Optical Transceiver Assembly for Self-Aligned Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceivers for short-distance communication require precise optical alignment and exposure of optical fibers, leading to contamination, alignment errors, and inefficiencies, making them costly and difficult to mass-produce.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical assembly for optical transceivers comprising a body and cover assembly with integrated reflectors, lenses, and a surplus liquid guide groove, allowing passive alignment and protection of optical elements, reducing contamination risks and alignment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical transceivers use precise optical alignment methods, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is designed to self-align with the VCSEL through the groove structure and refractive index matching layer, eliminating the need for complex external alignment equipment. The groove geometry and material properties automatically guide the fiber into the correct position during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A refractive index matching layer is introduced as an intermediary between the optical fiber and VCSEL to improve coupling efficiency. This layer mediates the optical interface, reducing reflection and improving light transmission without requiring precise mechanical alignment.
2Ease of operation
If optical fibers are exposed during alignment processes, then alignment accessibility is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-positioned in the groove structure before final assembly, and the refractive index matching layer is pre-applied to the fiber end face. This preliminary preparation allows the fiber to be guided into position without exposure, preventing contamination while maintaining alignment accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index matching layer acts as a protective thin film that covers the optical fiber end face during assembly, preventing contamination while allowing optical coupling. This film maintains ease of operation by enabling fiber insertion without exposing the critical optical interface.
3Measurement precision
If complex alignment equipment is used, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure and refractive index matching layer create a self-aligning system that automatically positions the optical fiber correctly without requiring external alignment equipment. This eliminates time-consuming manual alignment processes while maintaining high precision through the geometric constraints of the groove and optical properties of the matching layer.
4Reliability
If conventional optical coupling methods are used, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index matching layer serves as an intermediary that improves optical coupling efficiency by reducing reflection and improving light transmission between the fiber and VCSEL. This simple material-based solution achieves better coupling than conventional methods without requiring complex or expensive manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure and refractive index matching layer create a self-aligning system that automatically positions the optical fiber correctly without requiring external alignment equipment. This eliminates time-consuming manual alignment processes while maintaining high precision through the geometric constraints of the groove and optical properties of the matching layer.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and easy optical alignment for high-capacity optical transmission, facilitating mass production without expensive equipment or time-consuming processes.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to change a traveling direction of light moving in a z direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the substrate to a -x direction parallel to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a first lens group disposed between at least one optical element and the reflector to optically couple the at least one optical element and the reflector
Implementation Method 3
a second lens group arranged on one side of the cover spacer, for optically coupling at least one optical fiber inserted from an outside in an x direction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an optical assembly for optical transceiver which is composed of two separate sub-assemblies including an assembly that is coupled with a substrate and has a post formed to have a central hollow into a multi-branched shape, for increasing the optical alignment efficiency between the optical elements included in the optical assembly for optical transceiver which involves multiple complicated and sophisticated processes, the optical assembly for optical transceiver being structured to drain out the epoxy resin or the refractive index matching material used when coupling the optical fiber inserted from the outside with the optical elements, whereby greatly reducing optical alignment errors caused by the epoxy resin or refractive index matching material, as well as directed to an optical transceiver using the optical assembly for optical transceiver.