Optical Fiber Cladding Reflection Surface for Coupling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication systems face high manufacturing costs and low coupling efficiency due to the use of rotatable micromirrors and inefficient light coupling into optical fibers, where a significant portion of the light beam is scattered or lost.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber structure with a core and cladding portion, featuring a light reflection surface inclined at 30 to 60 degrees and a flat light incident surface, allowing for improved light coupling by positioning the light source below the incident surface, which increases the coupling efficiency to over 80% and omits the need for a rotatable micromirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotatable micromirror is used to reflect light into the optical fiber, then light coupling can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotatable micromirror component entirely from the system. Instead of using an external micromirror to reflect light, the invention integrates the light reflection function directly into the optical fiber structure by forming an inclined light reflection surface on the cladding portion, thereby eliminating the need for separate moving mirror components and their associated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light reflection function with the optical fiber structure itself. The cladding portion is modified to include an inclined light reflection surface that performs the function previously required by a separate micromirror, merging multiple functions (light guidance and light reflection) into a single integrated component.
2Ease of manufacture
If the light source is disposed at the periphery of the optical fiber to face the side surface, then manufacturing is simplified, but coupling efficiency decreases to about 60% due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies a specific local region of the optical fiber (the cladding portion) to have special optical properties. By forming an inclined light reflection surface on the cladding portion and creating a notched structure, the local geometry is optimized to redirect light efficiently into the core, thereby improving coupling efficiency at the light source interface without requiring complex positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by creating an inclined surface (at 30-60 degrees) on the cladding portion rather than using a conventional flat end face or simple side-facing configuration. This angular geometry in a different spatial orientation enables more effective light redirection and coupling into the fiber core.
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 described optical fiber structure enhances light coupling efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs by ensuring that most of the light beam enters the fiber, while the absence of a rotatable micromirror lowers production expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The cladding portion includes a light reflection surface for reflecting the light beam emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber structure, an optical communication apparatus and a manufacturing process for manufacturing the same. The optical fiber structure includes a core portion and a cladding portion. The cladding portion encloses the core portion, and includes a light reflection surface and a light incident surface. The light reflection surface is inclined at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the core portion, and the light incident surface is substantially flat and is substantially parallel with the core portion.