Optical Interconnect Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precise alignment required in optical interconnects for fiber optics is costly and time-consuming, especially for arrays of optical fibers, due to the need for precise placement to avoid signal interruption.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly with a rigid mount and substrate featuring rows of optical apertures and optical dies, where the transducer elements are aligned with the apertures, and a mechanically transferable connector that extends optical fibers through the apertures for secure coupling, facilitating quick and reliable connection to an electrical circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment methods are used for optical interconnects, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is pre-configured with optical apertures at predetermined locations before the optical interconnect assembly is manufactured. This preliminary arrangement of apertures establishes the alignment framework in advance, allowing optical components to be quickly positioned and aligned during assembly without requiring time-consuming post-manufacturing adjustments, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
Optical apertures serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the substrate and optical components. These apertures provide a standardized interface that facilitates precise alignment while simplifying the manufacturing process, acting as a bridge that reduces the complexity and time required for direct component-to-component alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment methods are used for optical interconnects, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is pre-configured with optical apertures at predetermined locations before the optical interconnect assembly is manufactured. This preliminary arrangement of apertures establishes the alignment framework in advance, allowing optical components to be quickly positioned and aligned during assembly without requiring time-consuming post-manufacturing adjustments, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
Optical apertures serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the substrate and optical components. These apertures provide a standardized interface that facilitates precise alignment while simplifying the manufacturing process, acting as a bridge that reduces the complexity and time required for direct component-to-component alignment
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective alignment of optical transducer elements with optical fibers, reducing manufacturing time and improving the reliability of optical connections by allowing for precise alignment and secure attachment of optical fibers to the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber is a cylindrical dielectric waveguide that transmits light along its axis, by the process of total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes a substrate with a first row of apertures and a second row of apertures. A first optical die includes a first plurality of optical transducer elements and is mounted on the substrate such that an optical signal interface of each transducer element is aligned with an aperture of the first row of optical apertures. A second optical die includes a second plurality of optical transducer elements and is mounted on the substrate such that an optical signal interface of each of the second plurality of optical transducer elements is aligned with an aperture of the second row of optical apertures. A connector configured to mate with the optical assembly supports a plurality of optical fibers. A terminal end of each optical fiber protrudes from the connector and extends into one of the apertures when the connector is coupled with the optical assembly.