Optical Waveguide Component with Mismatched Groove Pitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mismatch in pitch between optical semiconductor devices and optical fiber arrays leads to increased optical signal loss, necessitating an optical waveguide component that can reduce this loss.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide component with a support member featuring first and second protruding portions with different groove pitches to accommodate optical fibers, ensuring alignment and reduced stress, using glass optical fibers with a circular cross-section to minimize connection and reflection losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers are accommodated in a support member with uniform groove pitch, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical signal loss increases due to pitch mismatch between optical semiconductor devices and optical fiber arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The support member features different groove pitches in different regions: a first groove pitch in the first protruding portion that matches the optical semiconductor device pitch, and a second groove pitch in the second protruding portion that matches the optical fiber array pitch. This local differentiation allows optimal alignment at both interfaces while maintaining a single integrated support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is divided into multiple protruding portions (first and second protruding portions) with different groove configurations. Each portion is optimized for its specific function: the first portion for accommodating optical semiconductor devices with smaller pitch, and the second portion for accommodating optical fiber arrays with larger pitch, thereby resolving the pitch mismatch problem.
2Loss of energy
If optical fibers are accommodated in a support member with different groove pitches, then optical signal loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protruding portions with different groove pitches are integrated into a single support member structure. This merging approach combines the functions of multiple separate alignment fixtures into one component, reducing the overall system complexity while achieving precise pitch matching at both interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it accommodates both optical semiconductor devices and optical fiber arrays with different pitch requirements, provides alignment references for both interfaces, and maintains structural integrity throughout. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment components.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers with non-circular cross-section are used, then manufacturing is easier, but connection loss and reflection loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are specified with a circular cross-section and a specific outer diameter range (125 µm to 200 µm). This parameter change from non-circular to circular cross-section improves the coupling efficiency and reduces connection loss and reflection loss, while still allowing for practical manufacturing within the specified diameter range.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide component includes optical fibers each having a first end and a second end, and a support member configured to support the optical fibers. The support member includes a base including a first surface, a first protruding portion protruding from the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, and a second protruding portion protruding from the first surface in the first direction at a position separated from the first protruding portion. The first protruding portion includes first grooves respectively configured to accommodate the first end of each optical fiber, and the second protruding portion includes second grooves respectively configured to accommodate the second end of each optical fiber. A pitch of the second grooves is larger than a pitch of the first grooves.