Multicore Fiber Optical Coupler with Planar Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical couplers for multi-core fibers to individual fibers face challenges in achieving precise alignment and efficient optical signal transfer due to the 90° deflection requirement, which complicates the connection process and may lead to suboptimal optical quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupler design that embeds a multi-core fiber into a carrier with V-grooves, using planar waveguide technology to align individual cores with waveguides on carrier elements, allowing for precise alignment and connection of multiple groups of cores along straight lines, with beveled surfaces to minimize reflections and optimize optical transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If planar waveguide technology is used to connect multi-core fiber, then optical quality is improved, but 90° deflection is required which complicates the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar 2D waveguide arrangement to a 3D multilayer structure, allowing waveguides to be positioned at different heights and depths. This enables direct alignment with multi-core fiber cores without requiring 90° deflection, while maintaining the optical quality benefits of planar waveguide technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple carrier elements with waveguides at different levels within a single connector carrier. The waveguides are nested at various depths and heights, allowing simultaneous connection to multiple cores of the multi-core fiber in a compact integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If individual cores are aligned with waveguides on planar substrate, then alignment precision is improved, but all waveguides must lie in single plane which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimension by positioning waveguides at different heights on carrier elements. This allows precise alignment with cores that are distributed in three-dimensional space, while maintaining the precision benefits of structured waveguide positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the waveguide system into multiple separate carrier elements, each carrying a subset of waveguides at specific positions. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of waveguides across multiple carriers while maintaining precise alignment for each individual connection.
3Area of stationary object
If multicore fiber is flared to increase pitch between cores, then connection area spacing is improved, but fiber structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of flaring the fiber laterally to increase spacing, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning carrier elements at different heights. This allows adequate spacing between cores to be achieved through vertical separation rather than lateral expansion, avoiding the need to flare the fiber.
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
Enables efficient and precise optical coupling of multi-core fibers to individual fibers, maintaining high optical quality by aligning cores with waveguides on planar carrier elements, reducing reflections, and accommodating different core spacings for seamless integration with standard optical components.
Implementation Method 1
waveguides embedded within it. The waveguides run along a line at a terminal end
Implementation Method 2
with beveled surfaces to minimize reflections and optimize optical transition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5
Figure 6~7C
AI summary
The optical coupler (6) is used to optically couple a multicore fiber (2) with multiple optical cores (10) to multiple individual fibers (4) and comprises a support (16) in which the multicore fiber (2) is embedded, said cores (10) exiting at a polished end surface (18). The cores (10) are assembled into groups along lines (34A, B, C), and each group is oriented along a line (34A, B, C). Waveguides (30) of multiple planar support elements (22A, B, C), said waveguides being introduced into the surface (28) of the support elements, are connected to the end surface (18), each group of cores (10) being coupled into a support element (22A, B, C). In this manner, the multicore fiber (2) can be coupled to individual fibers (4) using planar waveguide technology.