Polymer Optical Waveguide Recess Structure for Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques face challenges in achieving high coupling efficiency between optical waveguides and optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A polymer optical waveguide design featuring a core with an end surface exposed inside a recess formed in the cladding, where the end surface is positioned deeper than the cladding surface, and a manufacturing method using laser irradiation to form this configuration without mechanical polishing, ensuring a smooth and convex end surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical polishing is used to prepare the end surface, then surface smoothness can be improved, but the core may become distorted and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical polishing system with a laser-based system. The laser beam irradiates the end surface of the core to ablate material and create a smooth surface without mechanical contact, thereby avoiding core distortion while achieving the desired surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the core material through laser irradiation. By controlling laser parameters (power, duration, wavelength), the end surface is modified to achieve smoothness without mechanical stress that would cause distortion.
2Ease of operation
If the end surface is positioned flush with the cladding surface, then alignment is simplified, but coupling efficiency with optical fiber decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recess only at the end surface region where optical coupling occurs. The rest of the waveguide structure maintains its original configuration for simplicity, while the localized recess improves coupling efficiency by enabling better optical field overlap with the fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth dimension by forming a recess in the end surface. This vertical displacement of the end surface relative to the cladding surface creates optimal optical coupling conditions without affecting the lateral alignment simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If laser irradiation is used to form the recess, then mechanical processing is eliminated and core distortion is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical processing equipment with laser processing equipment. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact that causes distortion while transferring the precision requirement to the laser system, which can achieve high precision through digital control of beam parameters.
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 design enhances coupling efficiency and reduces coupling loss by preventing distortion of the core, thereby improving light condensing performance and maintaining high optical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
forming a recess in the intermediate structure by irradiating the first surface and the second surface with a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer optical waveguide includes a core having an end surface, and a cladding provided around the core and having a first surface, wherein a recess is formed in the first surface. The end surface is exposed inside the recess, and the end surface is located at a position deeper than the first surface.