Optical Coupling Device with Curved Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no standard solution for vertically optical coupling of interconnection optical waveguides, which affects the optical coupling efficiency and insertion loss in high-speed data transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling device comprising a mobile optical fibre connector and a right-angle reflecting prism with a curve reflecting surface, coated with a high-reflectivity optical thin film, is used to gather and reflect optical rays, reducing optical loss and improving coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical coupling methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but optical coupling efficiency deteriorates and insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a curve reflecting surface (circular arc surface) instead of a flat surface to the right-angle reflecting prism. This curved surface automatically focuses and gathers optical rays from the optical fibre, improving coupling efficiency without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or additional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional lateral optical coupling to vertical optical coupling by inserting the optical coupling device downward into the optical waveguide. This dimensional change simplifies the coupling structure and improves alignment tolerance while maintaining high coupling efficiency.
2Reliability
If standard vertical coupling solution is implemented, then coupling efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical coupling system into separate functional modules: a mobile optical fibre connector that can be independently manufactured and assembled to the right-angle reflecting prism. This modular segmentation enables standardized production of each component while maintaining high coupling efficiency through precise vertical alignment.
3Loss of energy
If optical rays are not gathered and reflected properly, then device simplicity is maintained, but optical loss increases and coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arc surface on the right-angle reflecting prism serves as both a focusing element and a reflecting element. The curved geometry naturally gathers divergent optical rays from the optical fibre and reflects them in a controlled manner, reducing optical loss without requiring separate lens components or complex optical pathways.
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
The device achieves high-efficient vertical optical coupling by minimizing optical loss and ensuring parallel reflection, enhancing the performance of optical interconnection systems.
Implementation Method 1
A reflecting surface of the right-angle reflecting prism is provided with a curve reflecting surface, and the mobile optical fibre connector is fixed to the right-angle reflecting prism, so that rays propagated by an optical fibre are incident on the curve reflecting surface, thereby gathering and reflecting the rays propagated by the optical fibre
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an optical coupling device and an optical coupling unit including the optical coupling device. The optical coupling device includes a right-angle reflecting prism (23) and a mobile optical fibre connector (21). A reflecting surface of the right-angle reflecting prism (23) is provided with a curve reflecting surface (24), the curve reflecting surface being used for gathering and reflecting rays propagated by an optical fibre. The mobile optical fibre connector (21) is fixed to the right-angle reflecting prism (23), to make the rays propagated by the optical fibre being incident on the curve reflecting surface (24) of the right-angle reflecting prism (23).