Detachable Optical Fiber-to-Waveguide Coupling With Meta-Lens Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling technologies face challenges with non-standard connectors that increase complexity and cost, while standard connectors lack detachability and alignment accuracy, leading to high loss and limited bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing detachable optical fiber connectors with standard types, utilizing cleaved optical fibers and meta-lens arrays for accurate alignment and coupling, reducing complexity and improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-standard connectors are used for optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detachable connector assembly as an intermediary component that bridges the optical fiber and waveguide. This connector includes alignment features such as positioning pins and a coupling mechanism that enables precise alignment without requiring non-standard custom connectors, thus achieving accurate coupling while maintaining device simplicity and standardization.
2Device complexity
If standard connectors are used for optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling, then device complexity is reduced, but detachability and alignment accuracy are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector system into a detachable connector assembly that can be independently attached and detached from the waveguide. This modular design allows the use of standard connector types while achieving detachability, as the connector assembly can be separated from the integrated photonic circuit without requiring permanent bonding or complex integration.
3Device complexity
If standard connectors are used for optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling, then device complexity is reduced, but coupling loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features within the detachable connector assembly, such as positioning pins and alignment marks, that pre-establish the correct spatial relationship between the optical fiber and waveguide before coupling occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the connector is attached, the optical axes are properly aligned, minimizing coupling loss while maintaining the simplicity of standard connector types.
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
Enables detachable optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling with reduced complexity, lower loss, increased bandwidth, and improved alignment accuracy, using standard connectors and cleaved optical fibers with meta-lens arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The turning element is configured to at least one of: reflect a first optical signal received from the waveguide to the optical fiber, or reflect a second optical signal received from the optical fiber to the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
Evanescent wave coupling generally refers to a (quantum) tunneling phenomenon in which an evanescent wave exiting a first medium excites a wave in an adjacent medium that is sufficiently close to the first medium
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are related to enabling detachable optical fiber-to-waveguide coupling. A system can include a first connection component including a waveguide and a mirror formed on a base structure, the base structure including at least one photonic integrated circuit (PIC) formed on a substrate, and a detachable second connection component coupled to an optical fiber. The detachable second connection component is configured to mate with the first connection component to enable optical signal coupling between the optical fiber and the waveguide. The mirror is configured to at least one of: reflect a first optical signal received from the waveguide to the optical fiber, or reflect a second optical signal received from the optical fiber to the waveguide.