Deformable Refractive Index Matching for Multi-Core Optical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-core optical connectors face difficulties in maintaining low-loss connections as the number of cores increases, requiring higher spring pressing forces and complicating design and manufacturing, while existing refractive index matching materials are not suitable for detachable connectors.
Innovation Solution
A deformable refractive index matching portion is cured on the ferrule end face to align and match the refractive indices of multiple optical fibers, eliminating the need for increased spring forces and allowing for close contact without gaps, using a resin with a refractive index matching that of the optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of cores in an MPO connector is increased, then the connection capacity is improved, but the spring pressing force must be increased which complicates design and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the refractive index matching material by controlling its hardness (Shore A 20-40) and refractive index (1.40-1.45). This allows the material to be deformable under spring pressure to fill gaps, yet maintain shape to prevent leakage, eliminating the need to increase spring pressing force when increasing core count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining the refractive index matching material with specific hardness and optical properties. The material comprises a deformable resin that exhibits both flowability under pressure and structural stability, effectively combining properties of different materials into a single functional component
2Reliability
If a refractive index matching material is applied to suppress Fresnel reflection, then the connection loss is reduced, but the material is not suitable for detachable connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hardness parameter of the refractive index matching material to Shore A 20-40, making it deformable rather than rigid. This allows the material to be pressed out when the connector is detached, enabling repeated attachment and detachment while maintaining low connection loss through proper refractive index matching (1.40-1.45)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the refractive index matching material dynamic by giving it deformable properties. The material can be compressed during connection to fill gaps and suppress reflection, then easily removed during detachment, transitioning between static and dynamic states to serve both connection quality and detachability requirements
3Reliability
If the spring pressing force is increased to maintain connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the MT ferrule deformation and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hardness parameter of the refractive index matching material to Shore A 20-40, making it deformable under spring pressure. This allows the material itself to compensate for misalignments and fill gaps, reducing the need for high spring pressing forces that would otherwise deform the MT ferrule or require specialized materials
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index matching material acts as an intermediary between the optical fibers and the spring pressing force. Instead of the spring force directly acting on the rigid MT ferrule, the deformable material absorbs and distributes the pressure, preventing ferrule deformation while maintaining connection stability
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 low-loss, high-reflection attenuation connections without increasing spring force, simplifying the design and manufacturing of multi-core optical connectors and allowing for easy cleaning and adhesion of the refractive index matching material.
Implementation Method 1
suppressing Fresnel reflection caused by a gap between connected optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a liquid refractive index matching material having appropriate viscosity, which has a refractive index matched with that of quartz glass
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and an object is to provide a multi-core optical connector that does not need to increase a spring pressing force even when the number of cores to be connected increases.The present disclosure is an optical connector including: a ferrule that holds a plurality of optical fibers in a state where end faces of the plurality of optical fibers are arranged on the same plane; and a refractive index matching portion that is deformable, in close contact with the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers arranged on the ferrule, and performs matching of a refractive index with the plurality of optical fibers.