Optical Fiber Lens Assembly for Precise Beam Waist Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical data communication systems, the parallel-coupled configuration of optical fibers to chips results in light dispersion due to the inability to maintain a short working distance, leading to inefficient light coupling and increased loss over longer distances.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly comprising a single-mode optical fiber, an optical gap structure, and a multi-mode optical fiber is used to achieve a prescribed working distance and light beam waist diameter, utilizing graded index materials and precise cleaving to minimize light interaction with the fiber core and ensure low-loss coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a parallel-coupled configuration of optical fibers to chips is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but light dispersion increases due to inability to maintain short working distance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber assembly is segmented into multiple functional sections: single-mode fiber section, optical gap section, and multi-mode fiber section. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function - the single-mode fiber provides stable coupling to the chip, the optical gap maintains the working distance, and the multi-mode fiber enables efficient light transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical gap structure acts as an intermediary element between the single-mode fiber and the multi-mode fiber. It maintains the prescribed working distance while enabling light to transition from the single-mode fiber to the multi-mode fiber with minimal dispersion, thus preventing light loss while preserving mechanical stability.
2Ease of operation
If the working distance is increased, then coupling efficiency improves, but light dispersion increases leading to higher loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the optical system by introducing an optical gap with specific length and refractive index properties. This parameter change allows the working distance to be extended for better coupling efficiency while the optical gap's properties are optimized to minimize light dispersion, thereby reducing light loss despite the increased distance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical gap structure length and multi-mode fiber length are precisely controlled, then beam waist diameter and working distance are optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical gap structure and multi-mode fiber are pre-assembled with precisely controlled lengths and configurations before final coupling to the chip. This preliminary action ensures that the beam waist diameter and working distance are optimized from the outset, reducing the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 lens assembly enables efficient light coupling with low loss by maintaining a focused beam waist at the target location, tolerating manufacturing variations and ensuring alignment with the chip's grating coupler, thus improving mechanical stability and coupling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical gap structure is formed of a material that provides for propagation of a beam of light through the optical gap structure in approximately free diffraction
Implementation Method 2
The length of the optical gap structure and the length of the multi-mode optical fiber are set to provide a prescribed working distance and a prescribed light beam waist diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly for an optical fiber includes an optical gap structure and a multi-mode optical fiber. The optical gap structure has first and second ends and a length measured therebetween. The first end of the optical gap structure is configured to attach to an end of a single-mode optical fiber. The multi-mode optical fiber has first and second ends and a length measured therebetween. The first end of the multi-mode optical fiber is attached to the second end of the optical gap structure. The length of the optical gap structure and the length of the multi-mode optical fiber are set to provide a prescribed working distance and a prescribed light beam waist diameter. The prescribed working distance is a distance measured from the second end of the multi-mode optical fiber to a location of the prescribed light beam waist diameter.