GRIN Lens Array Optical Connection for Reduced Waveguide Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
To reduce waveguide spacing in optical circuits for miniaturization and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining connectivity with single-mode fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection apparatus comprising a prism, a two-dimensional gradient index (GRIN) lens array, and a two-dimensional fiber array, where the GRIN lenses condense beams and the spacer ensures symmetric optical path lengths, allowing for reduced waveguide spacing without compromising connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If waveguide spacing is reduced to miniaturize optical circuits, then chip size and cost are improved, but connectivity with single-mode fibers deteriorates because the spacing becomes smaller than the fiber outer diameter
Solution Approach 1:
A GRIN lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical circuit and single-mode fibers. The GRIN lenses condense diverging light beams from closely spaced waveguides and redirect them to match the numerical aperture and positioning requirements of single-mode fibers, enabling connectivity despite reduced waveguide spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The numerical aperture of the GRIN lenses is specifically optimized to transform the light distribution from the compact waveguide array. By adjusting the lens parameters (focal length, aperture size, GRIN profile), the system adapts the optical parameters to bridge the gap between reduced waveguide spacing and standard fiber dimensions
2Ease of manufacture
If waveguide spacing is reduced to economize production, then manufacturing cost is improved, but optical alignment precision deteriorates making fiber connection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lens array provides self-aligning functionality through its optical properties. The lenses automatically focus and steer light beams from adjacent waveguides to corresponding fiber positions, compensating for minor misalignments and reducing the precision requirements for manual assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The GRIN lens array serves as a buffer zone that decouples the tight waveguide spacing from the larger fiber pitch requirements. This intermediary structure absorbs alignment tolerances and simplifies the connection process between the compact optical circuit and standard fibers
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 the reduction of waveguide spacing in optical circuits, enhancing miniaturization and reducing crosstalk between optical fibers while maintaining efficient beam transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a prism that extracts N×M beams of outgoing light from an optical circuit
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional gradient index (GRIN) lens array of N×M GRIN lenses that condense each of the beams extracted by the prism
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection apparatus comprising a prism that extracts N×M beams of outgoing light from an optical circuit, a two-dimensional GRIN lens array of N×M GRIN lenses, a spacer, having a thickness according to the optical path length in the prism, that transmits N×M outgoing beams from the two-dimensional GRIN lens array, and a two-dimensional fiber array that causes the N×M beams to be incident on optical fibers, the ends of optical fibers being disposed at the focal point of each of the beams transmitted through the spacer.