Piezoelectric Fiber Alignment in Optoelectronic Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic packages face alignment issues due to thermal drift, physical handling, and external vibrations, leading to misalignment of optical fibers, which reduces device efficiency and requires costly reassembly for realignment.
Innovation Solution
Integration of piezoelectric actuators and adjustable hard-stops within the substrate allows for in-situ realignment of optical fibers without continuous power supply, eliminating the need for cantilevering the optical engine and reducing stress-induced losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fiber block is secured to package with cured epoxy, then alignment stability is improved, but realignment capability deteriorates (requires removing optical system for realignment)
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber block is secured using a curable adhesive that transitions from a fluid state during alignment to a solid state after curing. This dynamic state change allows the fiber block to be positioned and adjusted during assembly, then firmly fixed once alignment is achieved, resolving the contradiction between stability and realignment capability.
2Ease of operation
If optical engine is cantilevered over edge of substrate, then fiber coupling is simplified, but stress-induced losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber block is separated from the main optical engine assembly and positioned independently on the substrate using a curable adhesive. This segmentation allows the fiber block to be optimally positioned without requiring the entire optical engine to be cantilevered, reducing stress on the fibers while maintaining coupling capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment precision is increased to ±1 μm for single mode fibers, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curable adhesive provides self-alignment functionality during assembly, allowing the fiber block to be positioned and secured with high precision through the adhesive's flow and curing characteristics, rather than requiring complex external alignment equipment or procedures.
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
Enables precise and adaptive alignment of optical fibers, maintaining device efficiency and reducing the need for frequent reassembly and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric actuators that are used to adjust the position of a fiber block
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include an optoelectronic package that allows for in situ alignment of optical fibers. In an embodiment, the optoelectronic package may include an organic substrate. Embodiments include a cavity formed into the organic substrate. Additionally, the optoelectronic package may include an actuator formed on the organic substrate that extends over the cavity. In one embodiment, the actuator may include a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer. According to an additional embodiment of the invention, the actuator may include a first portion and a second portion. In order to allow for resistive heating and actuation driven by thermal expansion, a cross-sectional area of the first portion of the beam may be greater than a cross-sectional area of the second portion of the beam.