Multi-core optical fiber connecting device
By converting the two-dimensional arrangement of multi-core optical fibers into a one-dimensional arrangement and performing beam expansion, the problems of high alignment difficulty and high precision in multi-core optical fiber connection are solved, and efficient and low-cost passive alignment coupling is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN FEIWEIXIN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
In existing multi-core fiber connection solutions, multi-core collaborative alignment is difficult and requires stringent alignment accuracy, which heavily relies on high-cost active alignment equipment, resulting in low production efficiency.
The two-dimensional arrangement of multi-core optical fibers is transformed into a one-dimensional arrangement by using a meta-lens group, and the alignment difficulty and accuracy requirements are reduced by beam expansion, thereby achieving high-performance coupling under passive alignment conditions.
It significantly reduces the alignment difficulty and accuracy requirements of multi-core fiber connections, reduces reliance on high-cost active alignment equipment, improves production efficiency and ease of insertion and removal operations, and enhances coupling tolerance.
Smart Images
Figure CN121978805A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of optical connection technology, and in particular to a multi-core optical fiber connection device. Background Technology
[0002] As data center bandwidth demands upgrade from 100G to 800G / 1.6T, the transmission density of single-core optical fibers is approaching its physical limit. Multi-core optical fibers (such as space-division multiplexed multi-core fibers and few-mode multi-core fibers) have become the core technology for improving transmission density due to their "single-fiber multi-channel" characteristics. Multi-core optical fiber connections need to cover two types of scenarios: 1. Multi-core to single-core: used for adapting multi-core optical fibers to traditional single-core optical modules (such as link connection between data center core switches and edge single-core optical modules). 2. Multi-core to multi-core: used for direct interconnection between multi-core optical fibers (such as the connection between long-distance multi-core trunk lines and data center multi-core aggregation links).
[0003] Currently, mainstream multi-core fiber optic connection solutions in the industry generally adopt physical contact connectors based on traditional ceramic ferrules (such as MPO fiber optic connectors). The core of this technology lies in one connector connecting to a multi-core fiber, and another connector connecting to a multi-core or single-core fiber, then using an adapter to tightly align the ferrule end faces of the two connectors to achieve low-loss optical signal transmission. However, this technology has the following bottlenecks: To achieve low insertion loss and low return loss, on the one hand, each core needs to be individually aligned when connecting the connector to the multi-core fiber, leading to an exponential increase in the difficulty of multi-core collaborative alignment; on the other hand, the adapter requires extremely stringent lateral (radial) alignment accuracy for the ferrules of the two connectors, typically at the sub-micron level. This ultra-high precision alignment requirement means that efficient, low-cost passive alignment processes cannot be used during production and assembly, and high-precision active alignment equipment must be relied upon. During active alignment, optical power needs to be monitored in real time and the fiber core position dynamically adjusted to the optimal state before fixing. This process significantly extends the assembly time of a single device, severely restricting production efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a multi-core fiber optic connection device, which aims to improve the existing optical connection schemes by addressing the difficulties in multi-core collaborative alignment and the stringent requirements for lateral (radial) alignment accuracy of the ferrules of the two connectors, which are highly dependent on active alignment equipment.
[0005] To achieve this objective, embodiments of this application provide a multi-core optical fiber connection device, which includes a first connector, a second connector, and an adapter, wherein... The first connector includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to connect to a first optical fiber. The second end integrates a first meta-lens group. The first meta-lens group is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first optical fiber from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement and perform beam expansion. The first optical fiber is a single multi-core optical fiber. The second connector includes a third end and a fourth end. The third end is configured to connect to the second optical fiber, and the fourth end is configured to have multiple optical channels. The multiple optical channels are configured to couple the multiple beams of light emitted from the first meta-lens group to the second optical fiber one by one. The second optical fiber is a structure consisting of multiple single-core optical fibers. The adapter includes a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal, wherein the fifth terminal is configured to be pluggably connected to the second terminal, and the sixth terminal is configured to be pluggably connected to the fourth terminal.
[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first meta-lens group includes a first glass substrate, a first meta-lens chip, and a second meta-lens chip. The first glass substrate is fixedly disposed at the second end, and the first meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the first glass substrate facing the first optical fiber. The first meta-lens chip is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first optical fiber from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement. The second meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the first optical fiber. The second meta-lens chip is configured to perform one-to-one beam expansion processing on the multiple outgoing beams converted to a one-dimensional arrangement.
[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first meta-lens chip includes a single first meta-lens unit, the first optical fiber includes multiple first fiber cores, the multiple first fiber cores are arranged in a two-dimensional layout, and the light-emitting ends of the multiple first fiber cores all face the first meta-lens unit. The second meta-lens chip includes multiple second meta-lens units, which are arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple second meta-lens units is the same as the number of the multiple first fiber cores.
[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first metalens unit is provided with a first nanopillar array, the first nanopillar array comprising a plurality of first nanopillars arranged in an array, the period of the first nanopillar array being 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the first nanopillars being 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the first nanopillars being 100 nm to 500 nm. The first nanopillar array is further configured to perform phase modulation of 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each of the first nanopillars to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam; and / or, The second meta-lens unit is provided with a second nanopillar array, which includes a plurality of second nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the second nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the second nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the second nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The second nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each second nanopillar to achieve beam expansion processing of the corresponding beam.
[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second optical fiber is a single multi-core optical fiber structure, and the fourth end is further integrated with a second meta-lens group. The second meta-lens group is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first meta-lens group from the one-dimensional arrangement to the two-dimensional arrangement and perform focusing processing so that they are coupled one-to-one into multiple optical channels.
[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second meta-lens group includes a second glass substrate, a third meta-lens chip, and a fourth meta-lens chip. The second glass substrate is fixedly disposed at the fourth end, and the third meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the plurality of optical channels. The third meta-lens chip is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first meta-lens group from the one-dimensional arrangement to the two-dimensional arrangement. The fourth meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate facing the plurality of optical channels, and the fourth meta-lens chip is configured to perform one-to-one focusing processing on the multiple outgoing beams converted to the two-dimensional arrangement.
[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second optical fiber includes multiple second fiber cores, the multiple optical channels are arranged in a two-dimensional layout, and the multiple optical channels correspond one-to-one with the light-inlet end of the multiple second fiber cores; The third meta-lens chip includes multiple third meta-lens units, which are arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple third meta-lens units is the same as the number of the multiple second fiber cores. The fourth meta-lens chip includes a single fourth meta-lens unit, which is arranged opposite to the plurality of optical channels.
[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the third metalens unit is provided with a third nanopillar array, the third nanopillar array comprising a plurality of third nanopillars arranged in an array, the period of the third nanopillar array being 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the third nanopillars being 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the third nanopillars being 100 nm to 500 nm. The third nanopillar array is further configured to perform phase modulation of 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each of the third nanopillars to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam; and / or, The fourth meta-lens unit is provided with a fourth nanopillar array, which includes multiple fourth nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the fourth nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the fourth nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the fourth nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The fourth nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each fourth nanopillar to achieve focusing of the corresponding beam.
[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, when the second end is pluggable to the fifth end and the fourth end is pluggable to the sixth end, the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group are arranged at a relative interval.
[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, when the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group are arranged at a relative interval, the distance between the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group is less than or equal to 5 mm.
[0015] The multi-core fiber optic connection device provided in this application, through the aforementioned structural configuration, achieves two-dimensional to one-dimensional beam rearrangement via a first metalens group. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional close-coordinated alignment required for multi-core fiber optic connections into multiple independent one-dimensional alignments, effectively reducing the alignment difficulty during multi-core fiber optic connection. Furthermore, the first metalens group also enables beam expansion transmission after beam rearrangement, increasing the alignment tolerance of each optical channel. This significantly reduces the overall alignment accuracy requirements, significantly weakening the impact of lateral offset and axial gap on coupling efficiency when the first connector and second connector are mated. This results in a substantial expansion of coupling tolerance at the optical principle level. This characteristic directly reduces the stringent mechanical precision requirements for the two connectors during insertion and removal, not only alleviating the difficulty of insertion and removal operations but also freeing the assembly process from reliance on high-cost active alignment equipment, achieving high-performance coupling under passive alignment conditions. In addition, this multi-core fiber optic connection device can utilize the large field-of-view receiving characteristics (field of view ±10°) of the first metalens group to reduce the difficulty of multi-core coordinated alignment when connecting the first connector to the multi-core fiber (i.e., the first fiber). It is evident that the technical solution of this application can effectively improve the existing optical connection solutions, which have high difficulty in multi-core collaborative alignment and stringent requirements for the lateral (radial) alignment accuracy of the ferrules of the two connectors, and are highly dependent on active alignment equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this application. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-core optical fiber connection device according to an embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of connecting multi-core optical fibers to each other using a multi-core optical fiber connection device.
[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of connecting multi-core optical fibers to single-core optical fibers using a multi-core optical fiber connection device.
[0021] Illustrations: 10. Multi-core fiber optic connection device; 11. First connector; 111. First end; 112. Second end; 113. First metalens group; 1131. First glass substrate; 1132. First metalens chip; 1133. Second metalens chip; 114. First limiting and guiding structure; 115. First metal housing; 12. Second connector; 121. Third end; 122. Fourth end; 123. Second metalens group; 1231. Second glass substrate; 1232. Third metalens chip; 1233. Fourth metalens chip; 125. Second metal housing; 13. Adapter; 131. Fifth end; 132. Sixth end; 20. First optical fiber; 21. First fiber core; 30. Second optical fiber; 31. Second fiber core. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the inventive objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component centrally located at the same time.
[0024] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0025] Please see Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, this application provides a multi-core optical fiber connection device 10, which includes a first connector 11, a second connector 12, and an adapter 13. The first connector 11 includes a first end 111 and a second end 112. The first end 111 is configured to connect to a first optical fiber 20, and the second end 112 integrates a first meta-lens group 113. The first meta-lens group 113 is configured to convert the multiple beams of light emitted from the first optical fiber 20 from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement and perform beam expansion processing. The first optical fiber 20 has a single multi-core optical fiber structure. The second connector 12 includes a third end 121 and a fourth end 122. The third end 121 is configured to connect to a second optical fiber 30, and the fourth end 122 has multiple optical channels (not shown). These multiple optical channels are configured to couple the multiple beams of light emitted from the first meta-lens group 113 one-to-one to the second optical fiber 30. The second optical fiber 30 has a multiple single-core optical fiber structure. The adapter 13 includes a fifth terminal 131 and a sixth terminal 132. The fifth terminal 131 is configured to be pluggably connected to the second terminal 112, and the sixth terminal 132 is configured to be pluggably connected to the fourth terminal 122.
[0026] It should be noted that the multi-core fiber optic connection device 10 in this application embodiment is mainly used for the docking connection of multi-core fibers, that is, to realize the pluggable connection between multi-core fibers and multiple single-core fibers. The first metalens group 113 mentioned above is mainly a silicon-based Metalens group, which realizes precise shaping of the light field (including but not limited to deflection, collimation, beam expansion, and focusing of the corresponding beam) through a single nanopillar array or multiple nanopillar arrays. Its principle is to use the concept of phase discontinuity. When light shines on the nanopillar, a sudden phase difference is generated. By controlling the size and arrangement of each nanopillar, wavefront shaping is achieved to realize the deflection, collimation, beam expansion, and focusing of the beam. For example, by deflecting the multiple outgoing beams of the first fiber 20 one by one, it is converted from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement, or the multiple outgoing beams converted to a one-dimensional arrangement are expanded one by one, making it easier to match with the multiple optical channels of the second connector 12.
[0027] In addition, the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 mentioned above can be MPO fiber optic connectors or LC fiber optic connectors, so that they can respectively realize the matching design of the meta-lens group (i.e., the first meta-lens group 113 or the second meta-lens group 123) with the MPO ferrule or the LC ferrule to adapt to different packaging requirements.
[0028] In this way, the multi-core fiber optic connection device 10 of this application embodiment, through the above-described structural configuration, achieves two-dimensional to one-dimensional beam rearrangement through the first meta-lens group 113, transforming the traditional two-dimensional close collaborative alignment required for multi-core fiber optics into multiple one-dimensional independent alignments, thereby effectively reducing the alignment difficulty during multi-core fiber optic connection. Furthermore, the first meta-lens group 113 also achieves beam expansion transmission after beam rearrangement, increasing the alignment tolerance of each optical channel. This significantly reduces the overall alignment accuracy requirements, significantly weakening the impact of lateral offset and axial gap on coupling efficiency when the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated. This achieves a substantial expansion of coupling tolerance at the optical principle level. This characteristic directly reduces the stringent mechanical precision requirements for the two connectors during mating, not only alleviating the difficulty of mating operations but also enabling the assembly process to break free from dependence on high-cost active alignment equipment, achieving high-performance coupling under passive alignment conditions. In addition, this multi-core fiber optic connection device can also utilize the large field-of-view receiving characteristics (field of view ±10°) of the first meta-lens group 113 to reduce the difficulty of multi-core collaborative alignment when the first connector is connected to the multi-core fiber (i.e., the first fiber 20).
[0029] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first meta-lens group 113 includes a first glass substrate 1131, a first meta-lens chip 1132, and a second meta-lens chip 1133. The first glass substrate 1131 is fixedly disposed at the second end 112, and the first meta-lens chip 1132 is disposed on the surface of the first glass substrate 1131 facing the first optical fiber 20. The first meta-lens chip 1132 is configured to convert the multiple beams of light emitted from the first optical fiber 20 from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement. The second meta-lens chip 1133 is disposed on the surface of the first glass substrate 1131 facing away from the first optical fiber 20. The second meta-lens chip 1133 is configured to perform one-to-one beam amplification processing on the multiple beams of light emitted from the converted one-dimensional arrangement. Thus, through the above structural configuration, the coupling connection between the first optical fiber 20 and the first meta-lens group 113 can be well realized, while the first meta-lens group 113 can effectively convert the multiple beams of light emitted from the first optical fiber 20 from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement and perform beam amplification processing. Furthermore, the first metalens chip 1132 includes a single first metalens unit, and the first optical fiber 20 includes multiple first fiber cores 21 arranged in a two-dimensional layout, with the light-emitting ends of all the first fiber cores 21 facing the first metalens unit. The second metalens chip 1133 includes multiple second metalens units arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple second metalens units is the same as the number of the multiple first fiber cores. Thus, through the above structural arrangement, the emitted light from each first fiber core 21, after being converted from a two-dimensional to a one-dimensional arrangement by the first metalens unit, can all be expanded by the corresponding second metalens unit.
[0030] It should be noted that both the first metalens chip 1132 and the second metalens chip 1133 in this example can be fabricated using a 12-inch silicon-based wafer nanoimprint lithography process. This means the metalens chips are mass-produced using nanoimprint lithography, a technology whose equipment investment is only 40% of that of an EUV lithography machine and whose power consumption is as low as 10%. By using the above-mentioned fabrication process to produce the first metalens group 113, 1000 sets of metalens chips can be fabricated on a single wafer. Combined with the injection-molded mechanical structure, this significantly reduces the cost per set and improves the production yield. Furthermore, in this example, the light-emitting ends of all the first optical fibers 20 can be connected to the surface of the first metalens chip 1132 using low-temperature adhesive bonding. This avoids the impact of high-temperature processes on the performance of the metalens chips. The adhesive layer thickness is specifically controlled at 5±1μm, and the wavefront compensation characteristics of the metalens group can be utilized to offset deviations caused by adhesive curing and thermal expansion, significantly improving the mass production yield of multi-core interconnects. In addition, the aforementioned low-temperature adhesives are a type of special adhesives that can cure (change from liquid to solid) and form a strong bond at relatively low temperatures (usually at room temperature or below 150°C).
[0031] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first metalens unit is provided with a first nanopillar array, which includes multiple first nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the first nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the first nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the first nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The first nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each first nanopillar to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam. Thus, with the above structural configuration, the first metalens unit can well meet the requirement of converting the multiple outgoing beams of the first optical fiber 20 from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement.
[0032] It should be noted that the period of the first nanopillar array in this example, ranging from 300 nm to 700 nm, specifically refers to a fixed distance of 300 nm to 700 nm between the center of any one nanopillar and the center of its adjacent nanopillar. Furthermore, when designing the relevant parameters of the first nanopillar array in this example, the rationality of its nanostructure parameters can be verified through FDTD simulation (Lumerical FDTD Solutions software) and experimental testing.
[0033] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second metalens unit is provided with a second nanopillar array, which includes multiple second nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the second nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the second nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the second nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The second nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each second nanopillar, thereby achieving beam expansion processing for the corresponding beams. In this way, with the above structural configuration, each second metalens unit can well meet the requirement of performing one-to-one beam expansion processing on multiple outgoing beams converted into a one-dimensional arrangement.
[0034] It should be noted that the period of the second nanopillar array in this example, ranging from 300 nm to 700 nm, specifically refers to a fixed distance of 300 nm to 700 nm between the center of any one of the second nanopillars and the center of its adjacent second nanopillar. Furthermore, when designing the relevant parameters of the second nanopillar array in this example, the rationality of its nanostructure parameters can also be verified through FDTD simulation (Lumerical FDTD Solutions software) and experimental testing. Additionally, the functional difference between the second metalens unit in this example and the first metalens unit in the previous example stems from their different phase distribution patterns. Specifically, the second phase distribution pattern formed by the second metalens unit through adjusting the diameter of each second nanopillar is different from the first phase distribution pattern formed by the first metalens unit through adjusting the diameter of each first nanopillar. This allows the first metalens unit to achieve beam deflection through the first phase distribution pattern formed by the first nanopillars, while the second metalens unit can achieve beam expansion through the second phase distribution pattern formed by the second nanopillars.
[0035] In some examples, the multi-core fiber optic connection device 10 of this application embodiment can not only realize pluggable connections between multi-core fibers and multiple single-core fibers, but also realize pluggable connections between multi-core fibers. In this case, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second optical fiber 30 is a single multi-core optical fiber. The fourth end 122 also integrates a second meta-lens group 123. The second meta-lens group 123 is configured to convert the multiple beams emitted from the first meta-lens group 113 from a one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement, and then focus them so that they are coupled one-to-one into multiple optical channels. Thus, through the above structural configuration, the second meta-lens group 123 achieves one-dimensional to two-dimensional beam rearrangement and focusing, enabling it to work effectively with the first meta-lens group 113 to achieve a seamless connection between the two multi-core optical fibers (i.e., the first optical fiber 20 and the second optical fiber 30). Furthermore, this multi-core optical fiber connection device can utilize the large field-of-view receiving characteristics (field of view ±10°) of the second meta-lens group 123 to reduce the difficulty of multi-core alignment when connecting the second connector to the multi-core optical fiber (i.e., the second optical fiber 30).
[0036] In some examples, the second metalens group 123 includes a second glass substrate 1231, a third metalens chip 1232, and a fourth metalens chip 1233. The second glass substrate 1231 is fixedly disposed at the fourth end 122, and the third metalens chip 1232 is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate 1231 facing away from the multiple optical channels. The third metalens chip 1232 is configured to convert the multiple beams of light emitted from the first metalens group 113 from a one-dimensional arrangement back into a two-dimensional arrangement. The fourth metalens chip 1233 is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate 1231 facing the multiple optical channels, and the fourth metalens chip 1233 is configured to perform one-to-one focusing processing on the multiple beams of light emitted from the converted two-dimensional arrangement. Thus, through the above structural configuration, the coupling connection between the second optical fiber 30 and the second metalens group 123 can be well realized, while the second metalens group 123 can effectively convert the multiple beams of light emitted from the first metalens group 113 from a one-dimensional arrangement back into a two-dimensional arrangement and perform focusing processing. Furthermore, the second optical fiber 30 includes multiple second fiber cores 31, and the multiple optical channels are arranged in a two-dimensional layout, with each optical channel corresponding to an input end of one of the multiple second fiber cores 31. The third metalens chip 1232 includes multiple third metalens units, which are arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple third metalens units is the same as the number of the multiple second fiber cores. The fourth metalens chip 1233 includes a single fourth metalens unit, which is positioned directly opposite the multiple optical channels. Thus, through the above structural arrangement, the multiple outgoing beams from the first metalens group 113 can be re-converted from a one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement after passing through the corresponding third metalens units, and then focused by the fourth metalens unit to couple to the corresponding second fiber core 31.
[0037] It should be noted that the third metalens chip 1232 and the fourth metalens chip 1233 in this example can also be fabricated using a 12-inch silicon-based wafer nanoimprint lithography process. This means the metalens chips are mass-produced using nanoimprint lithography, a technology whose equipment investment is only 40% of that of an EUV lithography machine and whose power consumption is as low as 10%. By fabricating this second metalens group 123 using the above process, 1000 sets of metalens chips can be fabricated on a single wafer. Combined with the injection-molded mechanical structure, this significantly reduces the cost per set and improves the production yield. Furthermore, in this example, the light-incident ends of all the second optical fibers 30 can be connected to one side of the fourth metalens chip 1233 using low-temperature adhesive bonding. This avoids the impact of high-temperature processes on the performance of the metalens chips. The adhesive layer thickness is specifically controlled at 5±1μm, and the wavefront compensation characteristics of the metalens group can be utilized to offset deviations caused by adhesive curing and thermal expansion, significantly improving the mass production yield of multi-core interconnects. In addition, the aforementioned low-temperature adhesives are a type of special adhesives that can cure (change from liquid to solid) and form a strong bond at relatively low temperatures (usually at room temperature or below 150°C).
[0038] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the third metalens unit is provided with a third nanopillar array, which includes multiple third nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the third nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the third nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the third nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The third nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each third nanopillar to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam. In this way, through the above structural configuration, each third metalens unit can well meet the requirement of converting the multiple outgoing beams of the first metalens group 113 from a one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement.
[0039] It should be noted that the period of the third nanopillar array in this example, ranging from 300 nm to 700 nm, specifically refers to a fixed distance of 300 nm to 700 nm between the center of any one of the third nanopillars and the center of its adjacent third nanopillar. Furthermore, when designing the relevant parameters of the third nanopillar array in this example, the rationality of its nanostructure parameters can be verified through FDTD simulation (Lumerical FDTD Solutions software) and experimental testing.
[0040] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the fourth metalens unit is equipped with a fourth nanopillar array, which comprises multiple fourth nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the fourth nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the fourth nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the fourth nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The fourth nanopillar array is also configured to achieve phase modulation of 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each fourth nanopillar, thereby achieving focusing of the corresponding beam. Thus, with the above structural configuration, the fourth metalens unit can effectively meet the requirement of focusing multiple outgoing beams, which have been reconstituted into a two-dimensional arrangement, one-to-one.
[0041] It should be noted that the period of the fourth nanopillar array in this example, ranging from 300 nm to 700 nm, specifically refers to a fixed distance of 300 nm to 700 nm between the center of any one of the fourth nanopillars and the center of its adjacent fourth nanopillar. Furthermore, when designing the relevant parameters of the fourth nanopillar array in this example, the rationality of its nanostructure parameters can be verified through FDTD simulation (Lumerical FDTD Solutions software) and experimental testing. Also, the functional difference between the fourth metalens unit in this example and the third metalens unit in the previous example stems from their different phase distribution patterns. Specifically, the fourth phase distribution pattern formed by the fourth metalens unit through adjusting the diameter of each fourth nanopillar is different from the third phase distribution pattern formed by the third metalens unit through adjusting the diameter of each third nanopillar. This allows the third metalens unit to achieve beam deflection through the first phase distribution pattern formed by the third nanopillars, while the fourth metalens unit achieves beam focusing through the fourth phase distribution pattern formed by the fourth nanopillars.
[0042] In some examples, such as Figure 1As shown, when the second end 112 is pluggable to the fifth end 131 and the fourth end 122 is pluggable to the sixth end 132, the first meta-lens group 113 and the second meta-lens group 123 are arranged with relative spacing. Thus, through the above structural arrangement, a non-contact optical path transmission architecture can be formed between the first connector 11, the adapter 13, and the second connector 12. Specifically, the multiple beams output from the first optical fiber 20 first enter the first meta-lens group 113. After beam deflection and beam expansion by the first meta-lens group 113, multiple beams are obtained in a one-dimensional arrangement. These beams are then transmitted to the second meta-lens group 123 through the air gap formed by the relative spacing between the first meta-lens group 113 and the second meta-lens group 123. The second meta-lens group 123 then performs beam deflection and focusing again, focusing and coupling the beams to the second optical fiber 30. This non-contact design completely eliminates the risk of wear caused by end-face contact. When combined with the stainless steel wear-resistant mechanical structure design of the mating end housings of the first connector 11, adapter 13, and second connector 12, it ensures that the insertion loss change is still less than 0.05dB after 1000 mating cycles, thereby increasing its mating life from 500-1000 cycles to over 5000 cycles. In addition, the air gap formed by the relative spacing between the first meta-lens group 113 and the second meta-lens group 123 reduces the impact of contamination on the optical path.
[0043] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the first metalens group 113 and the second metalens group 123 are arranged at a relative interval, the distance between the first metalens group 113 and the second metalens group 123 is less than or equal to 5 mm. Thus, by controlling the distance between the first metalens group 113 and the second metalens group 123 to be less than or equal to 5 mm, the transmission distance of the collimated beam in the air gap in the above example is less than or equal to 5 mm. This ensures that while achieving the above-mentioned non-contact end-face design, the transmission of multiple beams in the air gap in the above example does not suffer unnecessary loss due to the transmission distance.
[0044] In some examples, such as Figure 1As shown, the periphery of the first glass substrate 1131 is fixed to the second end 112 by a vulcanization seal, and a first O-ring (not shown) is also provided on the periphery of the second end 112. The first O-ring is used to seal the connection between the second end 112 and the fifth end 131. Thus, with the above structural arrangement, a double sealing structure of vulcanization seal + O-ring is formed between the first connector 11 and the adapter 13. Similarly, the periphery of the second glass substrate 1231 is fixed to the fourth end 122 by a vulcanization seal, and a second O-ring (not shown) is also provided on the periphery of the fourth end 122. The second O-ring is used to seal the connection between the fourth end 122 and the sixth end 132. Thus, with the above structural arrangement, a double sealing structure of vulcanization seal + O-ring is formed between the second connector 12 and the adapter 13.
[0045] It should be noted that the first and second O-rings in this example are preferably made of fluororubber, with a compression rate controlled at 20%, which can effectively achieve primary sealing between the first connector 11 and the adapter 13, and between the second connector 12 and the adapter 13. In this example, the first connector 11 is also provided with a first metal housing 115 on its periphery, and the second connector 12 is also provided with a second metal housing 125 on its periphery. The first metal housing 115 and the second metal housing 125 are further preferably made of 304 stainless steel and passivated, giving them a salt spray resistance time ≥500h, making them adaptable to harsh environments such as sand, dust, humidity, and salt spray. Thus, the stainless steel housing forms the first line of protection against mechanical impact and corrosion. Combined with the dual design of the O-rings and vulcanized seals in this example, the leakage rate of the corresponding structure can be ≤1×10⁻⁶. -9 Pa m³ / s, meeting IP68 protection rating (compliant with IEC60529 standard).
[0046] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first limiting guide structure 114 is also provided between the second end 112 and the fifth end 131. The first limiting guide structure 114 is configured to restrict the direction of the pluggable connection between the second end 112 and the fifth end 131. Thus, through the above structural configuration, blind insertion prevention between the second end 112 and the fifth end 131 can be achieved, avoiding reverse polarity connection. Similarly, a second limiting guide structure is also provided between the fourth end 122 and the sixth end 132. The second limiting guide structure is configured to restrict the direction of the pluggable connection between the fourth end 122 and the sixth end 132. Thus, through the above structural configuration, blind insertion prevention between the fourth end 122 and the sixth end 132 can be achieved, avoiding reverse polarity connection.
[0047] It should be noted that in this example, the first limiting guide structure 114 and the second limiting guide structure can specifically adopt a two-key guide structure. Specifically, each two-key guide structure can include a main key adapter module and a sub-key adapter module. The main key adapter module includes a main key and a main key slot that are mutually adapted (one is set in the adapter 13, and the other is set in the first connector 11 or the second connector 12). The sub-key adapter module includes a sub-key and a sub-key slot that are mutually adapted (one is set in the adapter 13, and the other is set in the first connector 11 or the second connector 12). The main key adapter module and the sub-key adapter module can achieve blind mating error prevention and avoid reverse polarity connection by staggering their relative positions or by different size settings.
[0048] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A multi-core optical fiber connection device, characterized in that, The multi-core fiber optic connection device includes a first connector, a second connector, and an adapter, wherein, The first connector includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to connect to a first optical fiber. The second end integrates a first meta-lens group. The first meta-lens group is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first optical fiber from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement and perform beam expansion. The first optical fiber is a single multi-core optical fiber. The second connector includes a third end and a fourth end. The third end is configured to connect to the second optical fiber, and the fourth end is configured to have multiple optical channels. The multiple optical channels are configured to couple the multiple beams of light emitted from the first meta-lens group to the second optical fiber one by one. The second optical fiber is a structure consisting of multiple single-core optical fibers. The adapter includes a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal, wherein the fifth terminal is configured to be pluggably connected to the second terminal, and the sixth terminal is configured to be pluggably connected to the fourth terminal.
2. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first meta-lens group includes a first glass substrate, a first meta-lens chip, and a second meta-lens chip. The first glass substrate is fixedly disposed at the second end, and the first meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the first glass substrate facing the first optical fiber. The first meta-lens chip is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first optical fiber from a two-dimensional arrangement to a one-dimensional arrangement. The second meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the first optical fiber. The second meta-lens chip is configured to perform one-to-one beam expansion processing on the multiple outgoing beams converted to a one-dimensional arrangement.
3. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first meta-lens chip includes a single first meta-lens unit, and the first optical fiber includes multiple first fiber cores, which are arranged in a two-dimensional layout, and the light-emitting ends of the multiple first fiber cores all face the first meta-lens unit. The second meta-lens chip includes multiple second meta-lens units, which are arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple second meta-lens units is the same as the number of the multiple first fiber cores.
4. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first metalens unit is provided with a first nanopillar array, which includes a plurality of first nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the first nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the first nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the first nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The first nanopillar array is further configured to perform phase modulation of 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each first nanopillar to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam; and / or, The second meta-lens unit is provided with a second nanopillar array, which includes a plurality of second nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the second nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the second nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the second nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The second nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each second nanopillar to achieve beam expansion processing of the corresponding beam.
5. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second optical fiber is a single multi-core optical fiber structure. The fourth end also integrates a second meta-lens group. The second meta-lens group is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first meta-lens group from the one-dimensional arrangement to the two-dimensional arrangement and perform focusing processing so that they are coupled one-to-one into multiple optical channels.
6. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second meta-lens group includes a second glass substrate, a third meta-lens chip, and a fourth meta-lens chip. The second glass substrate is fixedly disposed at the fourth end, and the third meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the plurality of optical channels. The third meta-lens chip is configured to convert the multiple outgoing beams of the first meta-lens group from the one-dimensional arrangement to the two-dimensional arrangement. The fourth meta-lens chip is disposed on the side surface of the second glass substrate facing the plurality of optical channels. The fourth meta-lens chip is configured to perform one-to-one focusing processing on the multiple outgoing beams converted to the two-dimensional arrangement.
7. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second optical fiber includes multiple second fiber cores, and the multiple optical channels are arranged in a two-dimensional layout, with each of the multiple optical channels corresponding to the light-inlet end of the multiple second fiber cores. The third meta-lens chip includes multiple third meta-lens units, which are arranged in a one-dimensional layout, and the number of the multiple third meta-lens units is the same as the number of the multiple second fiber cores. The fourth meta-lens chip includes a single fourth meta-lens unit, which is arranged opposite to the plurality of optical channels.
8. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third metalens unit is provided with a third nanopillar array, which includes multiple third nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the third nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the third nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the third nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The third nanopillar array is further configured to perform phase modulation of 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each third nanopillar to achieve deflection processing of the corresponding beam; and / or, The fourth meta-lens unit is provided with a fourth nanopillar array, which includes multiple fourth nanopillars arranged in an array. The period of the fourth nanopillar array is 300 nm to 700 nm, the height of the fourth nanopillars is 300 nm to 790 nm, and the diameter of the fourth nanopillars is 100 nm to 500 nm. The fourth nanopillar array is also configured to perform phase modulation from 0 to 2π by varying the diameter of each fourth nanopillar to achieve focusing of the corresponding beam.
9. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, When the second end is pluggable to the fifth end and the fourth end is pluggable to the sixth end, the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group are arranged at a relative interval.
10. The multi-core optical fiber connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group are arranged at a relative interval, the distance between the first meta-lens group and the second meta-lens group is less than or equal to 5 mm.