Optical Wiring Module Self-Alignment via Hydrophilic Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance computing systems face challenges with signal waveform degradation and crosstalk in electrical wiring due to channel transmission losses and long-distance interconnects, necessitating the development of an optical interconnect solution that can achieve high-precision optical coupling at a low cost and with a simple structure.
Innovation Solution
An optical wiring module with a hydrophobic film and a first adhesive layer on the optical wiring substrate, which optically couples an optical fiber to a grating coupler, enabling self-alignment and low-loss optical coupling without requiring high-precision fiber holders or active alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a grating coupler is used for optical coupling, then optical connection is achieved, but high-precision fiber holders and active alignment are required which increases device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer automatically performs alignment function through its hydrophilic properties, causing the optical fiber to self-align with the grating coupler opening without requiring external alignment mechanisms or high-precision fiber holders. The system serves itself by using the adhesive's inherent wetting characteristics to achieve precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the hydrophobic grating coupler and the optical fiber, mediating the alignment and coupling process. The adhesive's unique wetting properties create a self-aligning interface that simplifies the overall coupling system.
2Reliability
If conventional optical coupling methods are used, then optical connection is established, but active alignment and high-precision components are required which increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer autonomously achieves alignment through its hydrophilic wetting behavior, eliminating the need for costly active alignment equipment and high-precision fiber holders. The system uses the adhesive's natural properties to perform the alignment function that would otherwise require complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface energy parameter of the adhesive layer by making it hydrophilic, which fundamentally alters the coupling mechanism from requiring mechanical precision to relying on capillary and wetting forces. This parameter change enables low-cost manufacturing while maintaining coupling reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical wiring is used for data communication, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but signal waveform degradation and crosstalk occur in broadband and long-distance interconnects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electrical signal transmission through copper wiring with optical signal transmission through fiber optics. This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitations of electrical wiring (crosstalk, signal degradation, bandwidth constraints) while enabling high-speed, long-distance communication suitable for HPC systems.
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 achieves high-precision optical coupling with coarse mounting precision, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining low optical loss, thereby addressing the limitations of existing electrical wiring in high-performance computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic film having an opening at a position corresponding to the light input/output part and a first adhesive layer disposed within the opening
Implementation Method 2
the optical fiber is optically coupled to the light input/output part via the first adhesive layer
Implementation Method 3
An optical fiber serving as an external optical wiring is held substantially perpendicular to the substrate in accordance with a diffraction angle by a fiber holder and optically connected to the grating coupler
Data Source
AI summary
An optical wiring module includes an optical wiring substrate on which an optical waveguide having a light input/output part is formed, and a fiber holder mounted on the optical wiring substrate, the fiber holder being configured to hold an optical fiber. The optical wiring substrate includes a hydrophobic film having an opening at a position corresponding to the light input/output part and a first adhesive layer disposed within the opening, and the optical fiber is optically coupled to the light input/output part via the first adhesive layer.