Monolithic Optical Fiber Positioning with Passive Alignment Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient alignment and bonding of optical fibers with sub-micron accuracy to optical components and photonic chips is complex and time-consuming, affecting coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber positioning apparatus with monolithic fiber alignment structures and complementary alignment features, formed using laser processing, allows for passive alignment and predictable positioning of optical fibers relative to optical components and photonic chips, enhancing coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each optical fiber is located and bonded in a corresponding fiber alignment structure with sub-micron alignment accuracy, then coupling efficiency between optical fibers and optical components is improved, but the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs passive alignment features that enable self-alignment between the apparatus and separate members (optical components or photonic chips). The complementary alignment features automatically guide the positioning without requiring complex active alignment procedures, allowing the system to self-correct and achieve accurate positioning through mechanical complementarity of the groove and ridge structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-formed in the monolithic block during the same laser processing procedure that creates the fiber alignment structures. This preliminary formation of complementary alignment features eliminates the need for subsequent complex alignment operations, as the alignment capability is built into the apparatus structure before use.
2Reliability
If sub-micron alignment accuracy is achieved between optical fibers and optical components, then coupling efficiency is improved, but the bonding process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The passive alignment mechanism enables the apparatus to self-position relative to separate members through complementary alignment features. This self-alignment capability eliminates time-consuming active adjustment and bonding procedures, allowing rapid positioning and bonding while maintaining sub-micron accuracy through the mechanical complementarity of the groove and ridge structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser processing is used to form fiber alignment structures and apparatus alignment features, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines the formation of fiber alignment structures and apparatus alignment features into a single laser processing procedure. By merging these two manufacturing steps, the patent achieves high manufacturing precision for both feature types while reducing total processing time compared to sequential fabrication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-formed in the monolithic block during the same laser processing procedure that creates the fiber alignment structures. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for separate processing steps, thereby maintaining high precision while improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
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 apparatus facilitates accurate and efficient alignment of optical fibers, improving optical coupling by ensuring precise positioning and reducing the complexity of the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
formation of the one or more fiber alignment structures comprises using a laser processing procedure to ablate the material
Implementation Method 2
formation of the one or more fiber alignment structures comprises using a laser processing procedure to modify the material and removing the modified material, for example by etching
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for positioning one or more optical fibers relative to the apparatus, comprises a body comprising a monolithic block of material, one or more fiber alignment structures formed in the material of the monolithic block, each fiber alignment structure comprising a groove configured to accommodate a corresponding optical fiber, and one or more apparatus alignment features formed in the material of the monolithic block, wherein the one or more apparatus alignment features are additional to the one or more fiber alignment structures and wherein the one or more apparatus alignment features have a known spatial relationship relative to the one or more fiber alignment structures. The one or more apparatus alignment features may enable passive alignment of the apparatus relative to a member which is separate from the apparatus such as an optical component and/or a photonic chip. When one or more optical fibers are located and/or secured in one or more corresponding fiber alignment structures of the apparatus, the one or more apparatus alignment features may also enable passive alignment of the one or more optical fibers relative to the member.