Turning Mirror Optical Couplers for Low-Loss Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical couplers in optical communications face challenges with high insertion losses and complex fabrication processes, particularly in coupling optical signals into optical fibers or waveguides, especially when dealing with diverging signals and requiring precise beam collimation.
Innovation Solution
The optical couplers employ a layered structure with a turning mirror configured as a deposited reflective material or total-internal-reflection mirror, positioned at an angle to reflect optical signals efficiently, utilizing anti-reflective structures to minimize losses and allow complete reflection of diverging energy, enabling efficient coupling into various propagation media without the need for beam collimators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional grating couplers or edge-coupled tapered waveguides are used, then optical signal coupling can be achieved, but insertion losses are high and fabrication processes are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam collimation function from the coupling system by using a turning mirror to reflect and redirect the optical path, eliminating the need for complex beam collimators while reducing insertion losses. The turning mirror separates the coupling function from the collimation function, simplifying the overall device structure and fabrication process
Solution Approach 2:
The turning mirror acts as an intermediary element that redirects the optical path between the waveguide and the optical fiber, enabling efficient coupling without requiring complex alignment or beam collimation mechanisms. This intermediary component simplifies the fabrication process while maintaining low insertion losses
2Manufacturing precision
If beam collimators are used to handle diverging signals, then beam collimation can be achieved, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam collimator component entirely from the system, using the turning mirror to handle the diverging optical signals through reflection and path redirection. This extraction of the collimation function eliminates fabrication difficulties associated with precise beam collimation while maintaining manufacturing precision through the mirror's reflective geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a beam collimator to converge diverging beams, the patent inverts the approach by using a turning mirror to reflect and redirect the diverging optical path at a specific angle, achieving the desired coupling precision through geometric reflection rather than optical convergence
3Productivity
If turning mirrors are positioned to reflect diverging signals, then coupling efficiency improves, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turning mirror is designed to perform multiple functions: reflecting the optical path, redirecting diverging signals, and enabling coupling efficiency improvement simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms while maintaining high coupling efficiency through the mirror's strategic positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular dimension by positioning the turning mirror at a specific reflection angle to redirect the optical path. This dimensional approach allows the mirror to handle diverging signals effectively while reducing alignment precision requirements through geometric optimization rather than precise positional alignment
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 achieves efficient optical signal coupling with minimal reflective losses, supporting signals of any wavelength or polarization, and simplifies the fabrication process compared to traditional grating couplers or edge-coupled tapered waveguides, reducing the complexity and cost associated with high insertion losses.
Implementation Method 1
optical couplers employ a layered structure with a turning mirror configured as a deposited reflective material or total-internal-reflection mirror, positioned at an angle to reflect optical signals efficiently
Implementation Method 2
turning mirror configured as a deposited reflective material or total-internal-reflection mirror
Implementation Method 3
utilizing anti-reflective structures to minimize losses
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes an optical coupler. The optical coupler includes a waveguide formed in a first layer of a layered structure that is to propagate an optical signal. The waveguide includes an end portion. The optical coupler also includes a turning mirror that includes a bulk structure and a reflective material deposited on an angular face of the bulk structure to form a surface of the turning mirror. The bulk structure can have a greater cross-sectional size than a cross-sectional size of the waveguide, such that the angular face extends above the first layer of the layered structure and extends into a second layer of the layered structure below the first layer. The surface of the turning mirror can be arranged to reflect the optical signal that is provided from the end portion of the waveguide.