Optical Connector Lens-Waveguide Layout for Heat and Beam Divergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical assemblies face challenges in optimizing the arrangement of lenses and waveguides for efficient radiation imaging and heat management, particularly in high beam divergence scenarios, while maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly features lenses arranged internally between the lens device and the wave-guiding element with a discretionary second outer surface, allowing flexible imaging and heat flow, and incorporates a wave-guiding element with angled facets for radiation reflection and integrated waveguides for compactness and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are arranged internally between the lens device and the wave-guiding element, then imaging flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens device with the wave-guiding element by integrating lenses directly into the waveguide structure. This combination allows the lenses to be positioned internally between the lens device and wave-guiding element, providing imaging flexibility for high beam divergence while avoiding the complexity of separate lens mounting structures. The integration creates a unified optical component that simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Temperature
If the second outer surface is made flat or plane, then heat flow is improved, but optical path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the second outer surface flat or plane for optimized heat flow, while the first outer surface and internal optical structures maintain their specific curvatures and shapes required for radiation imaging. This localized flattening allows thermal management without compromising the optical path length and imaging performance of the internal lens structures.
3Reliability
If the wave-guiding element uses angled facets for radiation reflection, then optical efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a particular angle range (44° to 55°) for the facets of the wave-guiding element, which represents an optimization of the parameter to balance optical efficiency with manufacturing feasibility. By defining this specific angular range rather than requiring exact precision, the design achieves reliable radiation reflection and waveguide coupling while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances.
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 enhances radiation imaging flexibility, particularly in high beam divergence, while facilitating efficient heat dissipation and reducing the assembly's overall size by utilizing a compact, self-contained optical connector design.
Implementation Method 1
The facet is preferably capable of reflecting radiation that enters the optical connector at the second outer surface and passes a cladding of the waveguide, into a core of the waveguide and/or reflecting radiation that propagates through the waveguide's core towards the facet, from the waveguide's core into the waveguide's cladding
Implementation Method 2
a lens device (500) that is configured to transmit radiation between the wave-guiding element (400) and external space
Implementation Method 3
a flat or plane second outer surface may facilitate a heat flow from a photonic chip into the optical connector
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to an optical connector comprising a wave-guiding element and a lens device configured to transmit radiation between the wave-guiding element and at least one optical port of the connector, wherein the lens device comprises a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, wherein the first outer surface is connected to the wave-guiding element and forms at least one lens, and wherein a section of the second outer surface opposite said at least one lens forms said at least one optical port of the connector.