Optical Connection Structure Using Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical connection methods, such as the butt joint method, require high pressing forces that can damage precision optical integrated circuits, and they often suffer from connection losses due to mismatches in mode field diameters between optical fibers and waveguides.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection structure that includes a substrate, an optical integrated circuit, a microlens array, a ferrule with a second lens, and a receptacle, where the optical integrated circuit and ferrule are fixed to the microlens array, allowing the optical fiber to be connected without direct abutment, reducing the load on the optical integrated circuit and minimizing connection losses by using a microlens array and ferrule configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a butt joint connection method is used to connect optical fiber to optical integrated circuit, then connection speed is improved, but the optical integrated circuit is damaged due to high pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
A microlens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the optical integrated circuit. The microlens array focuses the optical signal from the fiber onto the waveguide without requiring direct mechanical contact or high pressing force between the fiber and the circuit, thus eliminating the damage while maintaining the butt joint connection speed advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical pressing system with an optical focusing system. Instead of using mechanical force to bring the fiber and circuit into contact, a microlens array optically focuses the light, substituting the mechanical interaction with an optical one that avoids physical damage to the precision component
2Device complexity
If optical fiber is directly connected to optical integrated circuit, then connection simplicity is improved, but connection loss occurs due to mode field diameter mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array changes the optical parameters of the beam by focusing it to match the mode field diameter of the waveguide. This parameter transformation allows the optical fiber with a different mode field diameter to connect efficiently to the waveguide, reducing connection loss without adding complex mode field diameter converters
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 reduces the load on the optical integrated circuit, prevents damage, and minimizes connection losses by allowing optical connection without direct contact, while also eliminating the need for mode field diameter converters, facilitating easier mass production.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array which includes a first lens disposed at a position corresponding to the reception/emission portion, a ferrule which includes a second lens
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber inputting an optical signal into the second lens
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection structure includes a substrate, an optical integrated circuit, including a reception/emission portion that receives and emits an optical signal, that is electrically connected to the substrate, a microlens array including a first lens disposed at a position corresponding to the reception/emission portion, a ferrule including a fiber hole into which an optical fiber is inserted and a second lens into which an optical signal from the optical fiber is input, and a receptacle that holds the ferrule. The optical integrated circuit and the receptacle are fixed to the microlens array. The second lens faces the first lens when the receptacle holds the ferrule.