Dual Row Optical Fiber Array for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic collimators and optical rotary joints face challenges in achieving high precision and cost-efficiency, particularly when using linear fiber arrangements with derotating elements like Dove prisms, as they require complex alignment and adjustment of individual GRIN lenses or fiber arrays.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional fiber array configuration with fibers disposed in offset planes on a substrate with V grooves, allowing for precise positioning and fixing without reclamping, using covers and holders to maintain tight tolerances and facilitate efficient light coupling, and optionally using dual substrates for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear fiber arrangement with Dove prism is used in optical rotary joints, then multi-channel transmission is achieved, but the alignment and adjustment of individual GRIN lenses or fiber arrays becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fiber arrays into a single integrated two-dimensional fiber array structure where fibers are arranged in rows and columns on a common substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate alignment of multiple independent fiber arrays, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining multi-channel transmission capability through the unified array architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional fiber array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multi-channel signal transmission, maintains precise spatial positioning, and enables direct coupling with circular imaging areas of Dove prisms. The single structure performs what previously required multiple separate components, simplifying the overall system while achieving versatile optical signal routing
2Reliability
If individual GRIN lenses are used for fiber collimation, then light coupling is achieved, but individual adjustment and alignment becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GRIN lens functions into a single integrated collimation structure that works with the two-dimensional fiber array. Instead of individually adjusting multiple separate GRIN lenses, the unified collimation system maintains efficient light coupling for all fibers simultaneously, dramatically reducing alignment time while preserving coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber array and collimation structure are pre-aligned and integrated during manufacturing, establishing precise optical alignment before deployment. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming field adjustments, as the system arrives ready-to-use with optimized light coupling characteristics already established
3Manufacturing precision
If a precise holder with means for alignment of individual fiber arrays is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the holder becomes structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alignment and positioning functions directly into the substrate that holds the fiber array, eliminating the need for a separate complex holder structure. The substrate itself provides the precise positioning framework with recesses and V-grooves built-in, maintaining high positioning accuracy while simplifying the overall mechanical structure by combining multiple functions into a single component
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 solution enables a technologically simple, cost-efficient, and high-precision operational structure for fiber-optic collimators and optical rotary joints, ensuring tight positional tolerances and optimized light propagation, suitable for multi-channel optical signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate has V grooves for receiving first light-guiding fibers in a first plane. Located between the V grooves of the first plane are recesses having further V grooves in a second plane
Implementation Method 2
Covers are provided for fixing the light-guiding fibers in the V grooves
Implementation Method 3
a fiber array has two rows of fibers that are disposed in mutually offset planes
Implementation Method 4
ensuring tight positional tolerances and optimized light propagation
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber array for receiving a plurality of light-guiding fibers has a substrate with V grooves for guiding light-guiding fibers. These are fixed inside the V grooves by covers. In order to achieve a better utilization of space, the light-guiding fibers are disposed in two planes. To this end, first fibers in V grooves are fixed on the surface of the substrate in one plane. Second fibers are fixed by V grooves in recesses between the first fibers in a second parallel plane. Here a processing of the substrate may be done without changing clamping or re-clamping of the substrate. Particularly small production tolerances can be achieved by this means.