Multi-Core Fiber Rotational Alignment in Short-Haul Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for rotational alignment of multi-core optical fibers in short-haul optical wiring require high manufacturing accuracy and are not suitable for short-haul applications due to the need for a specific distance between connectors to accommodate the grasp rotation jig.
Innovation Solution
An optical module manufacturing method that involves arranging the multi-core optical fiber with one end projecting from a connection component, identifying core array positions from the side face of the projecting part, and using a grasp rotation jig to align the cores with predetermined positions, followed by fixation to the connection components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grasp rotation jig method is used for rotational alignment, then rotational alignment can be performed, but the distance between connectors must be not less than the length required to interpose the grasp rotation jig, making it unsuitable for short-haul optical wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotational alignment function from the space between connectors and relocates it to the connection component itself. The grasp rotation jig is positioned at the connection component rather than requiring space between connectors, allowing the alignment operation to be performed at the endpoint where the MCF protrudes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces the MCF protrusion as an intermediary element that extends from the connection component. This protrusion serves as a handle for the grasp rotation jig, enabling rotational alignment without requiring direct access to the MCF between connectors. The protrusion mediates between the connection component and the alignment tool.
2Measurement precision
If flat portion method is used for rotational alignment, then rotational alignment accuracy is improved, but extremely high manufacturing accuracy of relative positions between flat portion and cores is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the connection component to serve its own alignment function. The grasp rotation jig operates on the MCF protrusion that extends from the connection component, allowing the connection component to provide both the structural support and the alignment reference without requiring additional high-precision manufacturing features like flat portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the alignment parameter from relying on the relative position between flat portion and cores (requiring extremely high manufacturing accuracy) to relying on the position of the MCF protrusion relative to the connection component (which can be manufactured with standard precision). This parameter change reduces the manufacturing precision requirement while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment relates to a method for manufacturing an optical module having an MCF and two connection components, and enables rotational alignment of the MCF to be implemented with high accuracy even in short-haul optical wiring. The MCF is arranged in a region between the two connection components while an end thereof projects from one connection component. As this arrangement state is maintained, array positions of cores in the projecting end are observed from a side face and the MCF is rotationally aligned by a rotation grasp jig grasping the projecting end to adjust the array positions of the cores, based on the observation result.