Substrate-Free MUX/DEMUX With Angled Fiber Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MUX/DEMUX devices face challenges in minimizing optical loss and miniaturization due to alignment issues, aberration, and the need for multiple elements and substrates, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, substrate-free MUX/DEMUX device design where the fiber array and optical assembly are directly attached, with the fiber array's side surface forming an angle less than 90 degrees to the common channel, eliminating aberration and reducing insertion loss by eliminating free space and using a shared set of lenses and fibers for common and divided channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MUX/DEMUX devices use separate substrates and multiple elements for common and divided channels, then the device can perform multiplexing and demultiplexing functions, but the device size increases and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the common channel and divided channels onto a single substrate, integrating multiple optical paths into one unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate substrates and reduces the number of alignment interfaces, directly addressing the contradiction by maintaining full MUX/DEMUX functionality while significantly reducing alignment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports both common and divided channels, provides optical paths for both MUX and DEMUX operations, and acts as the mounting platform for all optical elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling complete multiplexing and demultiplexing capabilities within a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional devices use free space between optical elements, then optical paths can be established, but optical loss increases due to aberration and alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the free space between optical elements by implementing direct attachment of optical components to the substrate. This removal of free space eliminates the sources of aberration and alignment-induced optical loss, while the optical paths remain properly established through direct optical coupling between elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of spacing between optical elements from non-zero (free space) to zero (direct attachment). This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of free space such as aberration and misalignment loss, while maintaining proper optical path establishment through direct contact between optical components
3Reliability
If conventional MUX/DEMUX devices use multiple substrates and elements, then complete optical functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple substrates and optical elements into a single integrated structure, reducing the total component count. This consolidation maintains complete MUX/DEMUX optical functionality while lowering manufacturing costs by reducing material usage, assembly steps, and quality control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously, serving as the platform for both common and divided channels, as well as supporting all necessary optical elements. This multi-functional design achieves complete optical functionality in a cost-effective manner by eliminating the need for multiple specialized substrates and components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a low-loss, cost-effective, and easily miniaturized optical device with reduced insertion loss and aberration, improving performance and simplifying assembly compared to conventional approaches.
Implementation Method 1
each fiber and a side surface of the fiber array form an angle less than 90 degrees, so that insertion loss can be improved by eliminating aberration
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is provided. The optical device includes a fiber array and an optical assembly. The fiber array includes a common channel and a plurality of divided channels arranged in parallel in a first direction and extending along a second direction, and the fiber array has a first surface from a top view perspective. The optical assembly is coupled to the first surface of the fiber array. The first surface and the common channel of the fiber array form an angle less than 90 degrees from the top view perspective.