Axial Optical Signal Coupling Device with Integrated Alignment Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for coupling and decoupling optical signals in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) or photodiodes are large and costly, making them unsuitable for home and mobile electronics applications, resulting in longer connection paths and higher latency.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized and modularized active-optical transmitter and receiver unit with integrated electro-optical and opto-electrical converters, where the waveguide is aligned within a recessed substrate, allowing for compact design and reduced production costs through modularization and non-positive fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional coupling devices with deflecting mirrors or holders are used, then optical signals can be coupled into waveguides, but the device size becomes large and connection paths become long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electro-optical transducer, alignment module, and waveguide coupling interface into a single integrated module. The transducer is directly mounted on the substrate with its emission direction aligned to the waveguide axis, eliminating the need for separate deflecting mirrors or holders. This integration reduces the overall device volume and shortens the optical connection path, thereby reducing latency time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the emission direction of the electro-optical transducer from a perpendicular orientation (requiring 90-degree deflection) to an axial orientation parallel to the waveguide. This dimensional reorientation allows direct coupling without additional deflection components, reducing device size and connection path length.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional coupling devices with deflecting mirrors or holders are used, then optical signals can be coupled into waveguides, but manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the transducer, alignment module, and waveguide interface into a single manufactured unit simplifies the manufacturing process. The alignment module with groove-shaped recess is formed as an integral part of the substrate, allowing the waveguide to be aligned and fixed in a single assembly step. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining optimal optical alignment to minimize losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment module features a groove-shaped recess that automatically guides and aligns the waveguide during assembly. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, reducing manufacturing effort while ensuring precise optical coupling to minimize losses.
3Device complexity
If conventional coupling devices are used, then optical coupling can be achieved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function into the basic structure of the coupling device itself. The alignment module with groove-shaped recess is formed as an integral part of the substrate, providing mechanical guidance for the waveguide. This integrated approach reduces device complexity by eliminating separate alignment mechanisms while maintaining high alignment precision through the geometric constraint of the groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a geometrically constrained groove-shaped recess that provides automatic mechanical guidance. This simple geometric feature ensures precise alignment of the waveguide with the electro-optical transducer during assembly, achieving high alignment precision without adding device complexity.
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 enables efficient, low-loss optical signal coupling and decoupling with reduced latency and manufacturing effort, suitable for compact applications, while maintaining signal quality and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
controls an electro-optical transducer (28), in particular at least one laser, for example at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), which converts the electrical signals into optical signals SI
Implementation Method 2
the optical signals SI received via the waveguide WL are coupled out from the direction of the axis (12) of the waveguide WL by at least one opto-electrical converter (68), in particular at least one photodiode, which converts the optical signals SI into electrical signals
Implementation Method 3
has at least one groove- or channel-shaped recess (46, 86) along which the waveguide (10) can be aligned with respect to the electro-optical transducer (28)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the further development of a device (100) for coupling optical signals in at least one waveguide (10), said device (100) having at least one transmission-side circuit (26), which, on the basis of signals incoming from transmission-side connection contacts (22), actuates at least one electro-optical converter (28), which transmits the optical signals in the direction of the axis (12) of the waveguide (10), such that the expense for production is low, wherein, according to the invention, the electro-optical converter (28) is received, in particular embedded, in at least one transmission-side receptacle/alignment module (40), the transmission-side receptacle/alignment module (40) has at least one groove or channel-shaped recess (46) for aligning the waveguide (10) in relation to the electro-optical converter (28) and the transmission-side receptacle/alignment module (40) is received, in particular fitted, into a recess (38) in a transmission-side substrate (20) in a substantially form and/or force-fit manner. The invention further relates to a device (140) for decoupling optical signals from at least one waveguide (10).