Optical Fiber Holder Base-Lid Assembly for Compact PIC Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical module technologies face challenges in meeting the mechanical interference and size requirements for miniaturized high-speed modules, particularly in silicon photonic chips and co-packaged optical components, which are essential for high-performance computing and AI applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber assembly and holder structure with a base and lid configuration, featuring a groove and adhesive surfaces, are designed to optically couple the optical fiber to a photonic integrated circuit, allowing for adjustable space and improved structural strength, using adhesives and stoppers for precise alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical module structures are used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but mechanical interference risk increases and size requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into a base and a lid that assemble together, allowing independent optimization of each component. The base provides structural support while the lid provides positioning features, enabling miniaturization without compromising mechanical stability or increasing interference risk
Solution Approach 2:
The holder utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently through the base-lid assembly configuration, creating vertical layering that reduces horizontal footprint. The optical fiber routing through the assembled structure optimizes spatial arrangement and minimizes mechanical interference in compact form factor
2Reliability
If the optical fiber is positioned closer to the photonic integrated circuit, then coupling efficiency improves, but mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure between the optical fiber and photonic integrated circuit. It provides a stable mounting platform with precise positioning features (grooves, abutting surfaces) that maintain optimal optical coupling while ensuring mechanical stability through the assembled base-lid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder replaces direct mechanical contact between optical fiber and circuit with an engineered interface system. The groove and abutting surface mechanisms provide precise positioning without rigid mechanical constraints, allowing thermal and mechanical expansion while maintaining coupling efficiency
3Volume of moving object
If the holder structure is miniaturized, then size requirements are met, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs composite construction with the base and lid assembled together, creating a structurally optimized composite component. This assembly provides enhanced strength-to-volume ratio compared to monolithic miniaturized structures, meeting both size requirements and structural strength demands
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 the optical coupling process by increasing the gap between the optical fiber and housing, ensuring stable and efficient light transmission while withstanding external forces, with minimal mechanical interference and precise alignment.
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
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AI summary
An optical communication device (10) includes a housing (200) and an optical engine (310) and at least one optical fiber assembly (100A, 100B) configured in the housing (200). The optical engine has a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) (311). The optical fiber assembly (100A, 100B) includes a base (110) having a groove (111), a lid (120) assembled to the base (110) and having an adhesive surface (121, 122), an optical fiber (130), and a first adhesive (140). The adhesive surface (121, 122) is fixed to the PIC (311) via the first adhesive (140) such that the optical fiber (130) is optically coupled to an optical waveguide (311a) of the PIC (311). An optical fiber holder structure and a manufacturing method of the optical communication device (10) are also provided.