Spectra-Physics has introduced the OS 550, a high-speed, random access fiber-optic switch platform that offers fast switching times, improved stability and repeatability, low PDL, and low insertion loss, says the company. The switch is designed for applications in telecommunications testing, such as network monitoring, component testing, and Telcordia qualification of WDM components.

The bi-directional OS 550 utilizes a pair of Risley wedge prisms for beam steering and can randomly switch any of five input ports amongst any of 50 output ports, or vice versa. Nominally, the device interfaces with standard SMF-28 optical fiber and operates over the 1280 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range. Control electronics and optical switch engine are contained in a single, standard, 19" rack mount package, and the unit can be operated by either front panel controls, or through RS-232 or IEEE-4888 GPIB interfaces.

Spectra-Physics will begin shipment of the OS 550 all optical switch in December, 2001. In addition to the standard product offering, switches with a variety of different fiber interfaces, as well as customized input/output port configurations, are available upon request.

Spectra-Physics designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes semiconductor-based lasers and laser optics for a variety of end-markets. For additional information, see the company�s Web site at www.spectra-physics.com.