Oblique Fiber Coupling in Optical Network Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical network devices have high manufacturing costs due to multiple mechanical structures and poor coupling efficiency for optical signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
An optical network device design featuring a substrate, photonic integrated circuit, fiber, and packaging cap that aligns the fiber with the photonic integrated circuit at an oblique angle, using a packaging cap to fix the fiber and improve coupling efficiency through an inverse design structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical structures (screws, ferrules) are used to fix the transmission optical path, then the fiber can be aligned with the photonic integrated circuit, but the manufacturing cost and time cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mechanical structures (screws, ferrules, adjustable mounts) from the optical packaging system. Instead, it uses a monolithic substrate with integrated waveguide channels that directly guide light from the fiber to the photonic integrated circuit, eliminating the need for separate mechanical alignment components while maintaining precise optical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of fiber fixation, optical path guidance, and circuit board mounting into a single integrated substrate structure. The substrate integrates waveguide channels, fiber positioning features, and PIC mounting structures, reducing the number of separate mechanical parts and simplifying the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical structures are used for fiber alignment, then the optical path can be fixed, but the coupling efficiency for receiving and transmitting optical signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs waveguide channels with specific local geometric features (width, height, curvature) that are optimized for particular functions: some sections are designed for efficient light coupling from the fiber, while other sections are optimized for coupling to the photonic integrated circuit. This local optimization of waveguide geometry maximizes coupling efficiency at each interface while maintaining overall optical path stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oblique angle coupling between the fiber and the photonic integrated circuit rather than traditional perpendicular alignment. This parameter change in the coupling geometry, combined with specifically designed waveguide channel angles, improves the numerical aperture matching and reduces reflection losses, thereby enhancing overall coupling efficiency while maintaining reliable optical path fixation
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
Reduces manufacturing costs and enhances optical signal coupling efficiency, achieving higher than 74% for one optical signal and 54% for another, surpassing industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
an oblique angle is formed between a normal vector of a plane where the photonic integrated circuit is located and a direction in which the fiber extends. The photonic integrated circuit is configured to receive the second optical signal according to the oblique angle. The photonic integrated circuit is configured to couple the first optical signal to the fiber according to the oblique angle.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical network device includes a substrate, a photonic integrated circuit, a fiber, and a packaging cap. Photonic integrated circuit is disposed on substrate. Fiber is configured to receive a first optical signal and transmit a second optical signal. A first wavelength of first optical signal is different from a second wavelength of second optical signal. Packaging cap is configured to combine fiber with substrate, and is configured to cover photonic integrated circuit and fix fiber, so as to align fiber with photonic integrated circuit, so that an oblique angle is formed between a normal vector of a plane where photonic integrated circuit is located and a direction in which fiber extends. Photonic integrated circuit is configured to receive second optical signal according to oblique angle. Photonic integrated circuit is configured to couple first optical signal to fiber according to oblique angle.