Optical Coupling Point Localization Using Luminescent Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to precisely locate optical coupling points in optical components, particularly in integrated optics, due to low refractive index contrast and lack of optically detectable features, complicating the detection of waveguides and alignment, especially when components are non-transparent or obscured by metallization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of optical radiation in a generation area overlapping with the optical coupling point, detection of this radiation in a detection area, and determining the spatially resolved distribution to precisely locate the coupling point, using luminescent or scattering media to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used to detect optical coupling points, then the detection process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to low refractive index contrast and lack of detectable features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescence labeling to make the optical coupling point optically detectable. Fluorescent dyes or particles are introduced into the medium at the coupling point, causing it to emit fluorescence when excited by specific wavelength light. This fluorescence signal provides high contrast against the background, enabling precise localization of the coupling point even in materials with low refractive index contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluorescent medium as an intermediary substance at the optical coupling point. This medium absorbs excitation light and re-emits fluorescence, serving as a mediator that converts invisible or hard-to-detect coupling points into visible fluorescent sources. The fluorescent medium enables detection without requiring the optical component itself to have high contrast features.
2Measurement precision
If back-collimated flood illumination is used to detect fiber cores, then the core can be detected with shadowing effect, but the device complexity increases and cannot be implemented in many optical modules
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex back-collimated illumination, the patent introduces a fluorescent intermediary medium at the coupling point. The fluorescent medium converts the detection problem from requiring complex illumination geometry to a simpler fluorescence detection problem. The fluorescent signal provides sufficient contrast without needing specialized illumination arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complexity of back-collimated illumination systems with a chemical/optical approach using fluorescence. Instead of designing complex illumination paths and detectors to capture shadowing effects, the system uses fluorescent labeling to create a direct, easily detectable signal at the coupling point.
3Reliability
If optical components are made non-transparent to block unwanted light, then the components function properly, but the coupling point becomes undetectable by conventional imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescence to create an optically detectable signal at the coupling point that is independent of the component's transparency. The fluorescent medium emits light at a specific wavelength when excited, providing a detectable signal even when the component itself is non-transparent or obscured by metallization. The fluorescence wavelength can be selected to be distinct from the operating wavelength of the optical component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are bundled into fiber arrays, then the functionality is enhanced, but the detection becomes significantly hindered due to superimposed umbrae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescence labeling to individual coupling points in fiber arrays. By introducing fluorescent dyes or particles at each coupling point, each fiber core becomes a distinct fluorescent source. This allows individual coupling points to be detected and localized even in the presence of other fibers, overcoming the superimposed umbrae problem that plagues conventional imaging of fiber arrays.
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
Enables precise localization of optical coupling points with a relative positioning tolerance of better than 1 µm, particularly suitable for lithography systems, reducing coupling losses and ensuring accurate alignment of optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a medium located in the generation area is illuminated by light, which is modified by the medium in such a way that the optical radiation is generated
Implementation Method 2
using luminescent or scattering media to enhance visibility
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to an assembly (200) for localizing an optical coupling point (11) and to a method for producing a microstructure (100) at the optical coupling point (11). The method for localizing an optical coupling point (11) comprises the following steps: a) providing an optical component (10), which comprises an optical coupling point (11), the optical coupling point having an interaction region (15) lying outside of a volume encompassed by the optical component (10); b) producing optical radiation in a production region (120), the production region (120) overlapping at least partly with the interaction region (15) of the optical coupling point (11), light being applied to a medium (19) located in the production region (120), which light is modified by the medium (19) in such a way that the optical radiation is thereby produced; c) sensing at least part of the produced optical radiation in a sensing region (130), the sensing region (130) overlapping at least partly with the interaction region (15) of the optical coupling point (11), and determining a spatially resolved distribution of the sensed part of the produced optical radiation; and d) determining the localization of the optical coupling point (11) from the determined spatially resolved distribution of the sensed part of the produced optical radiation, the optical radiation being produced or at least the part of the produced optical radiation being sensed through the optical coupling point (11). The optical coupling point (11) can thereby be precisely localized with a relative positioning tolerance of better than 1 μm. Thus, low coupling losses of an optical connection to the optical component (10) can be achieved and microstructures (100) can be precisely placed at the optical coupling point (11).