Photonic Integrated Fiber Coupling With Flexible Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment process of laser beams in conventional optical fiber network devices is costly and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of the output terminal of the laser chip with the transceiver port, leading to poor coupling and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber network device incorporating a photonic integrated circuit with a laser chip, photodetector, wavelength division multiplexing coupler, and optical modulation elements, which allows for improved alignment and coupling efficiency through an inverse design structure that accommodates slight shifts in the laser beam position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of laser chip output terminal with fiber transceiver port is performed, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and time cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens as an intermediary component between the laser chip output terminal and the fiber transceiver port. This lens focuses and redirects the laser beam, enabling accurate coupling without requiring precise direct alignment between the laser chip and fiber. The lens acts as a mediator that compensates for alignment tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high coupling efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of laser chip output terminal with fiber transceiver port is performed, then coupling efficiency is improved, but alignment time cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens serves as a mediator that relaxes alignment requirements. By incorporating the lens, the system becomes less sensitive to misalignment between the laser chip and fiber, significantly reducing the time required for alignment procedures during manufacturing and maintenance while preserving coupling efficiency.
3Length of stationary object
If laser beam is allowed to diffuse with distance increase, then transmission distance is extended, but coupling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lens to dynamically control the laser beam propagation. The lens focuses the diverging laser beam, creating a concentrated beam path that maintains coupling accuracy over extended transmission distances. This dynamic optical control allows the system to achieve both long transmission distance and high coupling accuracy simultaneously.
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
Reduces manufacturing costs and improves coupling efficiency by allowing for flexible alignment of the laser beam, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
The laser chip is disposed on the photonic integrated circuit, and is configured to generate the first optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The photodetector is configured to detect the second optical signal
Implementation Method 3
The wavelength division multiplexing coupler is configured to couple the first optical signal to a transceiver port of the fiber, and receive the second optical signal from the transceiver port of the fiber. A first wavelength of the first optical signal is different from a second wavelength of the second optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber network device includes a fiber and a photonic integrated circuit. Fiber receives a first optical signal and transmits a second optical signal. A first wavelength of first optical signal is different from a second wavelength of second optical signal. Photonic integrated circuit includes a laser chip, a photodetector, a wavelength division multiplexing coupler, a first optical modulation element and a second optical modulation element. Laser chip is disposed on photonic integrated circuit, and is configured to generate first optical signal. Photodetector detects second optical signal. Wavelength division multiplexing coupler is configured to couple first optical signal to fiber, and receives second optical signal. First optical modulation element is coupled to wavelength division multiplexing coupler and laser chip, and is configured to modulate first optical signal. Second optical modulation element is coupled to wavelength division multiplexing coupler and photodetector, and is configured to modulate second optical signal.