Optical Connection Unit with Mode-Adaptive Microlens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-packaged optics (CPO) structures face challenges in reducing splice loss between optical fibers with different mode field diameters and photonic integrated circuits without altering the photonic integrated circuit's form.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection unit is designed with a ferrule-side microlens array and light adjustment units that vary in form based on the mode field diameters of the optical fibers, ensuring that the optical signals transmitted are parallel, thereby reducing splice loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ferrule holds multiple types of optical fibers with different mode field diameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the splice loss between optical fibers and photonic integrated circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different light adjustment units (lenses with different focal lengths) for different optical fiber types within the same ferrule. Each light adjustment unit is specifically designed to match the mode field diameter of its corresponding optical fiber, enabling optimal coupling to the photonic integrated circuit while maintaining a unified ferrule structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focal length for different light adjustment units to accommodate optical fibers with different mode field diameters. By adjusting the focal length parameter of each lens, the system optimizes the optical coupling efficiency for each fiber type, reducing splice loss without requiring separate ferrules for each fiber type.
2Manufacturing precision
If the form of photonic integrated circuit is kept unchanged, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to different optical fiber types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light adjustment units (lenses) as intermediary components between the optical fibers and the photonic integrated circuit. These intermediaries adapt the optical modes from different fiber types to match the fixed form of the photonic integrated circuit, enabling compatibility with multiple fiber types without modifying the circuit itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical coupling function by separating the optical fiber interface from the photonic integrated circuit interface. The light adjustment units are positioned between these two interfaces, allowing each component to maintain its optimized form while the intermediary elements handle the adaptation to different optical fiber types.
3Loss of energy
If light adjustment units with different forms are used for different optical fiber types, then the splice loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light adjustment units into a single integrated ferrule assembly. Although each lens has a different focal length to accommodate different fiber types, they are combined within the same ferrule structure, sharing common mounting and alignment mechanisms, which reduces the overall device complexity compared to having separate assemblies for each fiber type.
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 solution effectively reduces splice loss between optical fibers with different mode field diameters and photonic integrated circuits without modifying the photonic integrated circuit's form, enhancing data communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a ferrule-side microlens array that transmits optical signals from distal end surfaces of the optical fibers held by the ferrule toward the photonic integrated circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection unit connected to a photonic integrated circuit, includes: optical fibers having different mode field diameters; a ferrule that holds the optical fibers; a ferrule-side microlens array that transmits optical signals from distal end surfaces of the optical fibers held by the ferrule toward the photonic integrated circuit; and light adjustment units in the ferrule-side microlens array that respectively correspond to the optical fibers. The light adjustment units vary in shape depending on the mode field diameters such that the optical signals transmitted through the light adjustment units become parallel light.