China-based Blovelight has partnered with SABIC on an integrated, single-mode fiber optic lens array for optical transmission applications.
The design uses SABIC’s ULTEM resin to mold an integrated connector and receiving lens array and provide a housing for the WDM component.
Compared to aspherical glass lenses, SABIC says its resin provides greater design freedom and high-volume, high-speed production without the need for secondary grinding and polishing. From a performance standpoint, ULTEM resin delivers high near-IR transmission (>88% at 850-1550nm), a high refractive Index, and excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range (-40℃ to 85℃) to help ensure consistent alignment with single-mode fibers.
ULTEM resin also met the demands of the assembly process for Blovelight’s WDM application by providing high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and the ability to build miniaturized, multichannel parts.