2D Fiber Array Termination Using Compensating Wedge Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for terminating two-dimensional optical fiber arrays face challenges in achieving high return loss and efficient manufacturing, particularly in lens imaging applications, where angle termination is complex and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fiber ferrule with parallel channels and a polishing process to create a coplanar surface for the fiber ends, combined with a compensating wedge plate to minimize Fresnel reflections, allowing for high return loss and efficient termination of a 2D fiber array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If angle termination is used to reduce Fresnel reflection and improve return loss, then return rejection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase significantly for 2D fiber arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The termination process is segmented into two independent stages: first, all fiber ends are polished coplanar on a single plane; second, a separate compensating wedge plate is introduced to provide the necessary angle for reducing Fresnel reflection. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, avoiding the complexity of direct angle termination.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensating wedge plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the fiber array and the external environment. This wedge plate provides the angular compensation needed to reduce Fresnel reflection without requiring the fibers themselves to be angle-terminated, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high return loss performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If stepwise angle termination is implemented for 2D fiber arrays to achieve optimal imaging, then imaging performance is improved, but the fabrication process becomes extremely complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging optimization is separated from the fiber termination process. All fibers are terminated coplanar on a single plane, which is straightforward to manufacture. The compensating wedge plate is then used to provide the necessary angular compensation for optimal imaging performance, decoupling the manufacturing simplicity from the imaging optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex three-dimensional stepwise angle structures in the fiber array itself, the solution moves the angular compensation to a separate two-dimensional interface between the fiber array and the compensating wedge plate. This dimensional shift simplifies the fiber termination while maintaining imaging performance.
3Loss of energy
If anti-reflective coatings are applied to terminated fiber arrays to reduce insertion loss, then insertion loss is reduced, but achieving high return loss remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating wedge plate acts as an intermediary that specifically addresses return loss through angular compensation. This allows anti-reflective coatings to be applied for reducing insertion loss while the wedge plate simultaneously provides the angular mechanism needed to achieve high return loss, solving both problems independently.
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 achieves high return loss capabilities, reducing reflected signals and simplifying the manufacturing process, with return losses better than -60 dB, while maintaining optimal imaging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A uncoated optical fiber end suffers from an approximate four percent (4%) Fresnel reflection which then couples back into the fiber if the fiber is perpendicularly terminated
Implementation Method 2
affixing a glass plate to the polish surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for terminating a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a two-dimensional arrangement comprises inserting the plurality of optical fibers into and through a fiber ferrule, where the fiber ferrule has a plurality of parallel channels extending from an entry surface through to a polish surface; polishing the polish surface including an end of each of the plurality of optical fibers to form a coplanar surface at a polish angle relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the parallel channels; and affixing a glass plate to the polish surface.