ISO 11807-2:2021

Overview

ISO 11807-2:2021 provides a standardized vocabulary for the classification of integrated optical elements, components and devices. The document supports consistent terminology for integrated optics used in fields such as optical communications and sensors, and clarifies how items are grouped by configuration and function.

This part of ISO 11807 focuses on classification-level terms and complements foundational definitions in ISO 11807-1 and interface parameters in ISO 14881. It harmonizes terminology with IEC sources and updates terms to reflect recent technology trends (e.g., replacing "controllable" with dynamic).

Key Topics

• Types of configuration

  • Element: basic optical function unit (e.g., a single waveguide feature).
  • Component: an optical unit that contains one or more elements.
  • Module: a unit containing one or more components implementing a defined functionality.
  • Device: a generic optical unit that includes elements, components, modules and their interfaces.

• Types of function

  • Passive: elements that guide or interfere light without external influence on refractive index; used for routing, splitting, combining and filtering guided light.
  • Dynamic: elements that modify the (complex) refractive index by external effects (electro‑optic, acousto‑optic, thermo‑optic, electro‑absorption, piezo‑optic, etc.).
  • Active: elements that rely on photo‑emission effects for generation, amplification or detection of optical signals (laser diodes, integrated amplifiers, photodetectors).

• Canonical passive elements and structures (defined and illustrated in the standard):

  • Planar waveguides and microchannel (microguide) waveguides
  • Junctions (splitters/combiners), Y‑junctions
  • Directional couplers and 3‑dB couplers
  • Star couplers (N × M), waveguide intersections
  • Tapers (funnels), polarization converters and TE/TM separators
  • Integrated isolators, mirrors, Mach–Zehnder interferometers, ring resonators

Applications

ISO 11807-2:2021 is directly useful for:

• Technical authors and standards writers who need consistent vocabulary for datasheets, test plans and specifications in integrated optics.
• Design and manufacturing teams aligning product descriptions for optical communications, on‑chip photonics and sensor modules.
• Procurement, compliance and quality assurance functions that require unambiguous classification of optical elements, components and modules.

Benefits include reduced ambiguity in requirements, easier cross‑discipline communication, and improved interoperability when referencing component classes and functions.

Related Standards

• ISO 11807-1 - Integrated optics - Vocabulary - Part 1: Fundamental terms and symbols (foundation for terms used here).
• ISO 14881 - Integrated optics - Interfaces - Parameters characterizing coupling properties.

For implementation, consult the full ISO 11807-2:2021 text and related parts for diagrams, formal definitions and the harmonized terms used across ISO and IEC resources.