Optical Fiber Holder Structure for PIC Alignment in Compact Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical module technologies fail to meet the mechanical interference and size requirements for miniaturized high-speed modules, particularly in silicon photonic chips, leading to inefficiencies in optical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber assembly with a base and lid structure, where the base has a groove and the lid has an adhesive surface, allowing the optical fiber to be optically coupled to a photonic integrated circuit, with components designed to have adjustable spaces and specific optical coupling angles to minimize mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current optical module technology is used, then optical signal transmission can be achieved, but the device size and mechanical interference risk increase, failing to meet miniaturization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber holder structure is divided into separate base and lid components. The base provides structural support and positioning, while the lid provides protection and additional support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall device size while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional assembled structure by adding the lid component. This vertical dimension allows the optical fiber to be positioned and protected without increasing the footprint area, effectively reducing device volume while maintaining structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical fiber holder structure is miniaturized, then device size requirements are met, but manufacturing precision and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning features such as positioning holes and positioning protrusions are pre-formed on the base and lid components during manufacturing. These features enable precise alignment and positioning of the optical fiber holder structure during assembly, ensuring high manufacturing precision even in miniaturized versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base and lid components serve as intermediary structures that facilitate precise alignment between the optical fiber and the photonic integrated circuit. The positioning features on these intermediary components ensure accurate alignment without requiring direct precision in the final assembled state.
3Manufacturing precision
If the groove structure is added to the base, then optical fiber positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is merged into the base component as an integrated feature rather than a separate element. This merging allows the base to simultaneously provide structural support, positioning guidance, and mechanical protection, reducing the number of separate components while improving optical fiber positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The base component is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the structural support for the optical fiber holder and the positioning mechanism through its groove and positioning hole features. This universal design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate positioning components.
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 enhances structural stability and optical coupling efficiency, allowing for precise alignment and reduced mechanical interference, thereby improving the performance of optical communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive surface is fixed to a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) of an optical engine via the first adhesive such that the optical fiber is optically coupled to an optical waveguide of the photonic integrated circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication device includes a housing and an optical engine and at least one optical fiber assembly configured in the housing. The optical engine has a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The optical fiber assembly includes a base having a groove, a lid assembled to the base and having an adhesive surface, an optical fiber, and a first adhesive. Part of the optical fiber is accommodated along the groove, and positioned in the groove by abutting against the lid. The adhesive surface is fixed to the PIC via the first adhesive such that the optical fiber is optically coupled to an optical waveguide of the PIC. An optical fiber holder structure, an optical communication device, and a manufacturing method thereof are also provided.