Multi-faceted Mirror Optical Fiber Interconnect for Signal Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic devices with V-groove end face mirrors suffer from non-optimal signal transmission due to significant light reflection away from the optical fiber axis, resulting in inefficient signal transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
The interconnect device features a multi-faceted mirror on the optical fiber endface, precision-etched to optimize light reflection and alignment within a silicon substrate's V-groove, allowing for passive alignment and improved light transmission by using a VCSEL or LED light source perpendicular to the fiber, which is reflected through the multi-faceted mirror and transmitted effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional V-groove end face mirror is used to launch light into the optical fiber, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but much of the light is reflected away from the axis of the optical fiber resulting in non-optimal signal transmission performance
Solution Approach 1:
The end face mirror is segmented into multiple facets (typically 8-12 facets) arranged in a circular pattern around the optical fiber axis. Each facet is angled to reflect light from the VCSEL source onto the fiber core, distributing the reflection function across multiple smaller surfaces rather than using a single large mirror, thereby improving light coupling efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror structure transitions from a conventional planar or simple curved surface to a three-dimensional array of facets arranged in a circular pattern. This dimensional arrangement allows light from a vertically mounted VCSEL to be reflected by multiple facets at different angular positions, all converging onto the fiber core, thus solving the light reflection direction problem while keeping the device compact
2Reliability
If the V-channel end face is metalized to create a mirror at a precise angle of 54.7 degrees from the reference surface, then the mirror can reflect light, but light is reflected off the channel end face mirror through the optical fiber at approximately -9.3 degrees from the reference surface causing non-optimal signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-faceted mirror structure is designed to be self-aligning with the optical fiber. The facets are arranged such that their combined reflection geometry automatically directs light onto the fiber core when the fiber is positioned in the V-groove, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms or precision adjustment procedures during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single mirror surface at a fixed 54.7-degree angle, the invention changes the mirror geometry to multiple facets with different angular orientations. The facet angles are specifically designed so that light reflected from various facets converges onto the fiber core, transforming the reflection parameter from a single fixed angle to a distributed angular pattern that optimizes light coupling
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 configuration enhances signal transmission efficiency by ensuring that light is reflected and transmitted along the optical fiber axis, improving the overall performance of the fiber optic system with stable and precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The V-channel end face mirror reflects the light through an end of the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An interconnect device (10) includes a substrate (22) having at least one groove (22) formed therein. The groove includes a first and second sidewall (42, 44) and a first end (54) disposed at an end of the sidewalls. The device also includes an optical fiber (30) disposed in the groove (22), and the optical fiber has a cylindrical body (112), an endface (114) formed on an end of the cylindrical body, and a multi-faceted mirror (110) formed on the endface. The device further has a light source (40) adapted to transmit light to the multifaceted mirror (110) to launch light through the optical fiber (30).