Optical Connection Structure With Dual-Recess Connecting Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical connection structures face challenges in forming optical waveguides between optical fibers and optical elements due to difficulties in appropriately irradiating the space between them with laser light.

Innovation Solution

The proposed optical connection structure features a connecting surface with a first recess and a second recess, allowing the optical fiber to be inserted into the first recess and optically connected to the optical element in the second recess, facilitating easy formation of the optical waveguide by ensuring appropriate laser light irradiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional flat connecting surface is used, then the structure is simple, but laser light cannot be appropriately irradiated to the space between the optical fiber and optical element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser light irradiationVSAvoidconnecting surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting surface is segmented into multiple recesses (first recess and second recess) at different depths. The first recess accommodates the optical fiber while the second recess provides direct laser access to form the optical waveguide. This segmentation allows selective depth access for different functions, resolving the contradiction between laser irradiation effectiveness and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structured surface with varying depths. By creating recesses at different depths, the patent enables laser light to reach the waveguide formation zone while maintaining a compact overall structure, thus improving laser irradiation without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the optical fiber is directly connected to the optical element without recesses, then the connection structure is simple, but the optical waveguide cannot be properly formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical waveguide formationVSAvoidconnecting surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting surface is pre-formed with first and second recesses before optical fiber insertion and waveguide formation. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the optical fiber is inserted and laser irradiation occurs, the geometry is already optimized for precise waveguide formation, thereby improving manufacturing precision while keeping the added structural complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the connecting surface is made complex to enable proper laser irradiation, then optical waveguide formation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnecting surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting surface exhibits local quality variations with different recess depths at different locations. The first recess (deeper) accommodates the optical fiber, while the second recess (shallower) enables laser access. This localized differentiation improves optical connection reliability by ensuring proper geometry where needed, while maintaining relative simplicity in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 a simple and effective optical connection between the optical fiber and the optical element, ensuring proper formation of the optical waveguide and enhancing the reliability of the optical connection.

Implementation Method 1

a self-written waveguide formed between the optical waveguide element and the optical fiber, and a cladding that covers the self-written waveguide. In the self-written waveguide, a portion of which the refractive index changes due to light irradiation serves as a core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index change due to light irradiation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250155644A1Optical connection structure, optical module, and method for manufacturing optical module

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical connection structure according to one embodiment includes an optical element including a substrate, and a first optical waveguide formed on the substrate and extending in a first direction; and an optical fiber including a second optical waveguide extending in the first direction. The optical element has a connecting surface intersecting the first direction. The connecting surface includes, in a plan view of the substrate, a first recess recessed in the first direction, and a second recess further recessed in the first direction inside the first recess. The optical fiber is inserted into the first recess, and is connected to the optical element. The second optical waveguide is optically connected to the first optical waveguide in the second recess.