Optical Module Prism Coupling for Signal Speed and Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization and high-speed signal delivery due to limitations in traditional signal delivery methods, such as high resistance and heat generation, which are alleviated by applying optical communication technology but require improved coupling efficiency and reliability in optical interconnections.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical module with a lower clad layer, extended optical waveguide, a prism with a higher refractive index than the waveguide, a housing, and an electrode layer, along with bonding wires and a buffer layer, enhances coupling efficiency and reliability in optical and electrical interconnections by optimizing the refractive indices and alignment tolerance of the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical communication technology is applied to electronic devices, then signal delivery speed is improved and limitations such as high resistance and heat generation are alleviated, but coupling efficiency between optical components needs to be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
A prism with higher refractive index than the optical waveguide is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical device and the waveguide. The prism serves as a mediator to improve optical coupling efficiency by facilitating better light confinement and mode matching between the optical device output and the waveguide input, thereby resolving the coupling efficiency issue while maintaining high signal delivery speed
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index parameter is strategically changed by introducing a prism material with higher refractive index than the optical waveguide. This parameter change optimizes the optical field distribution and coupling characteristics, enabling efficient light transfer from the optical device to the waveguide while maintaining high signal delivery speed
2Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers are inserted into PCB to use existing fiber-optic communication technologies, then implementation complexity is reduced, but coupling efficiency and reliability of optical interconnections require improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The prism is positioned locally at the coupling interface between the optical device and the optical waveguide, providing enhanced optical coupling only where needed. This localized approach improves coupling efficiency at the critical interface without requiring changes to the overall PCB integration structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The prism acts as a local intermediary element at the optical coupling point, enabling efficient light transfer between the optical device and waveguide. This localized intermediary approach allows existing fiber-optic communication technologies to be implemented on PCB with improved coupling efficiency and reliability
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 maximizes coupling efficiency and reliability in optical communication systems, enabling efficient signal transmission and alleviating issues of resistance and heat generation, thus supporting miniaturization and high-speed performance in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a prism disposed between the optical device and the optical waveguide, the prism having a higher refractive index than the optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical module, an optical communication apparatus, and an information processing system including the same. The optical module includes a lower clad layer, an optical waveguide extended in one direction on the lower clad layer, an optical device on the optical waveguide, a prism disposed between the optical device and the optical waveguide and having a higher refractive index than the optical waveguide, a housing covering the prism and the optical device, and an electrode layer adjacent to the prism and disposed between the housing and the optical waveguide.