Multi-Channel Laser Coupling to Multicore Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of optical channels in optical devices requires larger packaging sizes and reduced channel density due to the use of single-channel optical fibers, which can be costly and inefficient, especially when trying to couple with multicore fibers that have a small pitch between optical cores.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a multi-channel laser die and a multicore optical fiber, where the laser die is aligned with a single lens to optically couple all optical cores, allowing for rotational alignment of the multicore fiber to match the planar arrangement of the laser channels, thereby reducing material and process costs and increasing packaging density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-channel optical fibers are used for multiple optical channels, then each channel can be independently managed, but the fiber management volume increases and channel density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-channel fibers into a single multicore fiber that carries multiple optical channels simultaneously. The multicore fiber integrates multiple cores within a single fiber structure, allowing multiple channels to share the same fiber management space while maintaining independent optical paths for each channel.
2Ease of operation
If single-channel optical fibers are used for multiple optical channels, then each channel can be independently managed, but the packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple channel management functions into a single packaging structure by using a multicore fiber instead of multiple separate single-channel fibers. This reduces the number of individual fiber management elements required in the packaging, thereby reducing the overall packaging volume.
3Reliability
If photonic light-wave circuits are used to couple with multicore fiber, then optical coupling is achieved, but material and process costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, cost-effective optical coupling elements such as lens arrays or grating structures that can be manufactured using conventional optical manufacturing processes. These elements replace expensive photonic light-wave circuits while achieving the required optical coupling between the laser die and multicore fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical coupling elements (such as lens arrays or grating structures) between the laser die and the multicore fiber. These intermediaries facilitate the optical coupling process using simple, cost-effective components rather than requiring complex and expensive photonic light-wave circuits.
4Quantity of substance
If the pitch between optical cores in multicore fiber is reduced, then fiber count in packaging decreases, but coupling with laser channels becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the alignment challenge by introducing angular alignment capability. Instead of only considering positional alignment in the lateral dimension, the system allows rotation of the multicore fiber around the optical axis, enabling the pitch between cores to be matched with the laser channel spacing through rotational adjustment in addition to translational positioning.
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 approach enables efficient optical coupling of multiple channels with a single lens, allowing for shared components and eliminating the need for minimum free space channels, thus reducing material and process costs while maintaining suitable optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
aligning a single lens to the facet, and aligning a multicore optical fiber to the laser die through the single lens
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein include a method including arranging a laser die on a substrate. The laser die has multiple channels that are arranged with a first planar arrangement proximate to a facet of the laser die. The substrate is arranged on a housing component. The method further includes aligning a single lens to the facet, and aligning a multicore optical fiber to the laser die through the single lens. The multicore optical fiber has a plurality of optical cores that are arranged with a second planar arrangement. Aligning the multicore optical fiber to the laser die includes attaching the multicore optical fiber to the housing component and rotationally aligning the multicore optical fiber to align the second planar arrangement with the first planar arrangement.