Self-Aligned Optical Guide for VCSEL-Fiber Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in achieving a reliable and efficient connection between optical sources emitting directional light and optical fibers, particularly with VCSELs, where precise alignment is difficult and often results in lower power transmission and optical losses, especially when using existing methods that involve incompatible resins or tedious resin removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a guide forming composition with a first and second photoinitiator system, activated by different light wavelengths, to create a self-aligned optical guide with a refractive index gradient, allowing for photopolymerization of a central and peripheral region, facilitating a robust and flexible connection between the optical source and fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If precise alignment is achieved between optical source and fiber, then power transmission is improved, but alignment difficulty and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical guide material performs self-alignment through its self-organizing properties. The material automatically positions itself to maximize optical coupling between the VCSEL and fiber without requiring external alignment mechanisms or precise manual positioning, thereby achieving high power transmission while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the optical guide material to enable self-alignment. By selecting materials with specific refractive indices, optical properties, and self-organizing characteristics, the system achieves automatic positioning and high power transmission without precise mechanical alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing resin methods are used, then optical guide formation is achieved, but optical losses increase due to micro phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting specific resin combinations with compatible optical indices and eliminating micro phase separation. The optical guide material is formulated to maintain homogeneous optical properties throughout, preventing the phase separation that causes optical losses in conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite optical guide materials combining multiple resins with complementary properties. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both ease of manufacture and low optical losses by leveraging the advantages of each component while avoiding their individual drawbacks.
3Reliability
If multi-step resin processes are used, then fiber connection is achieved, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple resin application steps into a single process. Instead of applying, removing, and reapplying resins in sequence, the invention uses a self-aligning optical guide material that forms the complete connection structure in one step, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining reliable fiber connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical guide material is pre-formulated with self-aligning properties and self-organizing characteristics before application. This preliminary preparation enables the material to automatically perform alignment and connection functions during a single application process, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment or rework steps.
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 method enables a simple, reliable, and effective connection with high power transmission (>50%) over a range of distances and fiber types, including single-mode fibers, without requiring precise alignment, and enhances mechanical strength and optical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoinitiator system able to activate the polymerization of at least the first monomer when illuminated with a first light
Implementation Method 2
the guide forming composition comprising a second photoinitiator system, the second photoinitiator system being able to be activated when illuminated with a second light having a second peak wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes placing a fluid guide forming composition in contact with the optical source and with the optical fiber, injecting a first light in the guide forming composition from the optical source and/or from the optical fiber, to harden a central region of the optical guide, illuminating the guide forming composition with the second light to harden a peripheral region of the optical guide by photopolymerization initiated by the second photoinitiator system. The difference between the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength being more than 100 nm.