Multicore Fiber End-Face Alignment for Low-Reflection Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting multi-core fibers with inclined end surfaces is challenging due to misalignment of core orientations, making it difficult to overlap cores effectively.
Innovation Solution
The multi-core fiber design includes end surfaces with specific inclination angles and orientations that allow for precise alignment and overlap of cores, ensuring efficient optical coupling when connecting two fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If end surfaces are inclined to reduce reflection, then reflection is reduced, but core alignment during connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the end surfaces with specific inclination directions that are not orthogonal to the core extending direction. This asymmetric inclination allows the end surfaces to reduce reflection while maintaining the ability to align cores during connection, resolving the contradiction between reducing reflection and maintaining alignment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-setting the inclination directions of the end surfaces during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration ensures that when two multi-core fibers are connected, the cores can be properly aligned without requiring complex adjustment, thus resolving the alignment difficulty while maintaining reflection reduction benefits.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If inclination directions of end surfaces are not set appropriately for connection, then reflection is reduced, but core overlap is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in the end surface inclination design to simultaneously achieve reflection reduction and reliable core overlap. The asymmetric inclination directions are specifically configured to allow proper core alignment while maintaining the reflection-reducing effect, thus resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the inclination angles and directions of the end surfaces. By carefully selecting specific parameter values for the inclination, the patent achieves both reflection reduction and reliable core overlap, resolving the contradiction between these competing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-core fiber having a first end surface and a second end surface includes a cladding and cores inside the cladding. The cores extend in a first extending direction at the first end surface and extend in a second extending direction at the second end surface. The first end surface is inclined in an inclination direction that is not orthogonal to the first extending direction. The second end surface is inclined in an inclination direction that is not orthogonal to the second extending direction. In a state of contact where the first end surface is in contact with the second end surface such that an angle made by the first extending direction and the second extending direction is minimized, each of the cores at the first end surface at least partially overlaps one of the cores at the second end surface.