Optical Adaptor Alignment via Monolithic Reference Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coupling technologies face challenges in achieving high efficiency due to positioning errors between photonic chips and optical elements, leading to sub-optimal coupling and optical loss.
Innovation Solution
An optical adaptor with monolithically integrated optical elements and micro-mechanical features defining horizontal and vertical reference surfaces is used to align with photonic chip waveguides, ensuring precise contact and alignment for improved coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical coupling methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but positioning errors occur leading to sub-optimal coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third vertical dimension for alignment by providing both a horizontal reference surface (for lateral positioning) and a vertical reference surface (for vertical positioning). This multi-dimensional reference surface approach enables precise 3D alignment between optical components, resolving the positioning errors that plague conventional 2D alignment methods while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surfaces are fabricated as integral parts of the photonic chip and optical component structures during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring post-fabrication alignment adjustments. This preliminary establishment of precise geometric references enables high coupling efficiency to be achieved through design and fabrication rather than through complex assembly procedures.
2Measurement precision
If positioning accuracy is improved through multiple reference surfaces, then coupling efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reference surface functions (horizontal positioning reference and vertical positioning reference) into a single integrated structure that is fabricated together with the optical components. This merging of alignment references and functional structures into unified monolithic components achieves high positioning accuracy while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of separate alignment fixtures or multi-step assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic chip and optical components are designed to self-align through their integrated reference surfaces during the fabrication process itself. The structures automatically establish precise geometric relationships through the inherent properties of the reference surfaces, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex manufacturing interventions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an optical adaptor having monolithically integrated optical elements and first micro-mechanical features, the latter defining at least a first horizontal reference surface and a first vertical reference surface; wherein the first horizontal reference surface is perpendicular to an optical plane, the latter being perpendicular the optical axis of the optical elements; and wherein the first vertical reference surface is perpendicular to the first horizontal reference surface and parallel to the optical axis.