Fiber Coupling Device with Alignment Substrate for Ball Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber coupling devices face challenges in precisely and efficiently aligning optical fibers with thickened ball lens end-pieces to opto-electronic or photonic integrated elements, particularly at high data rates, requiring improved methods for accurate, cost-effective, and large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A fiber coupling device with a fiber end-piece alignment substrate that supports the convex exit and entrance surfaces of thickened fiber end-pieces, using through-holes or recesses to align and secure the fiber end-pieces relative to the integrated elements, enabling precise positioning and passive alignment without the need for extensive gluing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber end-pieces with ball lens geometry are used, then coupling efficiency and signal transmission are improved, but alignment precision and positioning accuracy become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment substrate as an intermediary component between the fiber end-piece and the opto-electronic chip. This substrate provides a stable mounting platform with precisely positioned recesses that guide the fiber end-piece into correct alignment, mediating the coupling between the two components while maintaining high alignment precision despite the complex ball lens geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment substrate is prepared in advance with precisely formed recesses that match the ball lens geometry. These recesses are created before fiber mounting, establishing predetermined alignment positions that guide the fiber end-piece into correct positioning, thereby performing the alignment action preliminarily rather than during the coupling process
2Reliability
If active alignment techniques are used, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment substrate with its precisely formed recesses enables the fiber end-piece to self-align during mounting. The recesses physically guide the ball lens into the correct position without requiring external active alignment equipment or procedures, allowing the system to achieve high coupling efficiency through passive self-alignment rather than active adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the coupling procedure itself and embeds it into the alignment substrate structure. By incorporating precise recesses into the substrate, the alignment capability is separated from the mounting process, eliminating the need for complex active alignment procedures while maintaining high coupling efficiency
3Stability of the object's composition
If extensive gluing procedures are used, then fiber securing is improved, but production time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment substrate is prepared in advance with recesses that provide mechanical retention for the fiber end-piece. This preliminary structuring of the mounting platform eliminates the need for extensive gluing procedures during assembly, as the recesses themselves provide sufficient securing through precise geometric fit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (gluing) with a mechanical retention system based on precisely fitted recesses. The geometric interlocking between the recesses and fiber end-piece provides stable securing without requiring adhesive materials or complex gluing procedures, thereby improving production efficiency
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 solution enhances the precision and efficiency of optical coupling, ensuring maximum light transmission and signal integrity at high data rates while reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A surface portion of such a thickened fiber end-piece finally used as a lens surface for focusing or collimating a beam of radiation passing it
Implementation Method 2
Such an inclined surface serves as a reflection surface for deflecting the direction of propagation of radiation inside the fiber end-piece by about 90°
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber coupling device for coupling of at least one optical fiber is disclosed. The fiber coupling device comprises at least one opto-electronic and/or photonic chip comprising at least one opto-electronic and/or photonic integrated element capable of emitting and/or detecting electromagnetic radiation. The fiber coupling device is configured for coupling the at least one opto-electronic and/or photonic integrated element to at least one fiber end-piece of an optical fiber having a reflection surface and a convex exit and/or entrance surface. The fiber coupling device further comprises a fiber end-piece alignment substrate configured for locally contacting and thereby supporting at least one convex exit and/or entrance surface of at least one fiber end-piece in an aligned position relative to the at least one opto-electronic and/or photonic integrated element.