Optical Waveguide Alignment Using Detectable Markings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in semiconductor technology and micromechanics is the precise alignment and coupling of optical waveguides in different components, which is complex and costly, especially when integrating optical and optoelectronic components, requiring high positioning accuracy for efficient light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with optically detectable substrate and component marking sets, aligned using a camera and mechanical handling device, allows for precise positioning of optical waveguides by aligning parallel lines on the substrate and components, enabling efficient optical coupling without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment and optimization of component positioning is performed to achieve optimal optical coupling, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment markings are pre-defined on both the substrate and components during manufacturing, establishing reference positions in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment during assembly, as components can be directly positioned using the pre-established marking alignment system.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical alignment markings serve as an intermediary reference system between the substrate and components. These markings act as a mediator that translates the complex requirement for precise optical coupling into a simple visual alignment task, enabling accurate positioning without complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment methods are used for optimizing optical waveguide coupling, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment markings are designed to enable self-alignment of components during assembly. The markings themselves provide the reference information needed for positioning, eliminating the need for external measurement instruments or complex adjustment procedures. This self-service approach maintains high positioning accuracy while enabling efficient mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with an optical marking-based alignment system. Instead of using mechanical stages, micrometers, or complex positioning mechanisms, the solution uses optically detectable markings that can be quickly aligned and verified, dramatically improving production efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If complex adjustment systems are implemented for optimizing light transmission, then optical coupling is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment markings are simple, inexpensive features that can be integrated into the standard manufacturing process of substrates and components. Rather than investing in expensive adjustable mounting mechanisms, the solution uses cheap marking structures (such as etched lines or deposited patterns) that provide the same alignment function at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment function from complex mechanical adjustment systems and isolates it into a separate, simple marking system. By separating the alignment reference (markings) from the component functionality, the solution eliminates the need for expensive adjustment mechanisms while maintaining optimal optical coupling.
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 method enables reliable and cost-effective alignment and coupling of optical waveguides, optimizing the distance and angular orientation for efficient light transmission, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional alignment methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera... optically detectable substrate marking set and optically detectable component marking set... the mounting device is configured to assemble the components and the substrate in such a way that the components, based on the component marking sets, are exclusively optically aligned with the lines of the substrate marking sets
Implementation Method 2
It has also been described to utilize a self-adjustment of the components using liquid solder during mounting. The surface tension of the liquid solder is used in the process to pull the component into an optimized position.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly may include at least one camera and a controllable mechanical handling device. The system may further include a first component, including a first optical waveguide and a second component, including a second optical waveguide. The first component and the second component are fixedly connected to a substrate and arranged directly next to one another on the substrate and relative to one another in such a way that a coupling side of the first component and a coupling side of the second component are situated opposite each other on a first and second side of a coupling plane. The optical waveguides of the first and second component each end at a first coupling surface or a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling sides are aligned, and optically coupled with one another at a first and second end face.