The Senko Metallic PIC Connector (MPC) can accommodate up to eight fibers in a single row. This multifiber, low-profile, compact connector can be used for both vertical and edge coupling of PICs to fiber cores with low loss. The MPC is constructed from stamped metallic optical benches. The connector includes micro mirror arrays for folding and focusing light beams between optical fibers and photonic devices. Mirror designs are available for both multimode and singlemode applications. The MPC saves space and is thermally robust, and the mirrors can be optimized to bend and shape the outputs from diffraction gratings.
Judge’s Comment: “A lot of innovation had to occur for this connector to exist. The market has been screaming for something like this and there were too many technical hurdles to overcome, until now. This will have a huge market impact.”