Lens-Based Optical Connector for Multi-Core Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing physical-contact (PC) connection method for multi-core optical fibers requires precise polishing and significant compressive force, making it difficult to manage the difference in core protrusion and increasing the complexity as the number of cores increases, while also leading to back reflection issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector design featuring a lens structure with a central axis aligned with the optical waveguide's axis, where the light beam is output from a third end face inclined to the waveguide's axis, reducing the need for compressive force and minimizing back reflection by allowing a gap between the optical waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical-contact connection method is used for multi-core optical fibers, then optical connection can be achieved, but precise polishing and significant compressive force are required, increasing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens as an intermediary component between two optical waveguides. Instead of directly contacting the waveguide end faces, light is transmitted through the lens which bridges the gap. This mediator enables optical connection without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the need for precise polishing and compressive force application while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical-contact connection system with an optical transmission system using a lens. The mechanical compression and physical contact are substituted by optical focusing and light transmission through the lens, eliminating the need for mechanical force application and complex polishing procedures.
2Reliability
If physical-contact connection is implemented with multiple cores, then optical transmission is achieved, but the difference in core protrusion must be tightly controlled, increasing manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens acts as an intermediary that compensates for variations in core protrusion. By focusing light through the lens, the system can tolerate differences in core positions and protrusion amounts without compromising connection reliability, thereby relaxing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from direct physical contact to optical transmission through a lens. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate variations in core protrusion by adjusting optical focusing rather than requiring precise mechanical alignment, thus reducing manufacturing precision demands.
3Reliability
If compressive force is applied to achieve PC connection, then optical contact is established, but back reflection issues occur and connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression-based PC connection with an optical transmission system using a lens. This substitution eliminates the need for compressive force, thereby preventing the back reflection issues that arise from mechanical contact while establishing reliable optical connection through light focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens serves as an intermediary that prevents direct mechanical contact between waveguides, eliminating the source of back reflection. By transmitting light through the lens rather than relying on direct waveguide contact, the system avoids generating harmful back reflection while maintaining optical connection reliability.
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
This design allows for easy optical connection of multiple cores without compressive force, alleviates the need for precise polishing, and suppresses back reflection, enabling efficient connection of a large number of cores with reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens having a second end face and a third end face opposite to the second end face in the first direction, the first lens having an optical axis extending along the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The first optical waveguide and the first lens are arranged so that the central axis of the first optical waveguide coincides with the optical axis of the first lens
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector comprises a first optical waveguide including a plurality of cores each extending along a first direction, the first optical waveguide having a first end face, wherein the cores are arranged on the first end face at positions except a position of a central axis of the first optical waveguide, and a first lens having a second end face and a third end face in the first direction, the first lens having an optical axis extending along the first direction. The first optical waveguide and the first lens are arranged so that the central axis of the first optical waveguide coincides with the optical axis of the first lens. The second end face is positioned facing the first end face, and the third end face extends along a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the first optical waveguide.