Precision Fibre-Based Photonic Lanterns
Buy photonic lanterns from the original inventors. We manufacture high-performance photonic lantern devices for telecommunications, sensing, and scientific instrumentation.
Our Products
Photonic Lantern Range
Four configurations optimised for different modal requirements, with flexible connector options to suit your application.
PL-3
Three-port lantern for low-order mode conversion and multiplexing applications.
- SM Ports3
- MM ConnectorFC / SMA
- SM OptionsFC / APC / Pigtail
- WavelengthCustom
PL-7
Seven-port lantern balancing mode capacity with compact form factor.
- SM Ports7
- MM ConnectorFC / SMA
- SM OptionsFC / APC / Pigtail
- WavelengthCustom
PL-19
Nineteen-port lantern for high-capacity/throughput applications.
- SM Ports19
- MM ConnectorFC / SMA
- SM OptionsFC / APC / Pigtail
- WavelengthCustom
Technology
What is a Photonic Lantern?
Efficient, low-loss mode conversion between multimode and single-mode optical fibres.
How It Works
A photonic lantern consists of several single-mode fibres bundled together and gradually tapered into a single multimode core. Light entering the multimode end is adiabatically distributed across the single-mode outputs, while light entering the single-mode fibres combines into the multimode port.
This bidirectional capability makes photonic lanterns valuable for both mode multiplexing (combining signals) and mode demultiplexing (separating signals).
Low Insertion Loss
Adiabatic transition ensures minimal light loss during mode conversion.
Modal Completeness
Proper design ensures all spatial modes are captured and converted.
Compact Form Factor
All-fibre construction provides a robust, alignment-free solution.
Bidirectional Operation
Can be used for both multiplexing and demultiplexing applications.
Applications
Where Photonic Lanterns Excel
Mode conversion technology enabling next-generation systems across multiple industries.
Telecommunications
Mode division multiplexing for increased fibre capacity in data centres and long-haul networks.
Astronomy
Efficient coupling of seeing-limited starlight into single-mode spectrographs and photonic processors.
Sensing
High-sensitivity distributed sensing systems with improved signal-to-noise ratios.
Free-Space Optical
Atmospheric turbulence mitigation for satellite and terrestrial laser communication links.
Photonic lanterns invented at
University of Bath
Sydney Astrophotonic
Instrumentation Laboratory
established
Sydney Photonics
Photonic Lanterns established
About Us
From the Originators of Photonic Lantern Technology
Sydney Photonics brings two decades of research expertise to commercial photonic lantern manufacturing. Our devices are designed and fabricated by the team that pioneered this transformative technology.
Spun out of the Sydney Astrophotonic Instrumentation Laboratory (SAIL), we combine academic rigour with practical engineering to deliver devices that meet the most demanding specifications.
Key Publications:
First photonic
lantern demonstration (2005)
Astrophotonic
review by Prof. Leon-Saval | arXiv preprint
Prof. Sergio Leon-Saval
Co-founder & co-inventor of the photonic lantern
Contact
Ready to Discuss Your Requirements?
Whether you need off-the-shelf devices or custom configurations, our team can help you find the right solution.
Get in Touch or Request a Quote
For pricing and lead time information, please include:
- Required configuration (PL-3, PL-7 or PL-19)
- Operating wavelength range
- Connector preferences
- Quantity required
- Any special requirements
We typically respond within 2 business days.