Sub-wavelength Grating Ferrule for Compact Optical Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical connectors face challenges in integrating additional optical components, leading to increased manufacturing costs and bulky designs due to geometric constraints, particularly when incorporating lenses with convex or concave shapes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) assembly within the ferrule, which provides various optical functionalities such as beam focusing, expansion, and filtering without imposing significant geometric constraints, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lenses with convex or concave shapes are integrated into optical connectors, then optical functionalities such as beam focusing and expansion are achieved, but the connector becomes bulky and manufacturing costs increase due to geometric constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionalityVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical lens structures with a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) assembly that uses optical diffraction and interference effects to achieve beam focusing, expansion, and filtering functionalities without requiring convex or concave geometric shapes, thereby reducing connector size while maintaining optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using sub-wavelength scale structures (grating periods smaller than the wavelength of light) to achieve optical manipulation without the need for traditional lens curvatures, enabling compact integration while preserving optical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lenses with complex geometric shapes are integrated into optical connectors, then optical functionalities are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to geometric constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical lens fabrication with SWG assembly manufacturing that uses standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for precision grinding and polishing of convex or concave surfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same optical functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fabrication approach by using sub-wavelength grating structures that can be manufactured using planar deposition and lithography processes rather than traditional lens shaping methods, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional optical components are integrated into optical connectors, then functionality and reliability are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical components (beam focusing, expansion, and filtering elements) into a single integrated SWG assembly that can be bonded to the ferrule as one unit, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps while providing enhanced optical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The SWG assembly enables the implementation of diverse optical functions within optical connectors, facilitating compact and reliable designs while reducing manufacturing costs, and allowing for automatic alignment and bonding with the ferrule, enhancing the connector's performance and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

The integration of a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) assembly within the ferrule, which provides various optical functionalities such as beam focusing, expansion, and filtering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The integration of a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) assembly within the ferrule, which provides various optical functionalities such as beam focusing, expansion, and filtering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS9341780B2Optical connections

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 VALTRUS INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

Techniques related to optical connectors are described. A ferrule includes an optical pathway for light transmission through the ferrule. In examples, a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) assembly is integrated in the ferrule, aligned with an end of the optical pathway.