Reliability analysis of optical modules for future optical networks

Reliability of optical networks depends on reliability of components. This in turn strongly depends on the detailed design of the structures, processes and technologies used to fabricate them. Reliability testing and investigation must start at the beginning of the design phase to expose any potential weaknesses of the design. This paper reviews the reliability testing that was undertaken on an optical PIN Receiver module and an optical multiplexer to expose the failure modes and hence resulted in redesign of the modules. This approach across all components and modules eliminates failure modes early in the design process and ensure long term reliability of the optical network.