Multi-core optical fiber with staggered cleaves for chip coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-core optical fibers face challenges in coupling with optical chips due to size mismatches between fiber cores and chip waveguides, leading to space inefficiencies and difficulties in connecting optical components, particularly in Silicon Photonics technology where high-density packing is desired.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core optical fiber design featuring staggered cleaves or kerfs that allow for adjustable spacing of light spots, enabling in-plane arrangement and tailored distances for coupling with optical devices, thereby facilitating reliable and space-saving connections to optical chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical fibers are used for each connection to optical devices, then reliable optical signal transmission is achieved, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate optical fibers are merged into a single multi-core optical fiber containing multiple cores, each capable of transmitting optical signals independently. This consolidation maintains the reliability of optical signal transmission while significantly reducing the space required compared to using separate fibers for each connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple cores, each capable of independent optical signal transmission. This multi-functional fiber replaces multiple single-function fibers, achieving the same communication reliability with reduced spatial footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-core optical fiber cores are spaced closely to maintain high density, then space efficiency is improved, but connection to optical components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate coupling structure is introduced between the multi-core optical fiber and the optical components. This intermediary includes spacing elements and alignment features that accommodate the close spacing of fiber cores while providing adequate separation and positioning for connection to larger optical components, thus bridging the gap between high-density fiber packaging and component connection requirements.
3Productivity
If optical cores are arranged in a compact configuration, then connection density increases, but mode field matching with chip waveguides becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure utilizes vertical dimension and angular orientation to achieve mode field matching. By arranging coupling surfaces at specific angles and positions in three-dimensional space, the system accommodates compact horizontal core spacing while maintaining proper mode field overlap with chip waveguides, thus resolving the conflict between connection density and manufacturing precision.
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 efficient communication of optical signals while maintaining the advantages of miniaturization in Silicon Photonics technology, providing a reliable and space-efficient coupling solution for multi-core optical fibers with optical chips.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the first cleave is configured to deflect the light transmitted in the first optical core such that the light is coupled out of the multi-core optical fiber at the surface of the first cleave
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-core optical fiber (100) comprises a plurality of optical cores (1, . . . , 8) to respectively transmit light and a plurality of cleaves (110a, 100b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h) extending from a surface (102) of the multi-core optical fiber (100) into the multi-core optical fiber. A first cleave (110a) comprises a surface (111a) to couple light out of the optical fiber, wherein a first optical core (1) ends at the surface (111a) of the first cleave (110a). An at least one second cleave (110b, . . . , 110h) comprises a surface (111b, . . . , 111h) to couple light out of the optical fiber, wherein at least one second optical core (2, . . . , 8) ends at the surface (111b, . . . , 111h) of the at least one second cleave (110b, . . . , 110h). The first and the at least one second cleave (110a, . . . , 110h) are staggered along the longitudinal axis (101) of the multi-core optical fiber (100).