Optical Device Edge Testing with Spherical Lensed Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing photonic ICs are time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of optical fibers with small photonic waveguides, which increases the time required for evaluating connection loss between optical fibers and photonic waveguides at the edge of the chip.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that allows for the measurement of fiber connection loss at the edge of the substrate using a single optical fiber and spherical lensed fibers, eliminating the need for precise core-alignment of two-core fiber arrays and reducing the time required for phase and power adjustments, thereby streamlining the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise core-alignment of two-core fiber arrays is performed to measure fiber connection loss, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time-consuming alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment requirement from the testing process by using a single optical fiber with a spherical lens instead of a two-core fiber array requiring precise core-alignment. The spherical lens focuses light to a point, eliminating the need for complex alignment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of aligning the fiber core with the waveguide (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a spherical lens to focus light from a single fiber, where the alignment tolerance is significantly relaxed. This reverses the complexity from the fiber end to the lens focusing mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If complex optical axis alignment procedures are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex alignment procedure by replacing it with a spherical lens focusing mechanism. The lens naturally focuses light from a single optical fiber to a point, eliminating the need for complex optical axis alignment while achieving the necessary measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fiber arrays are used for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of handling and aligning multiple fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple fiber arrays into a single optical fiber equipped with a spherical lens. This single fiber performs the same measurement function that previously required multiple aligned fibers, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining measurement capability.
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 configuration significantly reduces the testing time for fiber connection loss by eliminating the need for complex optical axis alignment and power adjustments, enhancing the efficiency of the testing process while maintaining accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
using a single optical fiber and spherical lensed fibers
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect the test light input from the first port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device has an optical transmitter circuit formed in a substrate, a first port configured to output an optical signal generated by the optical transmitter circuit from an edge of the substrate during services and to input a test light from the edge of the substrate during a test, and a photodetector configured to detect the test light input from the first port.