Optical Interconnect Structure with Focus Lens and Resin Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in optical circuits is to arrange optical elements within grooves of optical waveguides without increasing propagation loss and mounting difficulty, particularly due to the mismatch in dimensions and refractive indices, which leads to diffraction spreading and Fresnel reflection losses.
Innovation Solution
The optical connection structure incorporates a focus lens between the optical waveguide end faces and the optical element, with a resin layer of different refractive index to reduce diffraction spreading, and a support unit to secure the lens, allowing precise placement of the optical element within the waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical element is inserted into a groove in the optical waveguide, then the optical circuit can be provided with functionality (e.g., polarization control), but propagation loss increases due to diffraction spreading and Fresnel reflection
Solution Approach 1:
A resin layer with refractive index matching the optical waveguide core is introduced as an intermediary material to fill the groove and surround the optical element. This intermediary eliminates the air gap between the waveguide and optical element, preventing diffraction spreading and reducing Fresnel reflection, thereby maintaining low propagation loss while enabling optical circuit functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index of the medium surrounding the optical element is changed from air (low refractive index) to resin matching the waveguide core (high refractive index). This parameter change eliminates refractive index mismatches at interfaces, preventing light scattering and reducing reflection losses, thus solving the propagation loss problem while preserving functional capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If the groove width is made larger than the optical element thickness, then mounting becomes easier, but diffraction spreading increases and propagation loss worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer acts as an intermediary that fills the entire groove width, creating a continuous high-refractive-index medium that optically couples the waveguide to the optical element. This allows the groove to be wider for easier mounting while the resin prevents diffraction spreading by eliminating air gaps, thus resolving the contradiction between mounting ease and propagation loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If a groove is formed in the optical waveguide, then optical elements can be inserted to provide functions, but the structural complexity and mounting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer formation process combines multiple functions: it fills the groove, provides mechanical support for the optical element, eliminates air gaps, and creates optical coupling. By merging these functions into a single material and process step, the structural complexity is reduced while maintaining optical element integration capabilities
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 configuration effectively reduces propagation loss and simplifies the mounting process by focusing light and minimizing diffraction, enabling compact and functional optical modules with reduced excess loss.
Implementation Method 1
a focus lens arranged at least one of between the first light incidence/emission end face and the optical element and between the second light incidence/emission end face and the optical element
Implementation Method 2
a resin layer having a refractive index different than a refractive index of the focus lens, the resin layer being filled in at least one of between the first light incidence/emission end face and the optical element and between the second light incidence/emission end face and the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection structure includes a first focus lens arranged between a first light incidence/emission end and an optical element, and a second focus lens arranged between a second light incidence/emission end and the optical element. The first focus lens and the second focus lens are arranged on an optical axis connecting the first light incidence/emission end and the second light incidence/emission end.