Optical Element With Inclined Micro-Optical Surface for Wide-Band Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements, such as grating couplers, are not suitable for use with wavelength division multiplexing components due to narrow optical bandwidth, while edge couplers have low measurement efficiency, hindering mass production.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a first edge coupler and a first micro-optical element, featuring a first inclined surface, is designed to couple light beams to optical fiber connectors, facilitating series connection with wavelength division multiplexing components and improving measurement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an edge coupler is used to connect wavelength division multiplexing components in series, then optical bandwidth is improved, but measurement efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A micro-optical element with an inclined surface is introduced as an intermediary component between the edge coupler and the optical fiber connector. This mediator redirects the light beam path, enabling the edge coupler to maintain its wide optical bandwidth while the micro-optical element handles the coupling function that improves measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is divided into distinct functional segments: the edge coupler section for wavelength division multiplexing connection and the micro-optical element section for light coupling. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
2Ease of manufacture
If a grating coupler is used as input/output coupler, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to wavelength division multiplexing components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of both grating couplers and edge couplers into a single hybrid optical element. The edge coupler structure provides compatibility with wavelength division multiplexing components, while integrated micro-optical elements provide efficient light coupling, merging the functional benefits of both approaches
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 optical element enhances wafer-level measurement efficiency, enabling mass production by using an edge coupler with a micro-optical element that reflects light beams effectively, thus overcoming low efficiency issues.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam is sequentially transmitted from the first optical waveguide layer to the first edge coupler, emitted from the first edge coupler, and reflected by the first inclined surface to an optical fiber connector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a substrate, a first insulating layer, a first optical waveguide layer, a first edge coupler, and a first micro-optical element. The first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate. The first optical waveguide layer is disposed on the first insulating layer to transmit a light beam. The first edge coupler is disposed on the first insulating layer and coupled to an end of the first optical waveguide layer. The first micro-optical element is disposed on the substrate and includes a first inclined surface. The first micro-optical element is located within a first groove formed between the substrate, the first insulating layer, the first optical waveguide layer, and the first edge coupler. The light beam is sequentially transmitted from the first optical waveguide layer to the first edge coupler, emitted from the first edge coupler, and reflected by the first inclined surface to an optical fiber connector.