GRIN Lens Assembly for PIC Fiber Alignment and Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between optical fibers and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) leads to signal loss and degradation due to divergence of photonic signals during transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a lens assembly, specifically a gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens, to focus and align photonic signals between the PIC and optical fibers, enhancing signal integrity and transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical fiber is directly coupled with edge coupler of PIC, then device complexity is reduced, but misalignment occurs leading to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
A gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the PIC edge coupler. The GRIN lens serves as a mediator that focuses and aligns the photonic signal, enabling reliable coupling without direct mechanical alignment between the fiber and coupler, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and reliable signal transmission.
2Length of moving object
If photonic signal is transmitted directly between PIC and optical fiber, then transmission distance is short, but signal divergence causes degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The GRIN lens acts as an optical intermediary that focuses the diverging photonic signal between the PIC and optical fiber. By introducing this focusing element, the signal can travel longer distances without degradation, as the lens continuously refocuses the expanding wavefront, thereby extending transmission distance while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The GRIN lens utilizes a gradient refractive index profile where the refractive index varies continuously from the center to the periphery of the lens. This parameter change in the optical path allows the lens to focus light rays without spherical aberration, enabling extended signal transmission with maintained quality over longer distances.
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
The GRIN lens improves signal alignment and reduces loss by extending the distance the signal can travel before degradation, maintaining signal integrity and enhancing overall device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The lens assembly includes a gradient refractive index lens
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device may include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) coupled with a substrate. The PIC may communicate a photonic signal with one or more optical fibers. The PIC may process the photonic signal into an electronic signal. The electronic device may include an electronic integrated circuit (EIC) coupled with the substrate. The EIC may communicate with the PIC. The EIC may transmit the electronic signal to the PIC. The EIC may receive the electronic signal from the PIC. The electronic device may include a lens assembly. The lens assembly may include at least one gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens.