Which splitter method is more precise for 1x16 configurations?

• A. fused bionic taper (Typically only up to 1x8)
• B. Planar (more precise for 1x16)
• C. Planar (more precise for 1x8)
• D. fused bionic taper (Typically up to 1x16)

Answer: (B)

Uniformity across outputs is the key factor when splitting light into many channels. Planar splitters (PLC) are built on a single substrate using lithography to create 16 branches with tight control over each path. This yields very uniform power distribution from channel to channel and low variation in performance across the outputs, which is exactly what you want for a 1x16 configuration.

Fused biconic taper splitters achieve splits by melting and fusing fibers, and while they can cover various counts, keeping the same exact split ratio across 16 outputs becomes increasingly difficult. The manufacturing tolerances translate into greater variation between channels as the number of outputs grows, so their precision is typically lower for 1x16 than planar splitters.

So, for a precise 1x16 split, planar splitters are the better choice.