Optical Waveguide End Structure for Easier Light Incident Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical circuit boards face challenges in efficiently determining the light incident position for optical waveguide inspection, making it difficult to perform optical continuity inspections effectively.
Innovation Solution
The optical circuit board design includes a first and second optical waveguide with specific cladding and core structures, featuring gaps between the core and upper cladding at the end surfaces, allowing for easy visual recognition of the light incident position during inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical waveguide is constructed with complete cladding coverage, then the optical signal transmission is protected, but the light incident position cannot be visually recognized for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gap between the upper cladding and the core at the end surface of the optical waveguide. This localized modification allows the light incident position to be visually recognized during inspection while maintaining complete cladding coverage for optical signal transmission protection in the bulk region. The gap is strategically positioned only where visual recognition is needed, preserving the protective function elsewhere.
2Reliability
If the optical waveguide structure is made complex to ensure proper cladding coverage, then the optical transmission is improved, but the inspection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the optical property change (analogous to color changes) by creating a gap that alters the optical appearance at the end surface. This visual change enables easy recognition of the light incident position during inspection, thereby improving inspection efficiency without requiring complex inspection equipment or procedures. The gap creates a visible contrast that simplifies the inspection process.
3Reliability
If the upper cladding completely covers the core, then the optical waveguide is well-protected, but positioning the light beam for inspection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting or removing the upper cladding material from the region directly above the core at the end surface. This creates a gap that exposes the core's end surface, making it easy to position the light beam for inspection. The extraction is localized and does not compromise the protective function of the cladding in other regions.
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 enhances inspection efficiency by facilitating accurate positioning of the light beam, thereby improving the optical continuity inspection process and reducing transmission losses.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide (3) including a core (312, 322) and a cladding (311, 313, 321, 323)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical circuit board includes a wiring board and first and second optical waveguides positioned on the wiring board. The first optical waveguide includes a first lower clad, a first core, and a first upper clad covering at least part of the first core. The second optical waveguide-includes a second lower clad, a second core, and a second upper clad covering at least part of the second core. The second optical waveguide includes a first end surface at which a first core end surface of the second core is exposed on an outer edge side of the wiring board and includes a second end surface at which a second core end surface of the second core is exposed on a center side of the wiring board. At the first end surface and/or the second end surface, a gap is between the second core and the second upper clad.