Optical Waveguide Lens Array Assembly for Low-Loss Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attachment of a microlens array to an optical modulation device can result in non-uniform adhesive thickness, leading to increased optical coupling loss between the optical waveguide and optical fiber due to potential misalignment and gradient attachment, which affects the optical coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide device incorporates a substrate with integrated lenses for input and output waveguides, where the lenses are formed in a lens array with specific angles and attachment surfaces to minimize misalignment, using a reinforcing substrate for improved adhesion and alignment, and separate lenses for optimal coupling with the optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a microlens array is attached to the substrate using adhesive, then the optical waveguide device can be assembled, but the adhesive thickness becomes non-uniform causing increased optical coupling loss
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcing substrate is introduced as an intermediary component between the substrate and the microlens array. This reinforcing substrate has a specific refractive index and thickness that acts as an optical intermediary, compensating for the non-uniform adhesive thickness and ensuring uniform optical coupling across the entire aperture of the microlens array.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index of the reinforcing substrate is specifically selected to be between 1.45 and 1.70, and its thickness is controlled at 0.5 to 2.0 mm. By changing these physical parameters of the reinforcing substrate, the optical coupling loss is minimized even when adhesive thickness varies.
2Ease of manufacture
If the microlens array is attached with adhesive, then the device can be assembled, but gradient attachment occurs leading to misalignment and increased optical coupling loss
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing substrate serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides a stable, flat mounting surface for the microlens array. This intermediary structure compensates for gradient attachment effects and ensures precise alignment between the microlens array and the optical waveguides, eliminating misalignment-induced optical coupling loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If a reinforcing substrate is added to improve adhesion and alignment, then optical coupling loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing substrate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical reinforcement to the substrate, serves as an optical intermediary to compensate for adhesive thickness variations, and acts as a mounting platform for the microlens array. By making this single component multi-functional, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired alignment precision.
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 configuration reduces optical coupling loss and improves extinction ratio and crosstalk characteristics by ensuring precise alignment and minimizing scattered light interference, enhancing the overall optical coupling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lenses that optically couple the optical waveguide and an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
input light input from an input optical fiber is focused by one lens of the microlens array and is input into an input waveguide provided on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide device includes an optical waveguide substrate on which an optical waveguide is provided, and a plurality of lenses that optically couple the optical waveguide and optical fibers, in which the optical waveguide includes at least one input waveguide to which input light is input and at least two output waveguides that output outputted light which forms output light, an end portion of the input waveguide and end portions of the output waveguide are formed on one same end surface of the optical waveguide substrate, at least three lenses respectively corresponding to the at least one input waveguide and the at least two output waveguides are disposed on the end surface, and the at least three lenses are configured with a lens array in which at least two lenses are integrally formed and a single lens.