Sercalo Microtechnology Ltd.
Leading the Charge in Optical MEMS Innovation and Reliability

Cornel Marxer, CEO

A defining quality of Sercalo’s success is the reliability of its MEMS components and supply chain.

“Reliability is not merely a selling point but an ongoing commitment that has cultivated long-term loyalty from many of our clients—some of whom have been partnering with Sercalo for nearly 20 years,” says CEO Cornel Marxer.

Precision through Innovation

Sercalo’s dedication to reliable supply and product quality sets it apart in a market where consistency is critical. Its optical MEMS switches stand out, especially models with up to 1x64 port configurations. The secret to their exceptional performance lies in Sercalo’s unique assembly process—laser welding—which enhances long-term stability, reduces thermal and wavelength dependency, and ensures durability over time. These features are crucial in applications where optical switches face varying environmental conditions, such as telecom networks or test systems handling multiple fibers.

While optical MEMS components for fiber optics remain Sercalo’s core focus, the company has expanded its expertise to meet custom design needs across diverse sectors, including watchmaking and optical scanning.

Sercalo’s focus on reliability is rooted in stringent process controls and quality assurance measures. Optical MEMS are not mass-produced like consumer electronics; they are custom-built in small batches, which presents challenges in maintaining consistent performance.

To address this, Sercalo employs a two-pronged approach: comprehensive process monitoring and 100% product-based testing. By automating many assembly steps, the company has minimized the influence of human error, though the precise nature of fiber optic components still requires significant manual labor. This balance between automation and craftsmanship ensures every product meets the highest quality standards.

The Evolution of Optical MEMS

The optical MEMS market is a niche that has evolved over time, and Sercalo has kept pace by adapting its products to fit emerging trends while maintaining a stronghold in its core markets. Optical MEMS components are integral to fiber optic systems, particularly in telecommunications, enabling efficient and flexible measurement equipment. However, expanding beyond fiber optics has proven challenging, as seen in the unsuccessful adoption of MEMS mirrors in pico-projector displays, which were eventually replaced by liquid crystal technology.

Yet, Sercalo is optimistic about the future of MEMS in applications like LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Although MEMS scanners are no longer a focus for autonomous vehicles, a promising new frontier lies in optical communication links between satellites, where the small size and low power consumption of MEMS components provide distinct advantages.

The Expertise behind Sercalo’s Innovation

Sercalo’s innovation and quality are driven by its highly skilled R&D team, whose expertise spans every step of the production process—from MEMS chip design and wafer processing to final assembly. The company’s roots in Neuchâtel grant access to local knowledge in microtechnology and precision mechanics, particularly watchmaking. This unique combination of micro-electronics and the precision that defines Swiss watchmaking gives Sercalo a competitive edge in optical MEMS development, allowing it to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field.

Sercalo’s journey over the past 25 years has been one of resilience and adaptability. The company has managed to maintain its fiber optic manufacturing operations in Switzerland despite fierce competition from emerging low-cost markets and the pressures of global economic downturns. Sercalo survived the tech bubble collapse in 2001, which struck just as the company was getting off the ground, and the financial crisis of 2008, which severely impacted the markets it served.

Through it all, the company’s commitment to quality and innovation has enabled it to thrive where others have faltered. Today, it remains a leader in the optical MEMS space, continually pushing the boundaries of what MEMS technology can achieve and proving that with the right blend of reliability, precision, and innovation, it can stand the test of time.