Optical Connector Module Passive Alignment via Coupling Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical component alignment methods, such as active alignment, are time-consuming and costly, and there is a need for more efficient passive alignment techniques to ensure high-speed and high-capacity data transmission in optical interconnections.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector module with an optical fiber guide that contacts the optical device at symmetrical points to align optical paths, using a MEMS process for production, and includes solder balls and guide electrodes for electrical connection, allowing for natural alignment without active methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active alignment is used to position optical components, then optical transmission efficiency is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component serves itself by utilizing its own geometric shape and the coupling hole structure to achieve automatic alignment. The optical component is inserted into the coupling hole such that its central axis naturally aligns with the optical fiber's central axis, eliminating the need for external active alignment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling hole is pre-formed in the optical component during manufacturing, and the optical fiber is pre-positioned in the coupling hole before final assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the optical component is inserted into the housing, alignment is automatically achieved without requiring subsequent active alignment steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If active alignment is used to position optical components, then optical transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component serves itself by utilizing its own geometric shape and the coupling hole structure to achieve automatic alignment. The optical component is inserted into the coupling hole such that its central axis naturally aligns with the optical fiber's central axis, eliminating the need for external active alignment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is extracted from the complex active alignment process and integrated into the simple geometric design of the coupling hole and optical component. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive alignment equipment and skilled labor while maintaining precise alignment.
3Productivity
If passive alignment is used to reduce time and cost, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling hole is designed with an asymmetric geometry that corresponds to the asymmetric shape of the optical component. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correctly oriented insertion direction allows the optical component to fit properly into the coupling hole, thereby achieving both rapid passive alignment and high precision alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is segmented into two independent parts: the coupling hole structure in the housing and the corresponding geometric features on the optical component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for both ease of assembly and alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connector module and an optical interconnection module comprising it are disclosed. The optical connector module and the optical interconnection module of the present invention comprise: at least one optical device configured to include at least one of a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device; and an optical fiber guide configured to contact the optical device on at least two points to align a first optical path of the optical device with a second optical path of the optical fiber at a predetermined position, wherein the second optical path acquires light generated by the optical device or transmits light to the optical device. According to the present invention, the optical device and the optical fiber can be naturally aligned with each other.