To satisfy the growing demand for optical transceivers, which are constantly getting smaller, the ultra-compact size of 9 × 5.5 × 3.5 mm was attained.

Features

• Telcordia GR-468/GR-1221 Qualified
• Excellent Electro-Optical Characteristics
• Minimal Fiber Bending Radius of 5 mm
• Ultra-Compact Size
• RoHS Compliant

Compact Optical Tunable Filter - MTF-FT

Image Credit: Santec AOC Corporation

Using SANTEC's exclusive patented technology, MTF-FT has a flat-top frequency response and better noise rejection performance than traditional products by more than ten times. Next-generation optical transceivers operating at 800 Gb/s, 1.2 Tb/s, or 1.6 Tb/s can achieve optimal performance thanks to the enhanced noise rejection performance.

MTF-FT works with optical transceivers that comply with Small Form Factor (SFF) industry standards, like QSFP-DD and CFP2-DCO. The product's low-voltage drive and ultra-compact size (7.5 × 5.5 × 3.5 mm) allow it to satisfy the growing demand for optical transceivers, which are becoming smaller and use less power.

Features

• Excellent electro-optical characteristics
• Telcordia GR-468/GR-1221 qualified
• RoHS compliant
• Minimal fiber bending radius of 5 mm
• Ultra-compact size
• 17 V low-voltage drive

MEMS-Based Tunable Filter - MTF-1

Image Credit: Santec AOC Corporation

SANTEC's MTF is a single-channel MEMS tunable filter (TF) recognized as the world's smallest. It is designed for 400G+ digital coherent transceivers in CFP and CFP2 form factors. The MTF is an excellent passive optical component that lowers optically amplified noise and enhances transmission quality.

Compared to other 60 V suppliers, the MTF's record low-voltage specification of 12 V is five times lower. Furthermore, a particular high-voltage IC is not required for the MTF to drive the component.

Features

• Telecordia GR-468/GR-1221 Qualified
• RoHS Compliant
• Ultra-Compact Size
• 12 V Low-Voltage Drive
• Outstanding Electro-Optical Characteristics
• Minimum Fiber Bending Radius of 5 mm is one of its key features

Applications

• 400G+ Transceivers in CFP / CFP2 Form Factors
• ASE Noise Reduction in EDF Amplifiers
• Extremely Reliable Amplifiers
• Optical Channel Monitors