Shaped Multicore Optical Fiber Alignment and Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interconnect devices lack versatility in configuration, particularly in utilizing single mode or multimode optical fibers with multiple cores, which limits data throughput, redundancy, and compactness.
Innovation Solution
The use of shaped multicore optical fibers with noncircular shapes and asymmetric arrangements, along with shaped cladding and coatings, to enhance alignment and orientation within optical interconnects, allowing for improved data routing and alignment with infinite conjugate imagers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single core fibers are used in optical interconnect devices, then the device configuration is simple, but data throughput and redundancy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single optical fiber into multiple independent cores, allowing each core to carry separate optical signals. This segmentation enables parallel data transmission across multiple cores within a single fiber, dramatically increasing data throughput while maintaining a compact fiber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple cores within a single optical fiber structure, merging the functionality of multiple separate fibers into one. This consolidation increases data throughput and provides redundancy while reducing the number of individual fiber components needed in the interconnect device.
2Manufacturing precision
If standard circular optical fibers are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but alignment precision with imagers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric shaping to the optical fiber ends, creating unique geometric features that provide inherent alignment references. This asymmetric geometry enables precise alignment with corresponding imager components by providing mechanical and optical reference features that guide proper positioning during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized shaping only to specific regions of the optical fiber (the end portions) rather than the entire fiber structure. This local modification provides the necessary alignment features while maintaining the simplicity of standard fiber manufacturing for the bulk of the fiber length.
3Productivity
If multiple separate optical fibers are used to increase data throughput, then redundancy is improved, but device compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent optical cores into a single fiber structure, allowing multiple data channels to coexist within one physical fiber. This consolidation maintains redundancy and high data throughput while significantly reducing the space required compared to using multiple separate fiber cables or bundles.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved optical interconnects obtained by replacing one or more single core fibers with one or more multicore fibers. In some instances, at least one of the optical fibers is shaped.