Laser-Written Waveguide Adapter for Fiber-to-Chip Pitch Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently integrating optical fibers with optical engines due to differences in size and pitch, leading to difficulties in direct optical signal transfer.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser-written waveguide adapter that adapts the size and pitch of optical fibers to match those of optical engines, achieved through laser-written waveguides and evanescent coupling, allowing for efficient optical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct connection between optical fibers and optical engines is attempted, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision becomes insufficient due to size and pitch mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between optical fibers and optical engines. This adapter includes a coupling region with evanescently coupled waveguides that bridge the size and pitch differences between the optical fiber array and the optical engine array, enabling precise alignment without direct connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct one-to-one mapping in the same plane to a multi-dimensional coupling structure. The adapter creates a separate coupling region where waveguides from the optical fiber array and optical engine array evanescently couple in three-dimensional space, allowing pitch and size adaptation through spatial transformation
2Reliability
If size and pitch adaptation is implemented through the adapter, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a specialized intermediary that performs size and pitch adaptation functions. It includes a first array of waveguides coupled to optical fibers, a second array of waveguides coupled to optical engines, and a coupling region where evanescent coupling occurs, thereby improving optical coupling efficiency while concentrating the complexity in a single modular component
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it adapts pitch differences between fiber arrays and engine arrays, compensates for size mismatches, enables evanescent coupling, and provides mechanical support and alignment. This multi-functionality improves coupling efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate components
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
Enables effective optical coupling between optical fibers and engines by reducing light loss and ensuring precise alignment, thereby enhancing the performance of high-speed optical I/O modules.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through laser-written waveguides and evanescent coupling, allowing for efficient optical signal transmission
Implementation Method 2
The adapter includes a laser written waveguide(s) therein, which are formed through laser writing. The laser written waveguides optically and signally connect an optical fiber(s) to optical components
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes forming an optical engine including a photonic integrated circuit die, wherein the photonic integrated circuit die includes an optical component, forming an adapter comprising a laser written waveguide, and assembling the optical engine, the adapter, and an optical fiber as a package. The optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical component through the laser written waveguide in the adapter.