Resin Optical Waveguide for Miniaturized Photonic Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical connection techniques, such as butt coupling and spatial optical coupling, face limitations in miniaturization and manufacturing yield due to requirements for precise alignment, thermal expansion matching, and potential damage from removal solvents, especially when using stereolithography for resin optical waveguides.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection component featuring a plate-shaped substrate with resin optical waveguides formed by light-cured resin, allowing for separate input/output ends that can connect optical devices and fibers without the need for direct mounting in a stereolithography apparatus, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing yield loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If butt coupling or spatial optical coupling is used for optical connections, then optical connection between optical fibers and optical devices can be achieved, but manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are limited due to requirements for precise alignment and thermal expansion matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resin optical waveguide as an intermediary component that connects optical fibers and optical devices. This waveguide serves as a mediator that accommodates alignment tolerances and thermal expansion differences, eliminating the need for precise direct alignment between connected components while maintaining reliable optical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the refractive index parameters of the resin optical waveguide to control light propagation. By carefully selecting the refractive index of the resin material, the waveguide can effectively guide light from optical fibers to optical devices, providing reliable connection without requiring precise mechanical alignment.
2Volume of moving object
If stereolithography is used to form resin optical waveguides directly on optical devices, then miniaturization can be achieved, but manufacturing yield is reduced due to potential damage from removal solvents and complex mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the optical connection function from the mounting function by using a standalone resin optical waveguide component. This segmentation allows the waveguide to be manufactured separately using stereolithography without directly mounting on the optical device, thereby avoiding solvent damage to the device while maintaining miniaturization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin optical waveguide acts as an intermediary that bridges optical fibers and optical devices without requiring direct contact or mounting between them. This intermediate component eliminates the need for complex mounting procedures and protects optical devices from exposure to harmful removal solvents during manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection pitch is expanded on the optical circuit to accommodate optical fiber connection, then optical connection can be performed, but the entire optical device cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical connection structure by using a resin optical waveguide with specific refractive index and dimensional characteristics. This allows the connection pitch to be reduced below the cladding diameter limitation while maintaining effective optical connection, thereby enabling miniaturization of the entire optical device.
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 approach enables higher manufacturing yield and easier mounting of optical connection structures without the complications of stereolithography, allowing for miniaturization beyond the limitations of traditional techniques while avoiding solvent-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide formed by a resin core configured to optically connect the first input/output end and the second input/output end
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical connection component that is constituted of a plate-shaped substrate configured to transmit light to be used, and a resin optical waveguide. The resin optical waveguide is constituted of a resin core formed with a resin through which light to be used passes. For example, the resin core is formed with a light-cured resin. The resin optical waveguide uses air surrounding the resin core as a cladding. The resin core has a folded back structure in which the resin core once separates from the surface of the substrate and then returns to the surface of the substrate, and is connected to each of a first input/output end and a second input/output end of the substrate.