Multi-optical Waveguide Plug Lens Array Hollow-core Fiber Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide connection technologies face challenges in connecting hollow-core and solid-core fibers, particularly due to differences in field diameters, leading to signal attenuation and back reflections, which hinder the widespread adoption of hollow-core fibers in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide plug with a lens array that focuses light beams from hollow-core fibers onto the end face of solid-core fibers, allowing for efficient signal transmission between fibers with different diameters, while a protective housing ensures dust- and moisture-free conditions to maintain signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hollow-core optical waveguides are connected directly to solid-core optical waveguides, then connection between different waveguide types is achieved, but signal attenuation and back reflections increase due to field diameter mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
A lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between hollow-core and solid-core optical waveguides. Each lens focuses the light beam from a hollow-core fiber onto the end face of a solid-core fiber, enabling efficient coupling despite the field diameter mismatch. The lens acts as a mediator that transforms the optical beam profile to match between the two different waveguide types.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array changes the optical parameters of the light beam, specifically focusing the divergent beam from the hollow-core fiber into a convergent beam that matches the acceptance parameters of the solid-core fiber. This parameter transformation enables low-loss connection between waveguides with different field diameters.
2Reliability
If multiple optical waveguides are connected individually using traditional plug connections, then each connection can be optimized, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical waveguide connections are merged into a single integrated plug structure. The plug contains multiple lenses arranged in an array, each handling a separate waveguide connection simultaneously. This combining of multiple connection functions into one component dramatically improves connection productivity while maintaining reliable optical coupling for each individual waveguide pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide plug is designed as a universal connector that can simultaneously handle multiple different waveguide types (hollow-core and solid-core) in a single connection operation. The multi-functional plug performs multiple coupling operations at once, eliminating the need for individual connection steps for each waveguide pair.
3Reliability
If hollow-core fibers are used in communication systems, then advantages over solid-core fibers are achieved, but the lack of efficient connection methods hinders widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array serves as a cost-effective intermediary solution that enables hollow-core fiber deployment without requiring complex specialized connection equipment. By using standard lens components in a multi-position plug, the system achieves reliable hollow-core to solid-core coupling at lower cost, making hollow-core fiber deployment economically viable for communication networks.
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 cost-effective and efficient connection of multiple optical waveguides, including hollow-core to solid-core fibers, reducing signal attenuation and back reflections, thereby facilitating the integration of hollow-core fibers in communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam of rays emerging from one of the first optical waveguides in a propagation direction strikes the entry face of the associated lens and is projected as a convergent beam of rays onto the outlet face of the associated lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical waveguide connector for optically connecting a number N of first optical waveguides, wherein N is ≥2, to a number M of second optical waveguides, wherein M is ≥1, wherein the optical waveguide connector holds an end portion of each first optical waveguide with an optical waveguide end face and comprises a number N of lenses each having an entry face facing one of the first optical waveguides and an outlet face facing away from that first optical waveguide. Each lens is assigned to exactly one first optical waveguide and each optical waveguide is assigned to exactly one lens, and the lenses are configured and arranged in such a way that a beam emerging from one of the first optical waveguides in a propagation direction strikes the entry face of the assigned lens and is projected as a convergent beam onto the outlet face of the assigned lens.