Gapless Optical Mode Converter via Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mode converters require hermetically sealed packaging, increasing complexity and cost due to the need for a gap in the optical path, which complicates mode conversion and stability.
Innovation Solution
A gapless optical mode converter design that uses a fiber holder, glass blocks, and a silicon lens with epoxy resin adhesive to securely hold and align optical components without free space, allowing for non-hermetic packaging and improved mechanical and optical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an open path optical mode converter is used, then mode conversion can be performed, but hermetic sealing is required which increases packaging complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical path with the packaging structure by eliminating the air gap and directly coupling the lens to the waveguide through the substrate. This integration removes the need for hermetic sealing while maintaining optical path stability, thereby reducing packaging complexity without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air gap from the optical path, transitioning from an open-path design to a gapless design. By removing the free space that would require hermetic sealing, the system achieves both simplified packaging and maintained optical stability through direct physical coupling of components.
2Ease of operation
If a gap is included in the optical path, then optical mode conversion can be performed, but mechanical stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical mode conversion function directly into the substrate structure, eliminating the need for a separate air gap. The lens is positioned in direct contact with the waveguide through the substrate, maintaining mechanical stability while enabling mode conversion through the integrated optical path.
3Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented, then optical path stability is maintained, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for hermetic sealing by extracting the air gap from the optical path design. The gapless configuration allows the optical components to be directly coupled through the substrate, maintaining optical stability without the need for expensive hermetic packaging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an open path design is used, then mode conversion is enabled, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical mode conversion functionality directly into the substrate structure, merging the optical path with the packaging structure. This eliminates the need for complex hermetic sealing while preserving mode conversion capability, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables efficient mode conversion of optical light without the need for free space, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining performance, and allowing for active alignment with the SOI waveguide for enhanced stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first glass block coupled via an optical adhesive at a first side to the fiber holder, a lens coupled via the optical adhesive at a first side to a second side of the first glass block
Implementation Method 2
the lens is configured to reduce a mode of an optical light passed to the lens from the optical transmission line via the first glass block
Data Source
AI summary
A gapless optical mode converter comprising a fiber holder configured to receive and hold an optical transmission line, a first glass block coupled via an optical adhesive at a first side to the fiber holder, a lens coupled via the optical adhesive at a first side to a second side of the first glass block, and a holder configured to hold the fiber holder, the first glass block, and the lens.