Wedge-Shaped Adapter for Optoelectronic Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment and efficient coupling of optical signals due to the complexity of lens designs required for tilting and focusing light beams, which increases costs and aberrations, and may be compromised by mechanical stress and strain from optical cables.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped adapter is used to tilt the optical socket and ferrule to an appropriate angle, simplifying the lens design by allowing the light beam to hit the central region of a spherical lens, thereby improving coupling efficiency and reducing mechanical stress through robust attachment to the substrate or interposer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex lens designs are used to tilt and focus light beams, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber assembly and the lens. This adapter tilts the optical fiber assembly relative to the lens, allowing the use of a simpler spherical lens while achieving proper beam alignment and coupling efficiency without requiring complex tilted or aspherical lens designs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the lens to tilt the beam (complex 3D lens surface), the solution introduces tilt in a different dimension by angling the optical fiber assembly via the wedge adapter. This separates the tilting function from the lens, allowing the lens to remain a simple spherical element while achieving the same optical effect
2Reliability
If complex lens designs are used to tilt and focus light beams, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped adapter serves as a mediator that enables the use of inexpensive spherical lenses by pre-aligning the optical fiber assembly at the correct angle. This eliminates the need for costly custom-tilted or aspherical lenses while maintaining high coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The solution replaces expensive, complex lenses with cheap, standard spherical lenses. The wedge adapter is a simple mechanical component that can be easily manufactured, making the overall system more cost-effective while achieving the same optical performance
3Stability of the object's composition
If optical cables are attached to provide mechanical support, then structural stability is improved, but strain and stress on optical components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped adapter extracts the mechanical support function from the optical cable assembly. By providing a robust mounting structure for the optical fiber, the adapter prevents stress and strain from being transmitted to the optical components while still maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design includes features that cushion or absorb mechanical stress before it can reach the optical components. The wedge structure and mounting arrangement are designed to protect the optical fiber and lens from strain, preventing damage before it occurs
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 solution enhances coupling efficiency, reduces costs, and provides strain relief and heat dissipation, leading to higher yield and improved optoelectronic system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A wedge-shaped adapter is used to tilt the optical socket and ferrule to an appropriate angle, simplifying the lens design by allowing the light beam to hit the central region of a spherical lens
Implementation Method 2
simplifying the lens design by allowing the light beam to hit the central region of a spherical lens, thereby improving coupling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Optoelectronic systems with an adapter and methods of manufacturing or assembling the same are provided. An example of an optoelectronic system according to the present disclosure includes a substrate, an interposer, an electronic component disposed on the interposer, and an optical component. The optoelectronic system includes a ferrule and an optical fiber coupled to the ferrule. The optoelectronic system also includes an optical socket configured to receive the ferrule therein. The optoelectronic system further includes an adapter positioned between the interposer and the optical socket. The adapter has a wedge-shaped configuration such that the ferrule is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the interposer when the ferrule is received in the optical socket and the optical socket is coupled to the adapter.