Optical Alignment Device Using Waveguide Mode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical alignment methods face challenges in efficiently aligning input and output light with waveguide chips, especially when light is input from the side, making it difficult to observe and align the waveguide position directly.
Innovation Solution
An optical alignment device and method that includes an input optical fiber, a light source, input and output stages, a camera, an optical power meter, and a system controller. The system controller uses machine-learning to determine waveguide mode and intensity, facilitating efficient alignment by moving the optical fiber terminals until the waveguide mode is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct observation through microscope is used to align waveguide, then alignment can be performed, but it is difficult to find the position of waveguide when light is input from the side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using optical mode imaging. Instead of directly observing the waveguide structure through a microscope, the system uses a camera to capture optical mode images that indirectly reveal the waveguide position and characteristics. This intermediary approach transforms the difficult direct detection problem into an easier indirect observation problem, allowing operators to locate waveguides by analyzing the optical mode patterns rather than directly viewing the physical structure.
2Productivity
If manual alignment method is used, then alignment can be performed, but alignment efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based automated alignment system. The camera captures optical mode images, the controller analyzes these images to determine waveguide position and mode characteristics, and then automatically adjusts the positioning stages accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously refines the alignment without requiring manual intervention, dramatically increasing alignment efficiency and reducing the time previously lost in manual trial-and-error positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical-electrical system. Instead of physically adjusting components based on visual inspection, the system uses optical mode imaging and electronic control to automatically position elements. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with optical detection and electronic control systems eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining or improving alignment precision.
3Ease of operation
If side input light method is used, then light can be coupled into waveguide, but it makes it difficult to observe and align waveguide position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits changes in optical mode characteristics (analogous to color changes) to enable observation. By analyzing the spatial and intensity distribution patterns of the optical modes captured by the camera, the system can identify waveguide positions and characteristics. The different optical mode patterns serve as distinct visual signatures that make previously invisible or hard-to-see waveguides detectable and alignable, transforming the side-input light configuration from problematic to advantageous.
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
The proposed solution significantly enhances alignment efficiency between optical fibers and waveguide chips by accurately determining waveguide mode and intensity, overcoming the limitations of direct observation and manual alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a camera mounted on the output stage, and configured to receive output light generated from the input light by the waveguide chip and detect a waveguide mode
Implementation Method 2
an optical power meter connected to another terminal of the output optical fiber and configured to receive the output light to detect an intensity of the output light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical alignment device and an optical alignment method. The optical alignment device includes an input optical fiber, a light source provided at one terminal of the input optical fiber to generate input light, an input stage provided at another terminal of the input optical fiber, an output stage spaced apart from the input stage, a stage driving control unit configured to control driving of the input and output stages, a camera configured to receive output light generated from the input light by the waveguide chip and detect a waveguide mode, an output optical fiber having one terminal connected to the output stage, an optical power meter configured to detect an intensity of the output light, and a system controller configured to determine the waveguide mode and the intensity of the output light.