Fiber Arrays

Fiber arrays (or fiber optic arrays or fiber array units) are one- or two-dimensional arrays of optical fibers. Often, such an array is formed for only the end of a bundle of fibers, rather than along the entire length of the fiber.

Fiber arrays are usually made of silica fibers suitable for various spectral ranges from near infrared to ultraviolet. However, they can also be made from certain specialty fibers. Both singlemode and multimode fibers are used, depending on the application.

Fiber arrays are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Imaging: Fiber arrays are used to illuminate line scan cameras (CCD or CMOS). Cross-section converters are a special type of fiber array that produces a homogeneous, shadow-free, high-intensity line of light.
• Telecommunications: fiber arrays are used to couple light signals between multiple fibers. This is used, for example, in optical switches and routers.
• Laser technology: Fiber arrays are used to combine the power of multiple lasers. This is used, for example, in high-power laser systems for materials processing and medicine.
• Sensor technology: fiber arrays are used to collect light signals from multiple sensors. This is used, for example, in fiber optic temperature and pressure sensors.

Fiber arrays offer a number of advantages over other lighting systems, including:

• Homogeneous, shadow-free light distribution
• High luminous intensity
• Flexible design
• Robustness and durability

Overall, fiber arrays are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of applications. They offer a number of advantages over other lighting systems, including homogeneous, shadow-free light distribution, high luminous intensity, flexible design, and robustness and durability.