Optical Connection Terminal With Lens Array And Waveguide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical connection structures for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) face challenges such as complex handling, stress-induced damage, and misalignment due to thermal expansion during reflow processes, particularly when connecting multiple optical fibers with connectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection terminal with a positioning member, lens array, and optical waveguide member, where the lens array and waveguide member are made of materials with low thermal expansion coefficients, and a guide mechanism ensures precise alignment and connection, using magnets for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical fibers with connectors are connected to a substrate through reflow process, then optical connection is achieved, but handling becomes complicated and self-weight and pulling tension may damage the connected part
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical connection system into separate modules: the photonic integrated circuit with its optical fibers is one module, and the connector is another separate module. This segmentation allows the PIC to be mounted on the substrate first, then connectors are attached to the fiber ends separately, simplifying handling and avoiding damage from self-weight and pulling tension during the reflow process.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers and connectors are connected before reflow process, then connection is established, but heat resistance is insufficient and deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the optical fiber to PIC connection before the reflow process, while using materials and structures designed to withstand the subsequent reflow temperature. The connector is attached to the fiber end after the reflow process, ensuring that all components experience the thermal stress in a controlled manner that maintains connection reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of optical fibers are connected to substrate, then optical connection capacity is increased, but alignment and connection operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-assembles the photonic integrated circuit with multiple optical fibers connected before the reflow process. This preliminary action allows for pre-alignment and pre-connection of multiple fibers, so that during the reflow process and subsequent connector attachment, the alignment is already established, significantly reducing the time required for connection operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers are connected before reflow process, then connection is established, but misalignment occurs due to thermal expansion during reflow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses materials with matched thermal expansion coefficients for the photonic integrated circuit, optical fibers, and connector components. This parameter matching ensures that during the reflow process, all components expand at the same rate, maintaining precise alignment and preventing misalignment even when multiple optical fibers are connected.
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
Facilitates high-precision, efficient assembly of optical connections with reduced misalignment and damage, allowing for high-density packaging and simplified handling during reflow processes.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array (3a, 3b) that is to be fixed to the positioning member (1a, 1b)
Implementation Method 2
A magnet that is to be a fixing portion with the connection target may be disposed on the front surface of the positioning member
Implementation Method 3
The guide mechanism may be disposed on each side of the lens array and may have a concave/convex structure that can be fitted with the connection target
Data Source
AI summary
A lens array is accommodated inside a positioning member and fixed with adhesive, for example. The lens array is optically connected to a planar optical waveguide (an optical waveguide member). The planar optical waveguide includes a plurality of optical waveguide paths being formed therein, and each of the plurality of the optical waveguide paths is aligned and optically connected to each lens of the lens array and fixed with adhesive, for example. A guide mechanism is provided on a front surface of the positioning member (a surface facing a connection target) for positioning with the connection target. Here, it is preferable that the planar optical waveguide and the lens array are made of glass and the positioning member is made of thermoplastic resin.