Optical Cross-Connect with 3D Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical cross apparatuses have high processing costs and suffer from coupling loss due to fixed designs and inefficient optical port switching in dense wavelength division multiplexing networks.
Innovation Solution
An optical cross apparatus featuring a single-row fiber array coupled with a single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element, incorporating an arbitrarily curved spatial three-dimensional waveguide and femtosecond laser-processed microlenses for beam shaping, allowing for flexible and high-density optical port combinations without gaps, thereby reducing processing costs and eliminating coupling loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two one-dimensional fiber arrays are bonded together side by side to form a two-dimensional light outlet port, then the optical cross apparatus can achieve fixed optical cross solution, but the processing costs are relatively high and coupling loss occurs due to gaps between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber array and optical waveguide element into a single integrated component. The coupling surface of the single-row fiber array is made the same as that of the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element, eliminating the need for separate bonding processes and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining optical transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the optical waveguide structure within the fiber array component. The arbitrarily curved spatial three-dimensional waveguide is generated inside the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element, creating a nested configuration where the waveguide is integrated within the fiber array structure, eliminating gaps and reducing coupling loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical paths are generated by punching holes on silicon or glass material with optical fibers passing through, then two-dimensional light outlet ports can be formed, but the device complexity increases and processing costs are relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar configurations to three-dimensional spatial waveguide structures. The arbitrarily curved spatial three-dimensional waveguide enables light to propagate through three-dimensional space within the optical waveguide element, allowing flexible optical port configurations without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element serves multiple functions: it provides the optical waveguide structure for signal transmission, creates the multidimensional output ports, and integrates the coupling surface with the fiber array. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If traditional bonding methods are used to connect fiber arrays and optical waveguide elements, then optical cross apparatus can be assembled, but coupling loss occurs due to gaps between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber array and optical waveguide element into a single integrated component with matching coupling surfaces. This eliminates the bonding process entirely, preventing gap formation between components and eliminating coupling loss while maintaining assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of gaps between bonded components into a benefit by designing the coupling surfaces to be identical. This ensures perfect alignment and contact between the fiber array and optical waveguide element, transforming what would be a source of coupling loss into an opportunity for lossless optical signal transmission.
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 solution enables cost-effective, high-density, and flexible optical cross solutions with precise submicron-level precision, improving debugging efficiency and transmission capacity in all-optical networks by ensuring smooth optical signal transmission and eliminating coupling loss.
Implementation Method 1
a surface of each light outlet of the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element is processed in a femtosecond laser processing manner to generate a microlens
Implementation Method 2
the microlens is configured to perform beam shaping on beams output from the light outlet
Implementation Method 3
an arbitrarily curved spatial three-dimensional waveguide is generated inside the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical cross apparatus (400) is provided, for providing a plurality of optical cross solutions, reducing process costs, and eliminating coupling loss. The optical cross apparatus (400) includes a single-row fiber array (401) and a single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element (402). The single-row fiber array (401) is coupled to the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element (402), and an arbitrarily curved spatial three-dimensional waveguide is generated inside the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element (402); and a coupling surface of the single-row fiber array (401) is the same as that of the single-row input multidimensional output optical waveguide element (402).