Detachable Photonic Plug Alignment for High-Density Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coupling technologies face challenges in increasing bandwidth density while minimizing the physical footprint and associated costs, particularly due to shoreline expansion with additional optical connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-layered photonic plug with angled mirrors and trenches to align and connect optical components, allowing for increased shoreline and bandwidth density with minimal footprint expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional optical connections are added to increase bandwidth density, then the number of connections increases, but the physical footprint and shoreline expand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking multiple layers of optical components (e.g., fiber ribbons, circuit boards) on top of each other. This multi-layer configuration allows additional optical connections to be added in the vertical direction (z-axis) rather than only in the horizontal plane, thereby increasing bandwidth density without proportionally expanding the physical footprint. The shoreline expansion is minimized because the additional connections are accommodated within the vertical stack rather than requiring lateral space.
2Quantity of substance
If multi-layer configuration is used to increase connections, then bandwidth density increases, but alignment precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alignment features such as trenches, ridges, and mechanical guides that act as intermediaries to facilitate precise alignment between optical components in different layers. These alignment features provide physical references and constraints that guide the positioning of fibers and circuit boards, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision even as the number of layers and connections increases. The alignment features compensate for the increased complexity of multi-layer assembly.
3Quantity of substance
If shoreline is expanded to accommodate more connections, then bandwidth increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension through multi-layer stacking, the patent achieves increased bandwidth without the need to expand the shoreline horizontally. This approach reduces the amount of material required for connectors, housings, and mounting structures, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. The compact vertical configuration also reduces the overall size of the optical coupling device, leading to cost savings in production and deployment.
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
Significantly enhances shoreline and bandwidth density by nearly doubling the number of connections with an increase in footprint less than the diameter of a single fiber, reducing space and cost requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate may comprise one or more optical elements, for example, mirrors, for example, to facilitate optical coupling of the layered optical components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for detachable fiber connector (FC) for optical coupling based on a coarse alignment and fine alignment are described. A photonic plug may be horizontally inserted into a receptacle and coarsely aligned with a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The photonic plug may be moved vertically in the direction of the PIC. First fine alignment features, of the photonic plug, may engage second fine alignment features, associated with the PIC, aligning the photonic plug and the PIC. Systems, Mechanisms, and methods for retaining and for releasing the detachable connectors are also described.