Beveled Fiber Optic Coupler for Waveguide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical couplers face challenges in achieving maximum coupling efficiency between optical waveguides and optical fibers, particularly due to the high cost and inefficiency of active alignment techniques.
Innovation Solution
The development of an angled fiber optic structure with a beveled outer surface, comprising a core and cladding portion, that optically couples with both optical waveguides and fibers, utilizing a nanotaper to ensure minimal energy loss and efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active alignment techniques are used to achieve maximum coupling efficiency, then coupling efficiency is improved, but cost increases due to involvement of active electronics and feedback loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angled fiber optic structure as an intermediary component between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber. This structure includes a beveled outer surface that acts as a mediator to facilitate optimal optical coupling without requiring active alignment electronics or feedback loops, thereby reducing cost while maintaining high coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The angled fiber optic structure is pre-configured with a specific bevel angle during manufacturing that corresponds to the angle of the optical waveguide. This preliminary action of pre-aligning the angles eliminates the need for costly active alignment techniques during system assembly, as the geometry itself ensures optimal coupling
2Reliability
If conventional optical couplers are used, then coupling is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fiber optic structure by introducing a specific bevel angle on the outer surface. This parameter change optimizes the optical coupling by matching the angle with the optical waveguide, thereby minimizing energy loss through reduced reflection and improved mode matching between the waveguide and fiber
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
This solution enables optimal coupling efficiency with reduced energy loss, allowing for effective communication of optical signals between optical integrated circuits and fibers, while reducing the need for costly active alignment methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first outer surface portion beveled at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic structure. The beveled first outer surface portion is a substantially flat surface that includes the core portion and the cladding portion and is configured to optically couple the optical coupler with the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a nanotaper to ensure minimal energy loss and efficient signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupler may include a fiber optic structure that has a portion of an outer surface that is beveled at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic structure. The beveled outer surface portion may be optically coupled with a waveguide core of an optical integrated circuit. The fiber optic structure may also include a second outer surface portion that is butt coupled to an end of an optical fiber to optically couple the second outer surface portion with the optical fiber.