Fiber Coupling Unit Using Glass Substrate and Trench Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling optical fibers to integrated optical waveguides in substrates require precise adjustment and are costly due to the use of silicon technology, making them industrially unfeasible and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A fiber coupling unit using a glass or polymer substrate with trench structures and mechanical connecting elements for passive mechanical adjustment, eliminating the need for silicon technology and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If silicon technology with trench structures is used for fiber coupling, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive silicon substrates with disposable glass substrates that have lower manufacturing costs. The glass substrates are used once for fiber coupling and then discarded, eliminating the need for costly silicon technology while achieving sufficient positioning precision through the coupling gel mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system of silicon trench structures with a chemical-physical system using coupling gel. The gel fills the gap between fiber and waveguide, providing self-alignment and positioning through its viscous properties rather than rigid mechanical constraints
2Ease of operation
If visual adjustment with markings is used for fiber coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning system where the coupling gel automatically positions the fiber relative to the waveguide through capillary action and viscous forces. The system serves itself by using the gel's physical properties to achieve precise alignment without requiring manual visual adjustment or external positioning tools
3Loss of time
If passive mechanical adjustment is implemented, then time consumption is reduced, but positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupling gel as an intermediary substance between the fiber and waveguide. This gel mediator enables passive mechanical adjustment by filling the gap and providing continuous contact, allowing time-efficient assembly while maintaining positioning precision through the gel's ability to conform to slight misalignments
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a fiber coupling unit for coupling optical fibers (8) to optical waveguides (2) integrated in a substrate (1). The fiber coupling unit has a contact surface (6) for resting on the surface of the substrate (1) with the integrated waveguides (2) and groove structures (7) for receiving optical fibers (8). The end faces of inserted fibers (8) and/or a raised structure at the edge of the contact surface (6) form a coupling or stop surface for the end face (3) of the substrate (1) with the integrated waveguides (2). At least one opening (11, 12) is provided in the contact surface (6), which is designed for the precise insertion or guidance of a mechanical connecting element (13) parallel to the contact surface (6) and perpendicular to the coupling or stop surface.Alternatively, the contact surface (6) can also be rigidly connected to a connecting element (13) projecting from the contact surface (6). With the proposed method and the proposed fiber coupling unit, whose coupling substrate is made of a glass or polymer material, the coupling of optical fibers to integrated waveguides can be implemented cost-effectively and with minimal effort.