Evanescent-Wave Coupling for Optical Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting optical fibers, particularly photonic crystal fibers, face challenges in achieving high coupling efficiency without requiring special alignment and are prone to contamination or damage from physical contact.
Innovation Solution
The use of evanescent-wave coupling between a lensed facet and a tapered facet of photonic crystal fibers, allowing for high coupling efficiency (>90%) without physical contact, reduces alignment sensitivity and minimizes risk of contamination or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact connection methods are used for optical fibers, then alignment can be achieved, but contamination or damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evanescent field coupling mechanism between two optical fibers, where the electromagnetic field extends through a small gap without direct physical contact. This intermediary field allows energy transfer while preventing harmful physical interactions such as contamination and damage that would occur with direct contact methods.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling methods are used, then optical coupling can be established, but precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an electromagnetic field-based coupling system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning and physical contact between fiber ends, the invention uses evanescent field coupling where the electromagnetic field naturally extends across a small gap, making the system less sensitive to alignment tolerances and eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If direct physical contact is made between fiber ends, then coupling efficiency can be achieved, but the risk of contamination and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evanescent field coupling mechanism between two optical fibers, where the electromagnetic field extends through a small gap without direct physical contact. This intermediary field allows energy transfer while preventing harmful physical interactions such as contamination and damage that would occur with direct contact methods.
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 method enables stable and efficient optical coupling between photonic crystal fibers, maintaining high coupling efficiency across selected wavelengths while avoiding the need for precise alignment and minimizing risks associated with physical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the tapered facet and lensed facet spaced from each other so as to establish evanescent-wave coupling between the first component and the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a first component having a lensed facet; and a second component optically coupled to the first component, the second component having a tapered facet, the tapered facet and lensed facet spaced from each other so as to establish evanescent-wave coupling between the first component and the second component.