Fiber Coupling Device with On-Chip Alignment Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber coupling devices face challenges in achieving precise alignment between optical fibers and optoelectronic/photonic chips, especially with smaller active area dimensions, leading to signal loss and increased alignment costs, particularly at high data transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second fiber coupling element mounted directly on the optoelectronic or photonic chip, which guides the fiber end-piece into the optimal position relative to the active element, compensating for misalignments and ensuring maximum coupling efficiency by eliminating lateral offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the active area dimensions are reduced to increase signal transmission rates, then the data transmission rate is improved, but the alignment precision requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A second fiber coupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the active element. This mediator guides the fiber end-piece into the optimal position relative to the active element, compensating for misalignments and eliminating lateral offsets, thereby enabling high-precision alignment even with reduced active area dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The second fiber coupling element performs preliminary alignment of the fiber end-piece before final coupling to the active element. By pre-positioning the fiber in the correct lateral alignment, the system prepares the optimal coupling condition in advance, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
2Device complexity
If conventional fiber coupling elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment process is time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The second fiber coupling element enables self-alignment of the fiber end-piece to the active element. The fiber automatically finds its optimal position through the guiding action of the second coupling element, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures while adding only minimal structural complexity
3Productivity
If the active area dimensions are reduced, then the signal transmission rate increases, but the coupling efficiency decreases due to increased sensitivity to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The second fiber coupling element acts as a mediator that compensates for the increased sensitivity to misalignment caused by reduced active area dimensions. It guides the fiber end-piece into precise alignment, minimizing lateral offsets and ensuring maximum coupling efficiency even when the active area is smaller than the fiber core cross-section
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the alignment parameters by introducing a second coupling element that modifies the lateral position of the fiber end-piece. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal alignment conditions are achieved, maintaining high coupling efficiency despite the reduced active area dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber coupling device comprising a mounting substrate, at least one optoelectronic and/or photonic chip and at least one first fiber coupling element for coupling an optical fiber to the fiber coupling device is disclosed. The optoelectronic and/or photonic chip has a main surface and comprises an optoelectronic and/or photonic active element couplable to a fiber end-piece of a respective optical fiber. The fiber coupling device further comprises at least one second fiber coupling element which is designed to contact and/or engage with a fiber end-piece of an optical fiber and which is mounted to the main surface of the at least one optoelectronic and/or photonic chip in a position aligned relative to the active element.