Waveguide-Fiber Stub Adhesive Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communications systems face increased costs and reduced reliability due to the use of lenses between waveguide devices and optical fibers, leading to optical losses from divergence and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A direct adhesive attachment of waveguide devices to fiber stubs eliminates the need for lenses, reducing the distance between the waveguide and fiber, thereby decreasing light divergence and simplifying the optical device structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenses are used between waveguide devices and optical fibers, then light coupling is enabled, but optical losses from divergence occur and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component from the optical coupling system, directly connecting the waveguide device to the optical fiber through a fiber stub. This extraction of the lens eliminates the source of optical divergence while maintaining coupling functionality through direct physical contact between the waveguide end face and fiber end face.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waveguide device and optical fiber into a single integrated structure by directly attaching the fiber stub to the waveguide device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate lens components and reduces the number of optical interfaces, thereby reducing optical losses and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If lenses are used between waveguide devices and optical fibers, then light coupling is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lens component from the optical coupling system, simplifying the overall device structure. The direct connection between waveguide and fiber eliminates the need for additional optical elements, reducing structural complexity and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the waveguide device and optical fiber into a unified structure through direct attachment via fiber stub. This merging reduces the number of discrete components and assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If lenses are used between waveguide devices and optical fibers, then light coupling is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional components and antireflective coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component and associated antireflective coating requirements, directly simplifying the manufacturing process. The direct waveguide-to-fiber connection eliminates the need for complex lens assembly and coating procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waveguide and fiber into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of manufacturing steps. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate lens fabrication, coating, and assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
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 approach enhances the performance and reliability of optical devices by minimizing optical losses and reducing manufacturing costs through fewer components and the absence of antireflective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide device and a fiber stub directly attached to the waveguide device by an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
Light from the optical fiber is coupled to the optical waveguide in the waveguide device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a waveguide device and a fiber stub. The fiber stub at least partially contains a first optical fiber and is directly attached to the waveguide device by an adhesive. The first optical fiber is to be coupled to a second optical fiber included in an optical connector when the optical connector is inserted into a receptacle of the optical device. The fiber stub is to couple the first optical fiber to at least one of the waveguide device or an optical waveguide included in the waveguide device.