Optical Interface Assembly Alignment Using Reflective Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in aligning and maintaining optical connections for high-speed communications between optical fibers and integrated circuits, particularly in silicon-based photonics applications, where precise alignment is crucial for efficient optical communication but is complicated by the need to address rotational alignment and thermal expansion differences between materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for aligning an optical interface assembly with an integrated circuit using a reflective alignment fixture that emits and reflects light to generate receiver signals, allowing for adjustment of the relative position between the optical interface assembly and the integrated circuit to achieve alignment, and a test plug with a reflective alignment fixture to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical alignment is performed manually or without feedback mechanisms, then alignment speed is slow and productivity is low, but alignment precision is insufficient for high-speed optical communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated alignment system that uses optical transmitters to emit light through the optical interface assembly, reflects the light off a reflective surface, and detects the reflected light with optical receivers. The system processes the receiver signals to determine alignment status and automatically adjusts the optical interface assembly position to achieve precise alignment, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and speed by replacing manual methods with feedback-driven automation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-diagnostic and self-adjusting. The optical transmitters and receivers automatically test the alignment condition by measuring light transmission through the optical interface assembly, and the system self-corrects any misalignment without external intervention, thereby achieving both high precision and rapid alignment
2Measurement precision
If reflective alignment fixtures are used to improve alignment precision, then alignment accuracy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element that simplifies the alignment measurement process. Instead of directly measuring complex optical path deviations, the system uses the reflective surface to convert alignment status into measurable light intensity changes at the receivers, thereby achieving high alignment accuracy through a relatively simple intermediary mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits optical signals for communication and simultaneously acts as the alignment test subject. The same assembly that performs data transmission also contains the optical transmitters and receivers used for alignment testing, eliminating the need for separate test equipment and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If high-density optical connections are implemented to increase bandwidth capacity, then network speed and capacity improve, but alignment difficulty and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated alignment system with optical transmitters and receivers provides real-time feedback on the alignment status of each optical connection. This feedback mechanism enables precise alignment even in high-density configurations where manual alignment would be impractical, thereby supporting increased bandwidth capacity without sacrificing alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment testing and adjustment are performed during the manufacturing process before the optical interface assembly is finalized. By conducting preliminary alignment tests using the reflective surface and receiver signals, the system ensures that high-density optical connections achieve the required precision before deployment, reducing alignment difficulty in the field
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 approach enables precise and stable optical alignment, maintaining connectivity even with temperature variations and manufacturing processes, thereby ensuring reliable high-speed optical communication.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light from the at least one optical transmitter
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the emitted light from a reflective surface disposed immediately adjacent a front end of the optical interface assembly
Implementation Method 3
receiving the reflected light with the at least one optical receiver and generating in response at least one receiver signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of aligning an optical interface assembly with an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. The method includes emitting light from an optical transmitter, passing the emitted light through the optical interface assembly in a first direction, and reflecting the emitted light from a reflective surface disposed immediately adjacent a front end of the optical interface assembly to define reflected light that travels back through the optical interface assembly in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The reflected light is received by an optical receiver that generates in response a receiver signal. The relative position of the optical interface assembly and the IC is adjusted to achieve an aligned position based on the receiver signal. The disclosure is also directed to a test plug for aligning an optical interface assembly to the IC.