Optical Connection Structure Passive Alignment Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection methods between optical waveguide chips and optical fibers require precise active alignment, leading to increased installation time and cost due to the complexity of achieving satisfactory connectivity, particularly in optical signal processing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A passive alignment method is introduced using an optical waveguide chip with a grating coupler and a groove for fitting the optical fiber, allowing for stable optical connection without the need for precise active alignment, by positioning the fiber's end surface near the grating coupler and using an optical adhesive to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active alignment method is used to connect optical fiber to optical waveguide chip, then connection precision is improved, but installation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed on the optical waveguide chip at the appropriate position near the grating coupler before the optical fiber is installed. This preliminary structural preparation enables the optical fiber to be automatically positioned at the correct location during installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming active alignment procedures while maintaining precise optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the optical fiber and the grating coupler. By providing a physical guide that constrains the optical fiber's position, the groove serves as a mediator that achieves precise alignment without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms or procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If active alignment method is used to connect optical fiber to optical waveguide chip, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed on the optical waveguide chip at the appropriate position near the grating coupler before the optical fiber is installed. This preliminary structural preparation enables the optical fiber to be automatically positioned at the correct location during installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming active alignment procedures while maintaining precise optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the optical fiber and the grating coupler. By providing a physical guide that constrains the optical fiber's position, the groove serves as a mediator that achieves precise alignment without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms or procedures.
3Loss of time
If passive alignment method is used with groove structure, then installation time is reduced, but positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is specifically designed with particular geometric characteristics (width, depth, shape) that are optimized for the grating coupler's dimensions and optical properties. This local optimization of the groove's physical characteristics ensures that the passive alignment structure provides sufficient positioning precision for single-mode optical coupling while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is pre-formed on the optical waveguide chip at the appropriate position near the grating coupler before the optical fiber is installed. This preliminary structural preparation enables the optical fiber to be automatically positioned at the correct location during installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming active alignment procedures while maintaining precise optical coupling.
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 approach reduces installation time and cost by eliminating the need for precise active alignment, enhancing mechanical stability and reducing connection losses through passive alignment, while maintaining optimal optical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one grating coupler optically connected to the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
using an optical adhesive to secure the connection
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection structure includes a PLC that is an optical waveguide chip including an optical waveguide and at least one groove formed on a substrate, and at least one optical fiber that is fitted into the at least one groove of the PLC. The PLC includes the optical waveguide, at least one grating coupler that is optically connected to the optical waveguide, and the at least one groove formed at a position in a vicinity of the at least one grating coupler in a cladding layer in which the optical waveguide is formed. An optical fiber of the at least one optical fiber is fitted into a groove of the at least one groove such that an end surface of the optical fiber is located in a vicinity of a grating coupler of the at least one grating coupler, the optical fiber being optically connected to the grating coupler.