Optical device

Abstract

An optical device includes a substrate material and an optical fiber opening extending from a first side of the substrate material to a second side of the substrate material, where the optical fiber opening at the first side of the substrate material is horizontally or vertically offset from the second side of the substrate material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an optical device, in particular to an improved optical device. Background Art

[0002] Electrical signaling and processing is a technology used for signal transmission and processing. In recent years, optical signaling and processing has been used in more and more applications, especially due to the use of optical fiber related applications for signal transmission.

[0003] Optical signal transmission and processing are often combined with electrical signal transmission and processing to provide comprehensive applications. For example, optical fibers can be used for long-distance signal transmission, while electrical signals can be used for short-distance signal transmission and processing and control. Therefore, devices that integrate long-distance optical components and short-distance electronic components are formed for conversion between optical signals and electrical signals and processing of optical signals and electrical signals. Improvements in each of these long-distance optical components and short-distance electronic components are needed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an optical device to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an optical device is provided, comprising a substrate material and a plurality of optical fiber openings, wherein the optical fiber openings extend from a first side of the substrate material to a second side of the substrate material, wherein the optical fiber openings on the first side of the substrate material are horizontally or vertically offset from the second side of the substrate material.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it further includes a plurality of optical fibers extending through the corresponding plurality of optical fiber openings.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ferrule is further included, attached to the plurality of optical fibers.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fiber array unit is further included, wherein the fiber array unit is attached to the plurality of optical fibers on a side of the substrate material opposite to the ferrule.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fiber openings are arranged in a single row at the second side of the substrate material.

[0010] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, an optical device is provided. The optical device includes a plurality of optical fibers and a fiber bundle. The plurality of optical fibers extend between a ferrule and a fiber array unit. The fiber bundle surrounds the plurality of optical fibers between the ferrule and the fiber array unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiber bundle includes a first portion, a second portion separable from the first portion, and a third portion separable from the first portion and the second portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiber bundle further includes: a first distribution area; and a second distribution area.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the plurality of optical fibers extend through the fiber bundle, the plurality of optical fibers have a horizontal offset, a vertical offset, or a horizontal offset and a vertical offset.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiber bundle includes: a first vertical offset region; a second vertical offset region; a first horizontal offset region; and a plurality of buffer regions, separating the first vertical offset region, the second vertical offset region and the first horizontal offset region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure is best understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced to provide clarity of illustration.

[0016] Figures 1A to 1C A fiber bundle is shown according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B An optical fiber and a ferrule are shown according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 3 Shown is the placement of a fiber bundle on an optical fiber according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. 4 shows the placement of a fiber array element on an optical fiber according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A fiber bundle is shown having a dispensing region, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Fiber bundles with multi-dimensional shifts are shown according to some embodiments.

[0022] 7A to 8B Several partial fiber bundles are shown according to some embodiments.

[0023] 9A to 9H Shown is a single unit fiber bundle having multiple dimensional offsets according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E The use of a fiber bundle having ribbon fibers is shown according to some embodiments.

[0025] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0026] 100:Fiber bundle

[0027] 101:Substrate

[0028] 103: Opening

[0029] 105: First row

[0030] 107: Second row

[0031] 109: First side

[0032] 111: Second side

[0033] 113: Fake opening

[0034] 201: Fiber Optics

[0035] 203:Ring

[0036] 205: Guide hole

[0037] 207:Dummy Fiber

[0038] 301: First Area

[0039] 303: Second Area

[0040] 305: The Third Area

[0041] 401: fiber array unit 403: fiber array substrate 405: first cover

[0042] 407: Second cover

[0043] 501: first allocation area 503: second allocation area 701: first part

[0044] 703: Part 2

[0045] 705: Part 3

[0046] 707: first hinge part 709: first part

[0047] 711: First groove

[0048] 713: First connection part

[0049] 715: Second connection part

[0050] 717: first cover part

[0051] 719: Second groove

[0052] 721: Third connection part

[0053] 723: Second cover part

[0054] 725: The third groove

[0055] 727: Second hinge part

[0056] 729: Fourth connection part

[0057] 901: first vertical offset area

[0058] 903: Second vertical offset area

[0059] 905: first horizontal offset area

[0060] 907: First buffer

[0061] 909: Second buffer

[0062] 911: Extended Area

[0063] 1001: Ribbon Fiber

[0064] 1003: First ribbon

[0065] 1005: Second ribbon

[0066] 1007: Strip coating

[0067] 1009: Carrier unit

[0068] B-B', C-C', D-D', E-E', F-F', G-G', H-H': Line

[0069] D 1 :First diameter

[0070] D 2 : Second diameter

[0071] H 1 :First height

[0072] H 2 : Second Height

[0073] H 3 :The third height

[0074] H 4 :The fourth height

[0075] H F :Ring height

[0076] L 1 :First length

[0077] L 2 : Second length

[0078] L 3 : Third length

[0079] L 4 :Fourth Length

[0080] L 5 :Fifth Length

[0081] L 6 :Sixth Length

[0082] L F :Ring length

[0083] P 1 :First spacing

[0084] P 2 : Second spacing

[0085] P 3 : Third spacing

[0086] W 1 :First Width

[0087] W 2 : Second Width

[0088] W F :Ring width DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] The following disclosure provides many embodiments or examples for implementing the different features of the embodiments of the utility model. The specific examples of each element and its configuration are described below to simplify the description of the embodiments of the utility model. Of course, these are just examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the utility model. For example, if the description mentions that the first element is formed on the second element, it may include an embodiment in which the first and second elements are in direct contact, and it may also include an embodiment in which additional elements are formed between the first and second elements so that they are not in direct contact. In addition, the embodiments of the utility model may repeat component symbols and / or text in various examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, rather than for indicating the relationship between the different embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0090] Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used to facilitate description of the relationship between one component or parts and another component or parts in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are used to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, as well as the orientations depicted in the drawings. When the device is turned to a different orientation (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), the spatially relative adjectives used therein will also be interpreted based on the orientation after the rotation.

[0091] Embodiments will now be discussed with respect to specific embodiments in which fiber bundle 100 is used to help provide support and stress relief for optical fiber 201. However, the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Rather, the ideas presented may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and all such embodiments are fully intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] First refer to Figure 1A , this figure shows a fiber bundle 100 that will be used to provide support and help relieve stress along multiple optical fibers 201 ( Figure 1A Not shown in the figure, but in the following Figure 2A In one embodiment, the fiber bundle 100 may include a substrate 101 having an opening 103 extending from a first side of the substrate 101 to a second side of the substrate 101 .

[0093] In one embodiment, the substrate 101 includes a support material, which may also optionally serve as an additional cladding material for the optical fiber 201 to be placed through the substrate 101. In certain embodiments, the support material may be, for example, a polymer, a ceramic, a metal, a combination of the foregoing, etc. However, any suitable material may be used.

[0094] Additionally, the dimensions of the substrate 101 may be adjusted to help provide support and stress relief for the optical fibers 201 that will be placed through the substrate 101. Thus, while the dimensions of the substrate 101 may depend at least in part on the size and number of the optical fibers 201, in some embodiments, the substrate 101 may have a first width W between about 3 mm and about 10 mm. 1 , for example about 7 mm, and may have a first length L between about 4 mm and about 15 mm 1 , for example, about 7.5 mm. In addition, the substrate 101 may have a first height H between about 1.5 mm and about 4 mm. 1 , for example about 3 mm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0095] In one embodiment, three-dimensional printing techniques may be used to manufacture substrate 101. In such a manufacturing process, small, individual layers of substrate 101 may be sequentially deposited on top of each other to form a desired structure as the material is built up. However, any suitable process may be used.

[0096] The openings 103 are formed to extend through the substrate 101 from the first side 109 of the substrate 101 to the second side 111 of the substrate 101. In one embodiment, the openings 103 are used to control and support the optical fibers 201 as they extend through the substrate 101. In some embodiments, the openings 103 have varying dimensions, such as size or pitch, as they extend from the first side 109 of the substrate 101 to the second side 111 of the substrate 101.

[0097] To help illustrate this change in scale, Figure 1B Shown along Figure 1A 1 and 10. The cross-sectional view of the first side 109 of the substrate 101 and the openings 103 along the line BB' of FIG. 1. In this view, the openings 103 can be viewed as openings 103 into the substrate 101. In an embodiment, the openings 103 can be arranged in two separate rows, such as a first row 105 and a second row 107, wherein the first row 105 is separated from the second row 107 by the material of the substrate 101. The first row 105 can be separated from the second row 107 by a first pitch P1 between about 250 μm and about 500 μm, such as about 500 μm. However, any suitable number of different rows and any suitable pitch can be used.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, the opening 103 on the first side 109 of the substrate 101 may be formed to have a relatively wide first diameter D 1 , which is between about 250 μm and about 400 μm, for example, about 300 μm. In addition, the openings 103 in each row (in the first row 105 or the second row 107) may have a second pitch P between about 250 μm and about 300 μm. 2 , for example about 250 μm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0099] Figure 1B to Figure 1C Further shown is a dummy opening 113 that also extends through the substrate 101. In one embodiment, the dummy opening 113 is another opening that is similar in size to the remaining openings 103 but in which a dummy fiber (e.g., a non-functional fiber that does not transmit a signal) is placed. However, in other embodiments, the dummy opening 113 may be omitted.

[0100] Looking at the other side of the fiber bundle 100, Figure 1C Shown along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of the substrate 101 and the opening 103 at the second side 111 of the fiber bundle 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1B 1. In this view, the openings 103 can be viewed as openings 103 that are away from the substrate 101. In one embodiment, the openings 103 can be maintained in two separate rows, where each row is separated by the material of the substrate 101. The rows in this embodiment can be maintained at a first pitch P 1 However, any suitable number of distinct rows and any suitable spacing may be used.

[0101] In one embodiment, the openings 103 on the side of the substrate 101 may be positioned and sized to achieve a horizontal offset of the openings 103 from the first side 109 to the second side 111 of the substrate 101. For example, in order to have a horizontal offset within each row (e.g., within the second row 107 from the bottom or within the first row 105 from the top), the openings on the second side 111 of the substrate 101 have a second pitch P 2 and may have a diameter smaller or narrower than the first diameter D 1 The second diameter D 2 , and is sized to help hold and support the optical fiber 201 once it is placed. 2 The exact size of the second diameter D depends at least in part on the size of the optical fiber 201, but in the embodiment where the optical fiber 201 is 250 μm, the second diameter D 2 It may be between about 250 μm and about 400 μm, for example about 265 μm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0102] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The fiber bundle 100 is shown to be inserted into the Figure 3 ) and a ferrule 203 attached to the optical fiber 201, wherein Figure 2B yes Figure 2A203. In one embodiment, each optical fiber 201 includes a core material, such as glass, surrounded by one or more cladding materials. Optionally, a surrounding cover material may be used to surround the outer cladding material to provide additional protection. In general, each individual optical fiber 201, with or without a covering material, may have a diameter between about 125 μm and about 265 μm, such as about 250 μm, and may have a length outside the ferrule 203 between about 10 mm and about 50 mm, such as about 33.7 mm. In addition, the optical fiber 201 may have a portion inserted into the ferrule 203, having a diameter between about 124 μm and about 126 μm, such as about 125 μm. However, any suitable scale may be used.

[0103] Optionally, in some embodiments, dummy optical fiber 207 may be used with optical fiber 201. In one embodiment, dummy optical fiber 207 may be similar to optical fiber 201, but it is non-functional and is not used to transmit optical signals or power. However, in other embodiments, dummy optical fiber 207 may not be used.

[0104] The ferrule 203 can be used to receive multiple optical fibers 201, align the optical fibers 201, and connect the optical fibers 201 to another device ( Figure 2A In certain embodiments, the ferrule 203 may be a mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule or the like made of a material that can be used to protect, support, and align the individual optical fibers 201. However, any suitable material may be used.

[0105] In one embodiment, the collar 203 may be formed to have a collar length L of about 8.05 mm. F and a ferrule width W of about 6.4 mm F In addition, the collar 203 may have a collar height H of about 2.45 mm. F However, any suitable scale may be used.

[0106] The ferrule 203 may include fiber openings extending through the ferrule 203. In one embodiment, the fiber openings may have the same configuration similar to the fiber bundle 100. In other embodiments, the fiber openings may be arranged in a single row, such that there is no staggered orientation. Any suitable configuration may be used.

[0107] The collar 203 may additionally include one or more guide holes 205. The guide holes 205 are used with guide pins (not separately shown) to help align and secure the collar 203 with other devices. However, any suitable guide mechanism may be used.

[0108] The optical fiber 201 may be inserted into an opening located within the ferrule 203. Once inserted, a glue material such as epoxy, silicone, a light-curable elastomeric polymer, a combination of the foregoing, etc. may be injected or otherwise placed into the opening within the ferrule 203 to secure the optical fiber 201 within the ferrule 203. In addition, a curing process such as light curing, heat curing, etc. may be used to harden the glue material, and the optical fiber 201 may be polished and cleaned to prepare the optical fiber 201 within the ferrule 203 for optical connection with other devices.

[0109] Figure 3 203, the fiber bundle 100 can be placed onto the optical fiber 201. In one embodiment, the fiber bundle 100 can be placed by inserting the optical fiber 201 through the opening 103 in the first side 109 of the fiber bundle 100, for example, by inserting the optical fiber 201 into the ferrule 203. Figure 1B The placement may be performed manually or using an automated process.

[0110] Optionally, in embodiments using dummy openings 113, dummy optical fibers 207 may be inserted simultaneously or sequentially with other optical fibers 201. In one embodiment, dummy optical fibers 207 may be inserted manually or using an automated process. However, any suitable process may be used.

[0111] Once the optical fiber 201 is placed into the fiber bundle 100, a glue material (not shown separately) may be optionally used to adhere the optical fiber 201 to the fiber bundle 100. In one embodiment, the glue material may be an epoxy adhesive material that is dispensed by injecting the glue material into the opening 103 when the optical fiber 201 is located within the opening 103. However, any suitable material and any suitable placement method may be used.

[0112] In some embodiments, where the ferrule 203 aligns the optical fibers 201 in a two-row aligned configuration, but where the fiber bundle 100 utilizes a staggered configuration of the openings 103, the fiber bundle 100 and the ferrule 203 divide the optical fibers 201 into a first region 301, a second region 303, and a third region 305. In one embodiment, the first region 301 can be a staggered region, where the optical fibers 201 are in a staggered configuration because the fiber bundle 100 constrains the optical fibers 201 to a staggered configuration. Additionally, the third region 305 can be an aligned region, because the ferrule 203 constrains the optical fibers 201 to an aligned two-row configuration. Between the first region 301 and the third region 305, the second region 303 serves as a transition region, where the optical fibers 201 transition from the staggered configuration to the aligned configuration. Of course, any suitable configuration may be used.

[0113] Figure 4 The fiber array unit 401 is shown placed on one end of the optical fiber 201, which is at the opposite end of the fiber bundle 100 from the ferrule 203. In one embodiment, the fiber array unit 401 includes a fiber array substrate 403, a first lid 405, and a second lid 407. In one embodiment, the fiber array substrate 403 includes a substrate material in which a plurality of grooves are formed for aligning some individual optical fibers 201 (and optionally, dummy optical fibers 207). The optical fibers 201 are placed in each groove, and the first lid 405 is placed on top of the optical fibers 201 to limit and control the optical fibers 201. In addition, if a staggered configuration is required, the first lid 405 may also have additional grooves so that additional optical fibers 201 are placed on the first lid 405, and the second lid 407 is placed so as to limit the second row of optical fibers 201. However, any suitable structure for the fiber array unit 401 may also be used.

[0114] Optionally, at this point in the process, if desired, once the fiber array unit 401 is placed around the optical fiber 201, the optical fiber 201 can be cleaved. In certain embodiments, the optical fiber 201 can be cleaved using a process such as laser cutting. However, any suitable process can be used to cleave the optical fiber 201.

[0115] By using the fiber bundle 100 between the fiber array unit 401 and the ferrule 203, the fiber bundle 100 can help limit the direction of the optical fiber 201 and provide additional support for the optical fiber 201. In addition, during subsequent operations such as plugging in or unplugging the ferrule 203, the fiber bundle 100 helps relieve stress on the optical fiber 201. Therefore, the fiber bundle 100 can help extend the overall life of the optical fiber 201.

[0116] Figure 5AAnother embodiment of the fiber bundle 100 that can be used to help distribute adhesive is shown. In this embodiment, the fiber bundle 100 is not formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but rather is formed into a stepped shape along the second side 111, so that the position of the first distribution area 501 helps distribute adhesive along the second row 107, and the position of the second distribution area 503 helps distribute adhesive along the first row 105.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first dispensing area 501 may have an offset distance D between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. l (eg, offset from one side of the edge of the fiber bundle 100). Similarly, the first distribution area 501 may have a second height H between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. 2 However, any suitable scale may be used.

[0118] In addition, the second distribution area 503 may have a second offset distance D between about 1 mm and about 2 mm. 2 (eg, offset from one side of the edge of the first distribution area 501). Similarly, the second distribution area 503 may have a third height H between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm. 3 However, any suitable scale may be used.

[0119] FIG. 5B to FIG. 5D Various cross-sectional views and top views of a fiber bundle 100 having a first distribution region 501 and a second distribution region 503 are shown. Specifically, Figure 5B Shown along Figure 5A The view is taken along line B-B' in Figure 5D A top view of a fiber bundle 100 is shown having a first distribution area 501 and a second distribution area 503, Figure 5C Shown along Figure 5A 0 is a view taken along line CC′ in FIG. 1 , and shows the cross-sections of the first distribution area 501 and the second distribution area 503 .

[0120] By forming the fiber bundle 100 with the first distribution area 501 and the second distribution area 503, it is easier to distribute the adhesive for holding the optical fiber 201 to the fiber bundle 100. In particular, by providing the ledges of the first distribution area 501 and the second distribution area 503, additional surface area is formed between the subsequently distributed glue and the fiber bundle 100, which allows for greater adhesion between the optical fiber 201 and the fiber bundle 100.

[0121] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Yet another embodiment is shown, which uses a first distribution area 501 and a second distribution area 503, but in which not only are the openings 103 horizontally offset (as described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1CAs described above, the opening 103 also has a vertical offset from the first side 109 of the fiber bundle 100 to the second side 111 of the fiber bundle 100.

[0122] In this embodiment, the opening 103 (eg, Figure 6B can be similar to the above Figure 1B For example, the opening 103 may have a first diameter D 1 , you can use the second spacing P in a single line 2 are separated from each other, and each row can be separated from each other by a first pitch P 1 However, any suitable scale may be used.

[0123] However, when the openings 103 extend from the first side 109 of the substrate 101 through the fiber bundle 100 to the second side 111, the openings 103 have a vertical offset and a horizontal offset as described above. In particular, in this embodiment, when the openings 103 extend through the fiber bundle 100, the openings 103 in the first row 105 and the second row 107 move closer together, so that the openings 103 in the first row 105 and the second row 107 have a smaller diameter D than the second diameter D. 2 The third spacing P 3 , for example, a third pitch P between about 215 μm and about 500 μm 3 , for example, about 215 μm. Therefore, the openings 103 in the first row 105 may at least partially extend into the second row 107. However, any suitable third pitch P may be used. 3 .

[0124] By forming FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C In the case of fiber bundles as described above, there are more options to help confine and protect the optical fiber 201. In particular, by using more than the above-mentioned FIG. 1A to FIG. 5D While a single horizontal offset is described, more offsets may be used, allowing various designs to be customized for specific processes or applications.

[0125] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Another embodiment is shown in which the fiber bundle 100 is not manufactured as a single unit, but is manufactured in multiple parts that are subsequently assembled together. In a specific embodiment, the fiber bundle 100 is manufactured to have a first portion 701 ( Fig. 7A As shown), the second part 703 ( Figure 7B shown) and the third part 705 ( Figure 7CThe first part 701 may have a central portion 709, which includes first grooves (indentation) 711 on both sides of the central portion 709. When the central portion 709 is connected to the second portion 703 and the third portion 705, the first groove 711 will form an opening 103 (as shown) in which the optical fiber 201 will be placed later. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B shown).

[0126] The first part 701 further includes a first connecting portion 713 and a second connecting portion 715, which work together with the second part 703 and the third part 705 to align and connect the different parts together. In one embodiment, the first connecting portion 713 has a groove to receive the connecting portions of the second part 703 and the third part 705, and the second connecting portion 715 includes an extension portion to be received by the second part 703 and the third part 705. However, any suitable connecting portion may be used.

[0127] Figure 7B The second part 703 is shown. In one embodiment, the second part 703 includes a first cover portion 717, which includes a second groove 719. When the second part 703 is connected to the first part 701, the second groove 719 will form an opening 103 with the first groove 711. In addition, the second part 703 further includes a first hinge portion 707 that can be placed in the third part 705 and a third connecting portion 721 for aligning the second part 703 with the first part 701.

[0128] Figure 7C The third part 705 is shown. In one embodiment, the third part 705 includes a second cover part 723, and the second cover part 723 includes a third groove 725. When the third part 705 is connected to the first part 701, the third groove 725 will form an opening 103 with the first groove 711. In addition, the third part 705 further includes a second hinge part 727 that can receive the first hinge part 707 from the second part 703, and a fourth connecting part 729.

[0129] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B Show FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C The first part 701, the second part 703 and the third part 705 are shown in the embodiment after being combined into the fiber bundle 100, wherein Figure 8B Show Fig. 8A In this embodiment, the first hinge portion 707 of the second portion 703 is inserted into the second hinge portion 727 of the third portion 705 to form a rotatable unit.

[0130] Once the second portion 703 and the third portion 705 have been joined together, the fiber bundle 100 may be placed around the optical fiber 201 ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B The optical fibers 201 are arranged in a groove of the first portion 701 (not shown separately). Once the individual optical fibers 201 are in place, the second portion 703 and the third portion 705 can be rotated in place to constrain the optical fibers 201 in place. For example, the second connection portion 715 of the first portion 701 can be inserted into the third portion 705, and the second portion 703 and the third portion 705 can be rotated to insert the third connection portion 721 and the fourth connection portion 729 into the first connection portion 713 of the first portion 701. However, any suitable method of placing the fiber bundle 100 around the optical fibers 201 can be used.

[0131] 9A to 9H Another embodiment is shown, in which the fiber bundle 100 is a single unit, but in which the single unit has multiple regions, and horizontal and / or vertical offsets can be formed in the multiple regions. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B ,in Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A , which shows a fiber bundle 100, which includes multiple directional offsets, such as a first vertical offset region 901, a second vertical offset region 903, and a first horizontal offset region 905. In this embodiment, the fiber bundle 100 may have a second width W between about 3 mm and about 10 mm. 2 , for example, about 7 mm, and a fourth height H between about 1.5 mm and about 4 mm 4 , for example about 2.4 mm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0132] First, referring to the first vertical offset region 901, the first vertical offset region 901 may have a second length L between about 3 mm and about 7 mm. 2 , for example, about 4 mm. In addition, in the first vertical offset region 901, the first row 105 and the second row 107 may be vertically offset from being spaced about 140 μm apart to being located in a single horizontal row. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0133] Next, referring to the second vertical offset region 903, the second vertical offset region 903 may have a third length L between about 5.5 mm and about 10 mm. 3 , for example, about 7.5 mm. In addition, in the second vertical offset region 903, the first row 105 and the second row 107 may be vertically offset from a spacing of about 300 μm to a spacing of about 270 μm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0134] Looking at the first horizontal offset region 905, the first horizontal offset region 905 may have a fourth length L between about 4.5 mm and about 7 mm. 4, for example, about 4.95 mm. In addition, within the first horizontal offset region 905, the openings 103 within the first horizontal offset region 905 may offset the first row relative to the second row by 125 μm. However, any suitable diameter offset may be used.

[0135] In addition, in order to help allow for deviation, the fiber bundle 100 in this embodiment may further include a first buffer zone 907 and a second buffer zone 909. The first buffer zone 907 and the second buffer zone 909 may be formed so that there is no horizontal or vertical deviation in the fiber bundle 100 within the first buffer zone 907 and the second buffer zone 909, and each of the first buffer zone 907 and the second buffer zone 909 may have a fifth length L between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. 5 , for example about 1 mm. However, any suitable dimension may be used.

[0136] Finally, in some embodiments, the fiber bundle 100 may include a lengthening zone 911. In one embodiment, the lengthening zone 911 does not have any vertical or horizontal offset and may simply extend the overall length of the fiber bundle 100, and may have a sixth length L between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. 6 , for example about 4.2 mm. However, any suitable length may be used.

[0137] Next, please refer to FIG. 9C to FIG. 9H , these figures each show Fig. 9B 100 at different positions. For example, Fig. 9C The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B The cross-sectional view at the line C-C' in Fig.9D The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B The cross-sectional view at the line D-D' in Fig.9E The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B The cross-sectional view at the line E-E' in Fig.9F The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B The cross-sectional view at the line F-F' in Figure 9G The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B The cross-sectional view at the line G-G' in Figure 9H The fiber bundle 100 is shown in Fig. 9B As can be seen from these figures, the spacing between the first row 105 and the second row 107 will continue to decrease along the length of the fiber bundle 100 until only a single row remains.

[0138] Fig. 10AAn embodiment using a ribbon optical fiber 1001 instead of a single optical fiber 201 is shown. In this embodiment, the ribbon optical fiber 1001 includes a first ribbon 1003 and a second ribbon 1005. In a specific example, the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005 include an inner optical fiber 201 (e.g., similar to the optical fiber 201 described above with respect to FIG. 2 ) surrounded by a ribbon coating 1007. The ribbon coating 1007 can be, for example, a coating having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 25 μm, such as about 15 μm. In addition, the ribbon coating 1007 can have a length between about 0 mm and about 40 mm, such as about 30 mm. However, any suitable dimension can be used.

[0139] Fig. 10B The ferrule 203 is shown attached to the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005. In one embodiment, the attachment may be performed as described above with respect to FIG. 2 , such as by inserting the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005 into the ferrule 203 and then applying glue to the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005. However, any suitable attachment process and any suitable ferrule 203 may be used.

[0140] Fig. 10C The removal of a portion of the outer coating of the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005 is shown, as well as the placement of the inner optical fibers 201 of the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005 through the fiber bundle 100. In an embodiment where the first ribbon 1003 and the second ribbon 1005 are 37.7 mm long, 20.8 mm of the outer coating may be removed, and may be removed using a stripping process, etc. However, any suitable process may be used.

[0141] Furthermore, once the outer coating is removed, the now exposed portion of the optical fiber 201 can be inserted into the fiber bundle 100. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 201 can be inserted into the fiber bundle 100 as described above with respect to Figure 3 However, any suitable process may be used.

[0142] In certain embodiments, the fiber bundle 100 may be positioned to create a transition region 1002 between the fiber bundle 100 and the remainder of the ribbon coating 1007. For example, the fiber bundle 100 may be positioned such that the transition region 1002 has a first distance D between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. 1 , for example, about 13.3 mm. Such a position will result in the fiber bundle 100 being located at a second distance D from the ring 203. 2 Where the second distance D 2Between about 5.5 mm and about 20.5 mm, for example about 18.3 mm. Thus, the optical fiber 201 may remain about 11.9 mm on the side of the fiber bundle 100 opposite the ferrule 203. However, any suitable size may be used.

[0143] If desired, optionally, at this point in the process, the optical fiber 201 can be attached or adhered to the fiber bundle 100. In one embodiment, the optical fiber 201 can be as described above with respect to Figure 3 In other embodiments, the optical fiber 201 may remain unattached, so that the fiber bundle 100 may move up and down on the optical fiber 201 .

[0144] Fig. 10D As shown, once the optical fiber 201 is placed in the fiber bundle 100, the fiber array unit 401 can be placed on the optical fiber 201. In one embodiment, the fiber array unit 401 can be as described above with respect to Figure 4 However, any suitable method and structure may be used.

[0145] Fig.10E As shown, once the fiber array unit 401 is placed around the optical fiber 201, an optional carrier unit 1009 can be attached to the fiber array unit 401 to provide control and support for the fiber array unit 401 when it is connected to other external devices, such as an optical engine (OE). In one embodiment, the carrier unit 1009 can be a solid material, such as silicon or glass, bonded using glue or other adhesives. However, any suitable structure and connection method can be used.

[0146] By using the fiber bundle 100, a better arrangement of the optical fibers 201 can be obtained, thereby allowing a greater packing density and obtaining greater support and relief. In addition, smaller bend radii in all directions can achieve easier automated handling. Finally, the fiber bundle 100 can be easily expanded to any number of optical fibers 201, so the number of optical fibers is not limited.

[0147] According to one embodiment, an optical device includes: a substrate material; an optical fiber opening extending from a first side of the substrate material to a second side of the substrate material, wherein the optical fiber opening on the first side of the substrate material is horizontally or vertically offset from the second side of the substrate material. In one embodiment, the optical device further includes an optical fiber extending through the corresponding optical fiber opening. In one embodiment, the substrate material is movable along the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the optical device further includes an adhesive for attaching the substrate material to the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the optical device further includes a ferrule attached to the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the optical device further includes a fiber array unit attached to the optical fiber on a side of the substrate material opposite to the sleeve. In one embodiment, the optical fiber openings are arranged in a single row at the second side of the substrate material.

[0148] According to another embodiment, an optical device includes: a plurality of optical fibers extending between a ferrule and a fiber array unit; and a fiber bundle surrounding the plurality of optical fibers between the ferrule and the fiber array unit. In one embodiment, the fiber bundle includes a first portion, a second portion separable from the first portion, and a third portion separable from the first portion and the second portion. In one embodiment, the fiber bundle further includes: a first distribution area; and a second distribution area. In one embodiment, when the optical fiber extends through the fiber bundle, the plurality of optical fibers have a horizontal offset. In one embodiment, when the optical fiber extends through the fiber bundle, the plurality of optical fibers have a vertical offset. In one embodiment, when the optical fiber extends through the fiber bundle, the plurality of optical fibers have a horizontal offset and a vertical offset. In one embodiment, the fiber bundle includes: a first vertical offset region; a second vertical offset region; a first horizontal offset region; and a buffer region separating the first vertical offset region, the second vertical offset region, and the first horizontal offset region.

[0149] According to yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an optical device includes: receiving a fiber bundle, the fiber bundle including: a substrate material; a plurality of fiber openings extending through the substrate material, wherein the plurality of fiber openings on a first side of the substrate material are horizontally or vertically offset from a second side of the substrate material; and confining the plurality of optical fibers with the fiber bundle. In one embodiment, confining the plurality of optical fibers includes rotating a first portion of the fiber bundle toward a second portion of the fiber bundle. In one embodiment, confining the optical fibers includes passing the plurality of optical fibers through the plurality of fiber openings. In one embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers are passed through a first vertical offset region, a second vertical offset region, and a first horizontal offset region, wherein a buffer separates the first vertical offset region, the second vertical offset region, and the first horizontal offset region. In one embodiment, the method further includes removing an outer coating of a ribbon from the plurality of optical fibers before confining the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the method further includes confining a dummy optical fiber with the fiber bundle.

[0150] The features of several embodiments are summarized above so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can better understand the manner of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs that they can easily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purpose and / or achieve the same advantages as the embodiments described herein. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and they can make various changes, substitutions and modifications thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical device, characterized in that: include: a substrate material; as well as A plurality of optical fiber openings extend from a first side of the substrate material to a second side of the substrate material, wherein the plurality of optical fiber openings on the first side of the substrate material are horizontally or vertically offset from the second side of the substrate material.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a plurality of optical fibers extending through the respective plurality of optical fiber openings.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, characterized in that Also included is a ferrule attached to the plurality of optical fibers.

4. The optical device according to claim 3, characterized in that Also included is a fiber array unit attached to the plurality of optical fibers on a side of the substrate material opposite the ferrule.

5. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fiber openings are arranged in a single row at the second side of the substrate material.

6. An optical device, characterized in that: include: a plurality of optical fibers extending between a ferrule and a fiber array unit; as well as A fiber bundle surrounds the plurality of optical fibers between the ferrule and the fiber array unit.

7. The optical device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fiber bundle includes a first portion, a second portion separable from the first portion, and a third portion separable from the first portion and the second portion.

8. The optical device of claim 6, wherein the fiber bundle further comprises: a first allocation area; as well as A second allocation area.

9. The optical device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of optical fibers have a horizontal offset, a vertical offset, or a horizontal offset and a vertical offset when the plurality of optical fibers extend through the fiber bundle.

10. The optical device of claim 6, wherein the fiber bundle comprises: a first vertical offset region; a second vertical offset region; a first horizontal offset region; as well as A plurality of buffer zones separate the first vertical offset zone, the second vertical offset zone and the first horizontal offset zone.

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