Components for optical networks were found all over the cuting edge of technology in the race to deliver a competitive edge through performance specifications. The accelerated pace of technology transfer from the lab to industry was placing a great deal of stress on manufacturing processes.

Claims of the latest technology and greatest performance are fine for marketing but business fundamentals of product reliability and profitability must be addressed. Getting the latest technology into manufacturing was often a greater challenge than the original invention. Automation was one way to tackle this.

The etalon is a simpler and more robust design with less parts to be be polished to spec and greater surface area for improved van der Waals forces to maintain assembly in the field and meet Telcordia standards for reliability.

The gimbal is a simple approach for automating collimator alignment to maximize laser output.

These are just a few of many improvements made to address the challenge of manufacturing complex optical components. Both contribute to higher yield for automated manufacturing processes and greater reliability for the finished product. The net result is a reduction in cost for the all optical network.