Optical Circuit Board Waveguide Protruding Cladding Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical circuit boards are prone to damage at the end surface of the optical waveguide, leading to increased transmission loss of optical signals during product inspection, transportation, and connection to optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The optical circuit board features an optical waveguide with a second end surface where at least a part of the end surface of the lower cladding and the upper cladding protrude relative to the end surface of the core, reducing the risk of damage and signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the optical waveguide end surface is made flush with the core end surface, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the end surface is prone to damage during inspection, transportation, and connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by extending the cladding layer beyond the core end surface to create a protective protruding structure. This protruding cladding acts as a cushion that absorbs impacts and protects the vulnerable core end surface from damage during handling, inspection, and connection operations, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward structural extension
2Reliability
If the cladding layer is extended to protrude beyond the core end surface, then the reliability and damage resistance are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by extending only the cladding layer beyond the core end surface while keeping the core length unchanged. This localized structural modification provides enhanced protection at the critical end surface region without unnecessarily complicating the overall waveguide structure, maintaining simplicity in the core region while adding protection where needed
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 effectively reduces the possibility of damaging the optical waveguide's end surface and minimizes transmission loss of optical signals, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide positioned at the wiring board. The optical waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mounting region, and includes a lower cladding, a core, and an upper cladding in this order from a side of the upper surface of the wiring board
Data Source
AI summary
In the present disclosure, an optical circuit board includes a wiring board including an upper surface including a mounting region of an optical component, and an optical waveguide positioned at the wiring board. The optical waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mounting region, and includes a lower cladding, a core, and an upper cladding in this order from the upper surface side of the wiring board. The optical waveguide includes a first end surface facing the mounting region, and a second end surface including an end surface of the lower cladding, an end surface of the core, and an end surface of the upper cladding in the same plane and positioned on an opposite side to the first end surface. At the second end surface, at least a part of the end surfaces of the lower cladding and the upper cladding includes a protruding portion protruding relative to the end surface of the core.