Multi-core Fiber Optical Coupling Lens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceivers are bulky, complex, and expensive, with inefficient coupling of light between multi-core optical fibers and optoelectronic devices due to mismatched numerical apertures and offset sources, leading to reduced optical coupling efficiency and potential cross-talk.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical coupling system using a lens array unit with field and collimating lenses to redirect light rays towards the center of the optical path, matching light rays between multi-core optical fibers and optoelectronic devices, and incorporating dual-sided lenses to maintain telecentricity and reduce aberration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long focal length dual lens optical coupling arrangement is used to couple light between single core optical fibers, then the core from one fiber can be successfully imaged to another fiber, but when multi-core fiber is used, the offset cores cause light to miss portions of the collimating lens, leading to light loss and potential cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical coupling system into multiple independent lens elements, each dedicated to coupling light from a specific core to its corresponding fiber. This segmentation prevents cross-talk by isolating the optical paths of adjacent cores, while maintaining high coupling efficiency for each individual core-to-fiber connection.
2Ease of operation
If a short focal length dual lens optical coupling arrangement is used, then light from offset sources does not miss the collimating lens, but it is difficult to focus light into the multi-core fiber due to offset sources, requiring tight lens manufacturing tolerances and critical alignment tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a field lens as an intermediary element positioned between the offset source and the collimating lens. This field lens redirects the off-axis light rays from the offset source to pass through the center of the collimating lens, eliminating the need for tight alignment tolerances while maintaining ease of operation and reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the VCSEL NA is greater than the typical NA of a multi-mode fiber, then the VCSEL can emit light with higher intensity, but the mismatch in NAs causes the VCSEL to overfill the fiber NA, leading to coupling loss and lower overall optical coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a field lens to change the angular distribution parameter of the light rays emitted by the VCSEL. By redirecting the high-NA light rays to pass through the center of the collimating lens, the field lens effectively transforms the divergent high-NA beam into a lower-NA beam that matches the fiber acceptance angle, thereby reducing coupling loss while preserving light emission intensity.
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 solution improves optical coupling performance, reduces the number of transceivers needed, and maintains or reduces the transceiver's package size and cost, while enhancing data transmission efficiency and minimizing cross-talk.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array unit with field and collimating lenses to redirect light rays towards the center of the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupling system includes a first unit including a source of light or a first multi-core optical fiber, each of the source and the first multi-core optical fiber including at least a first aperture, a second unit including a second multi-core optical fiber including at least a second aperture corresponding to the first aperture of the first unit, and a lens array unit redirecting light between the first unit and the second unit, the lens array unit substantially matching light rays transmitted or received between the first aperture of the first unit and the corresponding second aperture of the second unit.