Optical Coupler for Few-Mode Fiber Waveguide Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to optically couple multiple waveguides to few-mode fibers with low optical losses, as existing technologies face challenges in efficiently transferring light between multi-core fibers and few-mode fibers, particularly in Silicon Photonics applications where few-mode fibers with a single core struggle to couple with multiple waveguides on a chip.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an optical assembly that includes an optical coupler configured to convert fundamental modes from multiple waveguides into higher order modes, which are then imaged onto a few-mode fiber using a first optical device, and vice versa, utilizing phase masks or mirror devices with phase modifying structures to minimize coupling loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple waveguides are coupled to a few-mode fiber with a single core, then the transmission capability is improved, but the coupling loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling process into distinct functional stages: mode conversion at the optical coupler, spatial deflection by the first optical device, and imaging by the second optical device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall coupling loss while maintaining high transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical assembly comprising optical devices that mediate between the multiple waveguides and the few-mode fiber. These intermediary components convert and redirect the light paths, enabling efficient coupling of multiple waveguides to a single-core few-mode fiber without significant loss.
2Reliability
If a few-mode fiber with a single core is used, then the transmission properties are improved, but the coupling to multiple waveguides becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mode parameters of the light beams through the optical coupler, converting fundamental modes from multiple waveguides into higher order modes. This parameter transformation enables the single-core few-mode fiber to receive and transmit multiple independent signals simultaneously, maintaining reliable transmission properties while simplifying the coupling process.
3Productivity
If multi-core fibers are used for coupling multiple waveguides, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the suitability for long-distance transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary optical assembly that acts as a mediator between multi-core fibers and few-mode fibers. The optical devices in the assembly convert and redirect light paths, enabling efficient coupling while maintaining the transmission properties needed for long-distance communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical transmission system into distinct functional components: multi-core fiber input, optical coupler for mode conversion, optical assembly for deflection and imaging, and few-mode fiber output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both high coupling efficiency and long-distance transmission suitability.
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 enables efficient coupling of multiple waveguides to few-mode fibers and vice versa without significant optical losses, enhancing the transmission capabilities in Silicon Photonics by optimizing the transfer of light between different fiber types.
Implementation Method 1
The optical coupler may be configured as a phase mask or a mirror device with phase modifying structures on the reflecting surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly to respectively deflect light beams impacting the optical assembly
Implementation Method 3
the optical assembly may comprises a second optical device that images the cores of the multiple waveguides, for example the cores of the multi-core single-mode fiber separately onto the optical coupler
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement to optically couple multiple waveguides to a few-mode fiber comprises an optical assembly to respectively deflect light beams impacting the optical assembly and an optical coupler being configured to convert a respective fundamental mode of a plurality of the light beams coupled out of a respective different one of a plurality of the multiple waveguides and impacting the optical coupler to a respective higher order mode of each of the plurality of the light beams. The optical assembly comprises a first optical device to deflect each of the light beams impacting the first optical device from the optical coupler to a core section of the few-mode fiber to transfer light within the few-mode fiber.