NOVA™ Automated Optical Polishing System For Connectors, Bare Fibers, And PIC/Waveguides

The NOVA™ Automated & Multi-Configurable Polishing System is KrellTech’s most versatile solution for precision optical surface processing, integrating the advanced performance of the industry-proven Scepter, Trig, and FLex polishers into one cost-effective system. Engineered to meet the rigors of both laboratory R&D and high-volume production, NOVA™ supports an extensive range of applications including industry-standard connectors, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), planar lightwave circuits, and fiber arrays. Its configurable architecture allows for quick change-outs of workholder fixtures, enabling users to process components with widths up to 50mm and lengths exceeding 5mm with an adjustable polishing angle range. 

Precision and repeatability are at the core of the NOVA™ platform. The system features KrellTech’s patented independent suspension at each connector position, ensuring controlled pressure and uniform contact across up to twelve components simultaneously. This is further enhanced by the advanced Microfeed™ advancement system, which enables automated epoxy removal and "air polishing" to be performed directly in the machine with micron-level positioning control. Each position is optically aligned using a patented process to guarantee optimal polish geometry, typically achieving apex offsets of less than 15 microns.

Operational efficiency is maximized through an intuitive wireless Android™ tablet interface that allows for the easy creation and editing of polishing programs. Operators can precisely set parameters such as cycle time, pressure, and speed for any component type. A unique manual mode facilitates real-time adjustment of polishing parameters during operation, streamlining process development efforts. For specialized fiber applications, NOVA™ supports a wide array of types from Large Diameter (LD) to sapphire and hollow core/PCF and can process diameters ranging from 80µm to over 3mm into complex wedge and chisel shapes. Optional integrated video inspection systems allow for real-time monitoring and surface verification without removing the component from the system.