Optical-Electrical Waveguide Assembly With Sputtered Conductive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical waveguides with existing conductive coatings have low temperature resistance, limiting their effectiveness in transmitting electrical signals and detecting fiber breaks or damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical-electrical conductor arrangement featuring an optical waveguide with an organic cladding layer, a base layer system comprising an adhesion promoter layer, and an electrically conductive layer applied using sputtering processes, enhancing adhesion and protecting against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrically conductive layer is applied directly to the polymer cladding of an optical waveguide, then electrical signal transmission and fiber break detection are enabled, but the temperature resistance and adhesion of the conductive layer deteriorate due to the low temperature resistance of the polymer cladding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate base layer system between the polymer cladding and the electrically conductive layer. This base layer system includes an adhesion promoter layer that chemically or physically bonds to both the polymer cladding and the conductive layer, serving as a mediator that transfers mechanical and thermal stress without allowing direct contact between the temperature-sensitive polymer and the high-temperature processing conductive layer. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable electrical signal transmission while protecting against temperature-related adhesion failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite layered structure consisting of the polymer cladding, the intermediate base layer system, and the electrically conductive layer. This composite material approach combines materials with different thermal and adhesive properties, where the base layer system provides thermal buffering and enhanced adhesion, while the conductive layer provides electrical functionality. The composite structure allows the system to achieve both temperature resistance and electrical conductivity simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a thick electrically conductive layer is applied to ensure good electrical contact, then electrical signal transmission is improved, but the mechanical protection of the optical fiber deteriorates due to increased brittleness and susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective and conductive functions into separate layers: the base layer system provides mechanical protection and flexibility, while the electrically conductive layer provides electrical contact. By thinning the conductive layer and relying on the base layer system for mechanical strength, the structure avoids the brittleness associated with thick conductive layers while maintaining effective electrical signal transmission through the optimized conductive pathway in the thinner layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin electrically conductive layer rather than a thick one, combined with the base layer system that acts as a flexible protective shell. This thin film approach to the conductive layer prevents brittleness and mechanical damage while the base layer system provides the necessary mechanical strength and flexibility. The thin conductive layer is sufficient for electrical contact when properly optimized, and the composite structure maintains overall mechanical integrity.
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 reliable transmission of electrical signals, detects fiber breaks, and provides mechanical protection against damage, while maintaining low-temperature resistance and biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive layer which is applied to the base layer and has a sheet resistance of 0.01 to 1000 ohms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical-electrical conductor assembly comprising an optical waveguide that includes an outer organic coating layer, and a functional layer system on the outer coating layer of the optical waveguide, said functional layer system comprising a base layer portion consisting of a single layer or a succession of layers, and an electrically conducting layer which is applied to the base layer portion and consists of a single layer or a succession of layers.