Optical Waveguide Protruded Core Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical/electrical hybrid substrates, the precision alignment of light emitting and receiving elements with the optical waveguide is challenging, leading to increased transmission losses due to discrepancies in distances and positions, which complicates the efficient transmission of light signals.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide design incorporates a first region for signal transmission with mirrors and a second region on both sides that does not contribute to signal transmission, featuring through vias connected to the elements' terminals, and a protruded core portion in the signal transmission region to improve alignment precision and reduce signal divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light emitting and receiving elements are mounted on a wiring substrate separately from the optical waveguide, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but alignment precision between the elements and the waveguide deteriorates, leading to increased transmission losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical waveguide and the wiring substrate into a single integrated substrate. The optical waveguide is formed directly on the wiring substrate, and the light emitting/receiving elements are mounted on the same substrate at predetermined positions. This integration ensures precise alignment between the elements and the waveguide while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined positions for the light emitting and receiving elements on the substrate before mounting. These positions are pre-calculated and pre-marked based on the optical waveguide's geometry and optical path requirements. By preparing these positions in advance, the alignment precision is ensured without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical waveguide has a uniform cross-section throughout its length, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but alignment precision between the light elements and the waveguide deteriorates, increasing transmission losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the optical waveguide's cross-section vary along its length. The waveguide has a first cross-sectional area at the light emitting element end and a second cross-sectional area at the light receiving element end, with the areas being different. This gradual variation in cross-section along the optical path improves alignment precision and reduces signal divergence while maintaining a relatively simple fabrication process that can accommodate dimensional variations.
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 design reduces relative positional displacement and signal divergence, thereby minimizing transmission losses between the light emitting/receiving elements and the optical waveguide, enhancing signal transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide main body including: a first cladding layer facing at least one of a light emitting element and a light receiving element; a second cladding layer; and a core portion for transmitting a light signal and provided between the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer
Implementation Method 2
mirrors for reflecting the light signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide main body and mirrors. The optical waveguide main body includes a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer and a core portion provided between the first cladding layer and the second cladding layer. The optical waveguide main body has a first region in which the core portion and the mirrors are arranged and the light signal is transmitted, and a second region arranged on both sides of the first region and not contributing to a transmission of a light signal. Through vias that pass through the optical waveguide main body is provided in the second region. The first region on a side that faces the light emitting element or the light receiving element is protruded larger than the second region on a side that faces the light emitting element or the light receiving element.