Optical Switches

What Is an Optical Switch

An optical switch is a device that selectively connects one or more optical input ports to one or more output ports. The switching action is performed optically, ensuring that wavelength, modulation format, and signal integrity are preserved during routing.

Optical switches may be manually controlled, electronically controlled, or software controlled depending on system requirements. They are commonly used to automate fiber routing, perform sequential measurements, and implement protection switching in optical systems.

Optical Switch Technologies

Different switching technologies are used depending on port count, switching speed, and optical performance requirements.

Mechanical Optical Switches

Mechanical optical switches physically move optical fibers or mirrors to redirect light paths. They offer low insertion loss, low polarization dependence, and excellent wavelength independence.

These switches are commonly used in laboratory test systems and high-precision measurement environments where signal integrity is critical.

MEMS Optical Switches

MEMS optical switches use micro-electromechanical mirrors to direct optical signals. They support higher port counts and faster switching times compared to mechanical switches.

MEMS switches are widely used in automated test systems, DWDM component testing, and scalable optical switching platforms.

Solid-State Optical Switches

Solid-state optical switches use electro-optic or thermo-optic effects to control light propagation. They offer fast switching speeds and no moving parts, making them suitable for applications requiring rapid reconfiguration.

These switches are often used in specialized photonic systems and integrated optical platforms.

Types of Optical Switches We Offer

1xN and NxM Optical Switches

These switches connect one input to multiple outputs or multiple inputs to multiple outputs. They are widely used for test automation, redundancy switching, and signal routing in laboratory and network environments.

Fiber-Optic Matrix Switches

Matrix switches provide flexible routing across many input and output ports. They are commonly used in large-scale optical test systems and network monitoring applications.

Programmable and Automated Optical Switches

Programmable optical switches integrate with control software and test automation platforms. They enable unattended operation, repeatable test sequences, and efficient resource sharing across multiple instruments.

Key Technical Parameters Engineers Evaluate

When selecting optical switches, engineers consider several critical performance characteristics:

• Number of input and output ports
• Insertion loss and repeatability
• Optical return loss
• Polarization dependent loss
• Switching speed and lifetime
• Wavelength range and compatibility
• Control interface and automation support

Selecting the correct optical switch ensures reliable signal routing and consistent measurement results.

Optical Switch Brands We Sell

Aumictech supplies optical switches from trusted manufacturers used in professional optical and telecom environments.

• EXFO
Optical switches for automated fiber testing and network validation

• Keysight Technologies
High-performance optical switching solutions for laboratory and automated test systems

• Agilent Technologies
Laboratory-grade optical switches used in optical component testing

• DiCon Fiberoptics
MEMS-based optical switches for photonics and telecom applications

• JDSU
Optical switching platforms for fiber-optic test and measurement environments

Used and Laboratory-Grade Optical Switches

Many optical switches are designed for long operational lifetimes and remain in service for years. Professionally sourced used and surplus optical switches provide a cost-effective solution for expanding test capability, maintaining legacy systems, and supporting automated optical test setups.

These switches are commonly deployed in telecom labs, data centers, semiconductor fabs, and optical component manufacturing facilities.

Why Optical Switches Are Critical

As optical systems grow in complexity and scale, efficient signal routing becomes essential. Manual fiber reconnection is time-consuming and introduces variability, while optical switches enable repeatable, automated, and reliable path selection.

Optical switches allow engineers to scale test systems, improve throughput, and maintain signal integrity across complex optical setups. From DWDM component testing to network protection switching, optical switches remain a foundational technology in modern optical measurement and communication systems.