Optical Connection Structure with Intermediary Adhesive Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical connection structures between silicon photonics waveguides and optical fibers face inefficiencies due to manufacturing errors, leading to divergence from ideal plane waves and reduced coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection structure is introduced, featuring multiple adhesive layers and a lens structure on the interface between them, which approximates the mode field distribution of light to a plane wave, reducing radiation and enhancing coupling efficiency by optimizing refractive indices and structural parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tapered structure is formed in the Si waveguide to match mode fields, then coupling efficiency between Si waveguide and optical fiber is improved, but manufacturing errors cause divergence from ideal plane wave and reduce coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer with optimized refractive index is introduced as an intermediary medium between the Si waveguide and optical fiber. This adhesive layer acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing errors in the tapered structure, maintaining proper mode field matching and plane wave formation even when structural parameters deviate from ideal values.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index of the adhesive layer is specifically optimized to compensate for manufacturing variations. By adjusting this physical parameter, the system maintains reliable coupling efficiency despite deviations in tapered structure dimensions or angles caused by manufacturing errors.
2Reliability
If multiple adhesive layers and lens structure are added to improve coupling efficiency, then radiation mode light is reduced and return loss increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adhesive layers with different refractive indices are introduced as intermediary structures between the waveguide and fiber. These layers create a gradual refractive index transition that reduces radiation mode light and excessive resonance, improving coupling efficiency while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through systematic design.
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 improves coupling efficiency by minimizing radiation mode light and excessive resonance, achieving a higher return loss and increased productivity in optical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a lens structure (3) that is provided on an interface between the plurality of adhesive layers (2, 4)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of adhesive layers (2, 4) that are provided in a propagation direction of light from the first optical waveguide (1) to the second optical waveguide (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A first adhesive layer is provided to be in contact with an SSC. A second adhesive layer is provided to be in contact with an optical fiber. A lens structure is on an interface between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.