Optical Waveguide Structure for Mode Field Diameter Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical circuit boards experience significant connection loss between optical elements and optical fibers due to differences in mode field diameters, leading to deteriorated signal quality.
Innovation Solution
The optical circuit board features a waveguide with a core having two portions of different widths and thicknesses, and claddings with varying refractive indices, designed to reduce connection loss by optimizing the mode field diameter matching between optical elements and fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional optical waveguide with uniform core dimensions is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but connection loss between optical elements and optical fibers increases due to mode field diameter mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide core is divided into multiple sections along the optical propagation direction, with each section having different width and thickness dimensions. This segmentation allows the mode field diameter to be adjusted progressively, enabling better matching between optical elements and fibers while reducing connection loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the waveguide core are assigned different local dimensions (width and thickness) to create varying mode field diameters at different positions. The first section has dimensions optimized for coupling with optical elements, while subsequent sections have dimensions optimized for coupling with optical fibers, achieving local optimization of connection loss.
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 connection loss and improves signal transmission efficiency by aligning the mode field diameters of the optical element and fiber, enhancing the overall signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
The optical waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mounting region of the optical component on the wiring board, and includes a core, a first cladding, and a second cladding
Implementation Method 2
The optical waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mounting region of the optical component on the wiring board, and includes a core, a first cladding, and a second cladding
Implementation Method 3
The refractive index of the second cladding is greater than the refractive index of the first cladding
Data Source
AI summary
An optical circuit includes a wiring board and an optical waveguide. Part of an upper surface of the wiring board is a mounting region of an optical component. The optical waveguide is positioned adjacent to the mounting region of the optical component on the wiring board, and includes a core, a first cladding, and a second cladding. The core includes a first portion and a second portion. The first cladding is positioned sandwiching upper and lower surfaces of the first portion of the core, and the second cladding is positioned sandwiching upper and lower surfaces of the second portion of the core. The width of the second portion is greater than the width of the first portion, and the thickness of the second portion is greater than the thickness of the first portion. The refractive index of the second cladding is greater than the refractive index of the first cladding.