Optical Coupling Structure for Simultaneous Multi-Emitter Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing optical communication modules are time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for active alignment of multiple light-emitting elements with optical fibers, leading to inconsistent optical path positions and poor transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling structure is provided, comprising a light source device with a fixed board, a bar substrate, and a light unit with multiple light emitters, which are concurrently optically aligned with a waveguide device and optical fibers, eliminating the need for individual alignment of each light emitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active alignment process is performed on each light-emitting element, then optical coupling precision is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual alignment operations into a single collective alignment process. By positioning multiple light-emitting elements in a linear array on the bar substrate with predetermined spacing, all elements can be aligned with the waveguide device simultaneously in one operation, rather than requiring separate alignment steps for each element. This dramatically reduces manufacturing time while maintaining optical coupling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple light-emitting elements on the bar substrate with precise spacing before the alignment process. The elements are arranged in a predetermined linear array configuration, and the bar substrate is positioned close to the mating surface of the fixed board, preparing the system for a single collective alignment operation rather than multiple sequential alignments.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light-emitting elements are aligned individually, then each element achieves optimal coupling, but consistency of optical path positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light-emitting elements into a unified alignment system where all elements are coupled to the waveguide device in a single operation. This ensures that all optical paths are established simultaneously under the same alignment conditions, guaranteeing consistency of optical path positions across all elements while maintaining optimal coupling precision for each.
3Device complexity
If conventional light source elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly efficiency and optical coupling precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light-emitting elements onto a single bar substrate that integrates both the light sources and their driving circuits. This unified structure replaces conventional separate light source elements, simplifying the overall device architecture while dramatically improving assembly efficiency through single-step collective alignment and bonding operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If active alignment is performed on each element, then optical coupling precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple alignment operations into a single collective process. By arranging light-emitting elements in a linear array on the bar substrate with predetermined spacing, the system enables simultaneous alignment of all elements with the waveguide device in one operation, maintaining optical coupling precision while dramatically reducing assembly process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupling structure, adapted for an optoelectronic device, includes a light source device including a fixed board, a bar substrate positioned on the fixed board, and a light unit positioned on the bar substrate. The light unit includes a functional portion and a light-emitting portion that are divided into a plurality of light emitters, and the bar substrate is configured to cross a bottom of each of the light emitters. A waveguide device is disposed adjacent to a mating surface included in the fixed board and the light emitters of the light source and enables light signal transmission from the light emitters. An optical fiber assembly connected to the waveguide device.