Optical Circuit Alignment Using Multiple Grating Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving precise alignment for optical connection between a grating coupler and an optical fiber is challenging due to the need for six-axis adjustment, where manufacturing errors and substrate installation errors affect the optimal coupling angle, making current methods difficult to execute effectively.
Innovation Solution
An alignment optical circuit with multiple grating couplers having different grating intervals and array directions, along with reflection units, allows for easy alignment by determining the optimal position and angle for efficient light coupling through known size relationships and emission angle calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple grating couplers with different grating intervals are used for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment optical circuit divides the alignment function into multiple independent grating couplers, each with different grating intervals. This segmentation allows the system to perform multi-axis alignment by independently adjusting each grating coupler's coupling conditions, thereby achieving precise alignment without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment optical circuit uses multiple grating couplers that can serve different alignment functions simultaneously. Each grating coupler with a specific grating interval can be used for aligning different parameters (e.g., tilt angle, lateral position), making the system universally applicable for comprehensive alignment tasks while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
2Productivity
If six-axis adjustment is performed for optimal coupling, then coupling efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The six-axis adjustment is segmented into independent alignment operations for each grating coupler. Each grating coupler handles specific alignment parameters independently, allowing operators to adjust each axis separately using simple coupling condition adjustments rather than performing complex multi-axis coordination, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment optical circuit enables self-service alignment where the system automatically determines optimal coupling conditions through the inherent properties of multiple grating couplers with different intervals. The system self-adjusts by utilizing the differential coupling characteristics of each grating coupler, reducing the need for complex manual intervention and improving operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If grating interval is precisely controlled, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment optical circuit applies local quality by using grating couplers with specifically designed grating intervals tailored to their individual alignment functions. Each grating coupler has a locally optimized grating interval that is precisely controlled for its specific purpose, while the overall manufacturing process remains simplified by producing these specialized components through standard fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in grating intervals to achieve precise alignment. By varying the grating interval parameter across different grating couplers, the system creates distinct coupling characteristics that enable precise alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on individual components, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining precision.
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
Facilitates easy alignment and efficient optical connection between the optical fiber and grating coupler by allowing for precise adjustment of grating intervals and array directions, reducing coupling loss and improving alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a grating formed with a groove with a width of several hundred nm is provided to the silicon waveguide, gratings are caused to function as a grating coupler radiating light upward and downward from an optical waveguide to a substrate surface
Implementation Method 2
alignment is performed by using the prepared sample circuit. Next, an optical fiber is moved to a desired optical circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Plural grating couplers having grating conditions different from each other and plural optical waveguides respectively connected with the plural grating couplers are included. The plural grating couplers have the same arraying directions of gratings. Further, each of the plural grating couplers has a different grating interval as a grating condition. Further, plural reflection units respectively provided to the plural optical waveguides are included.