Luminos CORALIGN™ fiber optic switches incorporate a patented moving fiber design to achieve direct fiber to fiber coupling through either an air or oil filled gap, achieving the lowest Insertion losses in the industry. Losses as low as 0.01 dB (MM) and 0.2 dB (SM) that are only possible with direct fiber-to-fiber coupling.  With losses this low it is difficult to reliably measure the loss with connectors, as connector loss can vary by 0.1 - 0.25 dB.  Luminos CORALIGN™ Positioners were originally designed as part of a Connector Measurement System with 0.01 dB SM accuracy specifically so the optical loss of Luminos optical switches could even be measured.
 
There are no collimating lenses, epoxy or mirrors in the optical path, making every CORALIGN™ fiber optic switch wavelength independent, able to handle any wavelength that is compatible with the fiber used. These unique moving fiber switches are ideal for critical spectroscopy applications and are also suitable for high power applications.

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It requires extreme precision for an optical switch to mechanically align Single Mode fibers with 0.01dB repeatability and long lifetime. Other manufacturers have also attempted to offer moving fiber switches without success. Mechanical adjustment screws are not precise enough to maintain long-term 1:1 alignment of moving fibers. Luminos patented designs succeeded by incorporating an 8:1 leverage mechanism into every switch to allow for realistic wear of adjustment screws. Luminos CORALIGN™ fiber optic switches operate with a smooth 1mm movement between mechanical stops, and generate an ultra-precise 0.125mm lateral shift of polished optical fibers. The moving fiber gap is only 10µm wide and is carefully created within continuous fibers using proprietary sawing and polishing equipment. The Luminos Fiber Saw System cuts so smoothly, it can even sculpt an unsupported bare 125µm silica fiber comb.
 
Luminos CORALIGN™ fiber optic switches are a viable alternative for applications traditionally handled by more restrictive fiber optic couplers. Multimode, normal loss (air gap) switches have been qualified for 500mW hot switching for 532-1300nm at switching rates up to 5Hz.