Edge Coupler Mirror Assembly for Low-Loss Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently coupling light between silicon photonic waveguides and optical fibers due to optical mode size mismatch, particularly in edge couplers, limits the compatibility and performance of silicon photonics in high-bandwidth applications.
Innovation Solution
An edge coupler beam deflection system comprising a fixed piece with a first curved mirror and a detachable piece with a second curved mirror, both made of glass and coated with metal for collimation and refocusing, allowing light to be deflected from a horizontal to a vertical path, facilitating alignment and attachment with a multi-channel fiber array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If direct coupling between silicon photonic waveguides and optical fibers is used, then the structure is simple, but optical mode size mismatch causes high coupling loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam deflection system with mirrors as an intermediary component between the silicon photonic waveguide and optical fibers. This mediator transforms the optical path from horizontal to vertical, enabling mode field matching and reducing coupling loss without requiring complex direct interface design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling dimension by deflecting the optical beam from horizontal propagation in the waveguide to vertical propagation toward the fiber array. This dimensional transformation allows the use of standard fiber arrays while achieving efficient coupling that would be difficult in the original horizontal plane
2Reliability
If edge coupler alignment is performed without beam deflection, then the alignment process is straightforward, but mechanical and angular tolerances cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the optical path by 90 degrees using mirror deflection. This parameter change decouples the alignment sensitivity from the original waveguide-fiber interface geometry, allowing standard mechanical tolerances to be accommodated while maintaining coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The beam deflection system acts as an intermediary that isolates the waveguide from the fiber array, allowing each component to be positioned within standard tolerances while the intermediary compensates for misalignments through its optical path transformation capability
3Loss of energy
If complex alignment procedures are used to achieve low coupling loss, then coupling efficiency improves, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam deflection system is pre-configured with fixed mirrors at specific angles during manufacturing. This preliminary action establishes the optimal optical path geometry before assembly, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment procedures and reducing assembly time while maintaining low coupling loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a fixed optical deflection system. Instead of using adjustable mechanical components to achieve precise alignment, the system uses predetermined mirror angles to automatically establish the correct optical path, significantly simplifying the assembly process
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 high-efficiency, low-loss optical coupling between photonic integrated circuits and fibers, supporting high-bandwidth applications by accommodating mechanical and angular tolerances, and simplifying assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror to receive a light beam from the PIC and deflect the light beam in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror to receive the light beam deflected in the first direction and deflect the light beam deflected in the first direction toward a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe a system including a first optical device disposed adjacent a photonics integrated circuit (PIC), wherein the first optical device includes a first mirror to receive a light beam from the PIC and deflect the light beam in a first direction, a second optical device including a second mirror to receive the light beam deflected in the first direction and deflect the light beam deflected in the first direction toward a second direction, and a multi-channel fiber array to receive the light beam deflected in the second direction.