A new series of Luxlink fiber optic switches are specifically designed to convey light directly to and from separate optical fibers without any light-to-electrical-to-light conversions. Using a moving fiber design so the total optical modulation scheme of the light to be switched is maintained makes the switches fully bi-directional and intrinsically safe (and secure), since the light is not demodulated or modified in any way.
In addition to standard data transmission systems, the switches can be used in various biological sensing applications such as connecting several fiber optic probes to measuring equipment or routing laser or LED light sources to fiber optic probes as required. Losses through the switches are on the order of a dB or so and optical power levels of up to 1/2W can be accommodated.
Switches are available in a 1x1, 1x2 and 1x4 configuration as well as a 2x2 bypass configuration. All switches can be operated manually, by means of remote contact closures, or in some version by the level of the optical signal actually applied to the switch. Units can be either mounted separately or directly to standard EIA rack compatible panels or DIN rails without the need for expensive card-cages. A weatherproof NEMA enclosure is also available for outdoor applications when required.