Solihull, United Kingdom – Arden Photonics, a leading manufacturer of optical fiber precision measurement solutions, is proud to announce 2D fiber array characterisation has been added to the functionality of its renowned FGC Array Geometry Measurement System.
Trusted by some of the world’s largest fiber array unit (FAU) manufacturers, the FGC Array sets a benchmark for accuracy and efficiency. In response to the increasing market demand for characterising 2D FAUs, Arden has expanded the system’s functionality to accommodate multi-row arrays up to 22 mm wide and 0.8 mm tall. The core of this major upgrade has been driven by the development of new software routines, but we have also expanded the available accessories, making it easier and more convenient to characterise a range of FAU’s, including those with polarisation-maintaining (PANDA) fiber.
Key Upgrades & New Features
- Multi-Row 2D Array Measurement: The FGC Array now supports multi-row 2D geometries up to 22 mm wide and 0.8 mm tall, specifically optimised for the fast-growing 2D MPO connector and 2D Fiber Array Unit applications in high performance data centres.
- Lower latency FGC Array V2.0 Software: New software enhances the user experience. It also features customisable measurement templates designed specifically to streamline and automate complex 2D array analysis of units that could contain a mix of single mode, multi mode and PM fiber.
- Additional Fiber Core Illuminators: A new external illuminator supporting pigtails terminated with 32 mm wide FAUs, along with the existing range of illuminators for pigtails terminated with FC/PC, FC/APC, MTP/MPO, and supporting unterminated single and ribbon fibers using Fujikura style holders.
Key Features of the FGC Array:
- Core Illumination Technology: The core of each fiber in the array is illuminated to enhance the core-to-core measurement accuracy and repeatability. The system supports FAU pigtails with bare fiber, ribbon fiber, or MTP, FC and FC/APC connectors. Up to six illumination units can be linked to an FGC-Array system.
- Fully Automated Translation Stage: The precision linear stage delivers repeatability down to 0.05 μm* for core X & Y position, ensuring consistent and repeatable results are generated using the newly-designed software and mounting system.
- Advanced Fiber Array Unit Mounting: A newly designed tiltable 32 mm mount and adjustable-width array holder provides a versatile mounting solution for fiber arrays ranging from 2.5 mm to 22 mm, with tilt angles from -8° to +8°.
- Enhanced Optical System & Algorithm: Refined imaging quality is achieved using an infinity-corrected objective and a high-resolution CMOS camera for sharper, more evenly illuminated images. Proprietary distortion correction algorithms ensure highly accurate imaging and measurement results, setting new benchmarks for precision.
“Since the launch of the FGC Array System in 2025, we are delighted the system has been trusted and deployed by some of the world’s largest FAU manufacturers,” said David Robinson, Founder and CEO of Arden Photonics. “We have been listening to our customers, and in particular their views on their user experience and future requirements. We use this critical input to continuously improve our products to meet the fast-evolving market demand. This major upgrade of software enhancement and 2D array measurement is a perfect example of the seamless collaboration between Arden and our valued customers, giving them the solutions they require to validate their high precision, delicate, FAUs with absolute confidence.”
For more information, visit our product page or email us at sales@ardenphotonics.com.
