Optical Connector Cavity for High-Volume Isolator Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integration of optical isolators into photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is challenging due to the need for complex active alignment technologies, which are time-consuming and difficult to implement in high-volume manufacturing, leading to signal interference and poor signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design with a cavity structure that integrates an optical isolator, allowing for simplified alignment and integration of lenses within the connector body, reducing the need for specialized equipment and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical isolators are integrated into PICs using complex active alignment technologies, then signal quality can be improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical isolator with the optical connector into a single integrated component. The isolator is positioned within the connector body such that it automatically aligns with the optical path when the connector is assembled, eliminating the need for separate active alignment steps and complex alignment technologies while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical isolator is pre-positioned and fixed within the optical connector body during connector manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connector is later assembled with the PIC, the isolator is already in the correct location and orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming active alignment operations during PIC assembly.
2Reliability
If complex active alignment technologies are used to integrate optical isolators, then signal interference can be reduced, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical isolator with the optical connector into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates separate alignment operations. The isolator is built into the connector structure, allowing high-volume manufacturing to proceed without the time-consuming active alignment steps that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical isolator is designed to automatically self-align within the connector body through its integrated structure. When the connector is assembled, the isolator's position and orientation are determined by the connector's internal geometry, eliminating the need for external alignment equipment and operations, thereby maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical isolators are integrated using specialized equipment, then integration precision can be improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical isolator directly into the optical connector body, creating a single assembly that can be manufactured using standard connector manufacturing processes. This merging eliminates the need for specialized integration equipment while maintaining precise positioning through the connector's built-in structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical isolator utilizes the optical connector's existing structural features for positioning and alignment. The connector body provides reference surfaces and geometric constraints that automatically position the isolator with the required precision, eliminating the need for specialized alignment equipment or complex integration tooling.
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 proposed optical connector design facilitates high-volume manufacturing of PICs with integrated optical isolators, minimizing signal loss and interference, and enhancing signal quality by using lenses to focus and collimate light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
using lenses to focus and collimate light effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are optical connectors for connecting optical components, along with devices related to optical connectors. An example optical connector includes a body with a first connector interface, a second connector interface opposite the first connector interface, and a surface between the first and second connector interfaces. A cavity extends from the surface into the body. An opening in the body extends from the first connector interface towards the cavity. A portion of the body separates the cavity and the opening.