U.S. patent application number 13/442175 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for high density optical packaging header apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Victor Il'ich Kopp, Daniel Neugroschl, Jonathan Singer.
Application Number | 20120257857 13/442175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46966204 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120257857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kopp; Victor Il'ich ; et
al. |
October 11, 2012 |
High Density Optical Packaging Header Apparatus
Abstract
The inventive high density optical packaging header apparatus,
in various embodiments thereof, provides configurable, modular, and
highly versatile solutions for simultaneously connecting multiple
optical fibers/waveguides to optical-fiber-based electronic
systems, components, and devices, and is readily usable in a
variety of applications involving highly flexible and modular
connection of multiple optical fibers/waveguides assembled in a
header block configuration to optical-fiber-based system/component
backplanes, while providing advantageous active and passive
alignment features.
Inventors: |
Kopp; Victor Il'ich; (Fair
Lawn, NJ) ; Singer; Jonathan; (New Hope, PA) ;
Neugroschl; Daniel; (Suffern, NY) |
Assignee: |
CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC.
Pine Brook
NJ
|
Family ID: |
46966204 |
Appl. No.: |
13/442175 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61433852 |
Apr 8, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3636 20130101;
G02B 6/3644 20130101; G02B 6/3668 20130101; G02B 6/4214
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/71 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. An optical fiber array assembly for use with a multi-channel
optical waveguide device, comprising: at least one optical fiber
header block, having a plurality of fiber ports, and a plurality of
separate individual optical fiber waveguides each having a capacity
for at least one optical mode of a predetermined mode field
profile, wherein at least one end of each said plural optical fiber
waveguide is attached to a corresponding plural fiber port, wherein
each said plural optical fiber waveguide comprises a particular
predetermined transverse refractive index distribution and a
particular predetermined longitudinal diameter profile, and wherein
each particular predetermined transverse refractive index
distribution and each particular predetermined longitudinal
diameter profile along said optical fiber waveguide, are selected
and configured to predetermine at least one of a plurality of wave
guidance parameter values at a plurality of locations along said
plural optical fiber waveguide for any propagating light signal,
launched from each said plural fiber port into said at least one
optical mode of said corresponding plural optical fiber
waveguide.
2. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein said wave
guidance parameter is selected from one of: numerical aperture, and
mode field diameter.
3. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein said
predetermined transverse refractive index distribution and said
predetermined longitudinal diameter profile are selected and
configured, for at least one selected plural optical fiber
waveguide, such that diameter and wave guidance parameter values
thereof are correlated.
4. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein said
predetermined transverse refractive index distribution and said
predetermined longitudinal diameter profile are selected and
configured, for at least one selected plural optical fiber
waveguide, such that diameter and wave guidance parameter values
thereof are inversely-correlated.
5. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein at least
one of said plural fiber ports comprises a hole.
6. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein at least
one of said plural fiber ports comprises a V-groove.
7. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein at least
one of said plural optical fiber waveguides is substantially
straight in a region along its length corresponding to a first wave
guidance parameter value, and is substantially bent in a region
along its length corresponding to a higher wave guidance parameter
.
8. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, wherein each said
plural optical fiber waveguide is attached to said plural fiber
ports of said optical fiber header blocks at both ends thereof.
9. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
a substrate, oriented at a predefined angle with respect to said
plural fiber ports of said optical fiber header block, sized and
configured to support said plural optical fiber waveguides.
10. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 9, wherein said
predefined angle comprises 90 degrees.
11. An optical fiber array assembly for use with a multi-channel
optical waveguide device, comprising: at least one optical fiber
header block, having at least one fiber port, and an optical fiber
waveguide having a capacity for at least one optical mode of a
predetermined mode field profile, wherein at least one end of said
optical fiber waveguide is attached to a corresponding at least one
fiber port, wherein said optical fiber waveguide comprises a
particular predetermined transverse refractive index distribution
and a particular predetermined longitudinal diameter profile, and
wherein said particular predetermined transverse refractive index
distribution and said particular predetermined longitudinal
diameter profile along said optical fiber waveguide fiber, are
selected and configured to predetermine at least one of a plurality
of wave guidance parameter values at a plurality of locations along
said optical fiber waveguide for any propagating light signal,
launched from said at least one fiber port into said at least one
optical mode of said optical fiber waveguide.
12. The optical fiber array assembly of claim 10, wherein said wave
guidance parameter is selected from one of: numerical aperture, and
mode field diameter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application claims priority from the
commonly assigned co-pending U.S. provisional patent applications,
Ser. No. 61/433,852, entitled "High Density Optical Packaging
Header Apparatus", filed Apr. 8, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to couplers and
connectors for connecting multiple optical fibers/waveguides to
optical-fiber-based electronic systems and components, and more
particularly to a versatile optical packaging header apparatus that
is readily configurable for use in a variety of applications
involving highly flexible and modular connection of multiple
optical fibers/waveguides assembled in a header block configuration
to optical-fiber-based system/component/device backplanes, while
providing advantageous active and passive alignment features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are many applications in the field of
electronic/optical systems, which require simultaneous connection
of multiple optical fibers/waveguides to electronic/optical
systems, components and devices, with high reliability and
flexibility. Such requirements pose significant challenges due at
least in part to: [0004] the necessity of precise passive and
active alignment of the connections (which is exacerbated when the
connection involves multiple geometrically dispersed
fibers/waveguides), [0005] the inherent fragility of optical
fibers/waveguides, [0006] the need to match wave guidance value of
the fibers/waveguides to numerical aperture or mode field diameter
of the system/component/device interface, and [0007] the need to
match spatial configuration of the optical fibers/waveguides to the
electronic/optical system/component/device backplane.
[0008] It would thus be desirable to provide a versatile and
modular solution for simultaneously connecting multiple optical
fibers/waveguides to electronic/optical systems, components, and
devices that addresses the above-noted and other related
challenges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote
corresponding or similar elements throughout the various
figures:
[0010] FIGS. 1A to 5 show schematic diagrams of isometric views of
various exemplary embodiments of the inventive high density optical
packaging header (HDOPH) blocks for connection to optical
components, each comprising at least one optical fiber
waveguide;
[0011] FIGS. 7A to 7C show exemplary graphs, each representative of
an exemplary embodiment of a different predetermined transverse
refractive index distribution for use in configuring least one
optical fiber waveguide in each of the various embodiments of the
HDOPH blocks of FIGS. 1A to 5; and
[0012] FIGS. 8A to 8B show exemplary graphs, each representative of
an exemplary embodiment of a different predetermined longitudinal
diameter profile for use in configuring least one optical fiber
waveguide in each of the various embodiments of the HDOPH blocks of
FIGS. 1A to 5.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to an inventive high
density optical packaging header apparatus that, in various
embodiments thereof, provides configurable, modular, and highly
versatile solutions for simultaneously connecting multiple optical
fibers/waveguides to optical-fiber-based electronic systems,
components, and devices, and is readily usable in a variety of
applications involving highly flexible and modular connection of
multiple optical fibers/waveguides assembled in a header block
configuration to optical-fiber-based system/component backplanes,
while providing advantageous active and passive alignment
features.
[0014] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of
the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The apparatus of the present invention advantageously
overcomes and address the drawbacks of previously known solutions
for simultaneously connecting multiple optical fibers/waveguides to
optical-fiber-based systems, components, and devices, and provides
additional beneficial features.
[0016] Specifically, the inventive high density optical packaging
header apparatus, in various embodiments thereof, provides
configurable, modular, and highly versatile solutions for
simultaneously connecting multiple optical fibers/waveguides to
optical-fiber-based electronic systems, components, and devices,
and is readily usable in a variety of applications involving highly
flexible and modular connection of multiple optical
fibers/waveguides assembled in a header block configuration to
optical-fiber-based system/component backplanes, while providing
advantageous active and passive alignment features.
[0017] Before describing the various exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, the term "wave guidance parameter(s)" of a
waveguide as utilized herein, may indicate either (1) numerical
aperture(s) thereof, or (2) mode field diameter(s) thereof. It
should be noted that a higher wave guidance parameter value of a
waveguide region corresponds to a higher numerical aperture value
and a lower mode field diameter value in that region and also
indicates that the waveguide region is less susceptible to bend
loss (in the case when the waveguide is bent). Conversely, a lower
wave guidance parameter value of a waveguide region corresponds to
a lower numerical aperture value and a higher mode field diameter
value in that region and also indicates that the waveguide region
is more susceptible to bend loss (in the case when the waveguide is
bent).
[0018] The apparatus of the present invention, in at least one
exemplary embodiment thereof, comprises a set of high density
optical packaging header (HDOPH) blocks for connecting optical
components (e.g., cards, boards, or equivalents thereof), which
assemble and retain a set of optical fibers to optical backplane,
either in a straight position (e.g., 180 degrees), or positioned at
a predefined angle (e.g., at a right (90 degree) angle). The
optical fiber waveguides in these components can be optical fibers,
and/or other optical fiber waveguides of differing wave guidance
values, and/or having different spatial positions/configurations.
In at least some embodiments of the present invention, one or more
of the optical fiber waveguides may comprise at least one of
optical fiber coupler, such as disclosed in the commonly assigned
U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,173 entitled "OPTICAL FIBER COUPLER WITH LOW
LOSS AND HIGH COUPLING COEFFICIENT AND METHOD OF FABRICATION
THEREOF", which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0019] One of the key aspects of the present invention is the
capability of configuring the optical fiber waveguide components of
the novel HDOPH block arrays to comprise specific desirable
waveguide parameter value(s) at one or both ends thereof (which may
be the same, or which may differ between one or more waveguides in
a particular inventive HDOPH block array) with at least a portion
of the waveguides being connected to at least one fiber port of at
least one optical fiber header block. This is advantageously
accomplished for each waveguide by utilizing an optical fiber
waveguide having a capacity for at least one optical mode of a
predetermined mode field profile, and comprising, along at least a
portion of its length, a particular predetermined transverse
refractive index distribution and a particular predetermined
longitudinal diameter profile, wherein the particular predetermined
transverse refractive index distribution and the particular
predetermined longitudinal diameter profile are selected and
configured to predetermine at least one wave guidance parameter
value over at least one region along the optical fiber waveguide
for any propagating light signal, launched into the at least one
optical mode of the optical fiber waveguide (e.g., from a fiber
port connected to one end thereof).
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, various exemplary embodiments
of predetermined transverse refractive index distributions that may
be selected and configured for one or more optical fiber waveguides
in accordance with the present invention, are shown, by way of
example only, as a multi-mode step index distribution 300a (FIG.
7A), a multi-mode gradient index distribution 300b (FIG. 7B),
and/or a single-mode multi-step index distribution 300c (FIG. 7C).
It should be noted that transverse refractive index distributions
other that as is shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C may be readily selected as
a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, various exemplary embodiments
of predetermined longitudinal diameter profiles, that may be
selected and configured for one or more optical fiber waveguides in
accordance with the present invention, are shown, by way of example
only, as a single taper diameter profile 400a (FIG. 8A), or as a
dual taper diameter profile 400b (FIG. 8B). It should be noted that
longitudinal diameter profiles other that as is shown in FIGS. 8A
to 8B may be readily selected as a matter of design choice without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0022] It should further be noted that in various exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined transverse
refractive index distribution and the predetermined longitudinal
diameter profile, may be selected and configured, for at least one
selected optical fiber waveguide in an inventive HDOPH block array
such that: (a) the optical fiber waveguide diameter and wave
guidance parameter values thereof are correlated, or (b) the
optical fiber waveguide diameter and wave guidance parameter values
thereof are inversely correlated,.
[0023] In various inventive embodiments thereof, the novel HDOPH
blocks (e.g., and HDOPH block arrays, as may be applicable) may
comprise one or more of the following advantageous
features/elements: [0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, the
inventive HDOPH blocks may be constructed of precision made plates
with holes (drilled, etched, and/or otherwise formed) that can be
glued or fused in perpendicular configurations (such as a HDOPH
block array assembly 10a of FIG. 1A), or in parallel configurations
(such as a HDOPH block array assembly 10b of FIG. 1B). [0025]
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inventive HDOPH blocks may be
configured with spot-size converting properties, for example
utilizing tapered 3-glass fibers to convert wave guidance values
(e.g. in a similar manner to arrayed spot-size converting tapered
coupler). [0026] However, in accordance with the present invention,
the orientation of the array can be intentionally
changed/transitioned as desired. For example, as is shown for an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention--a HDOPH block array
assembly 100 of FIG. 3--a 1D HDOPH block array may be readily
transitioned to a 2D HDOPH block array or a 1D HDOPH block array
may be transitioned to another 1D HDOPH block array, but with
different fiber spacing. [0027] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the
inventive HDOPH blocks can be used as an angled transition (e.g.,
for a 90 degree angle transition), as is shown for a HDOPH block
array assembly 150 of FIG. 4. [0028] For example, HDOPH blocks can
use a reduced (e.g., tapered) 3-glass fiber therebetween to achieve
a minimal bend radius (essentially, the tapered region between the
blocks gives the entire connection system great flexibility, while
conventional fibers cannot be bent with an equivalently short bend
radius). [0029] Furthermore, the orientation of the HDOPH block
array used for an angled transition can be intentionally
changed/transitioned as desired. For example, as is shown for an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention--a HDOPH block array
assembly 200 of FIG. 5--a 1D HDOPH block array may be readily
transitioned to a 2D HDOPH block array or a 1D HDOPH block array
may be transitioned to another 10 HDOPH block array but with
different fiber spacing. [0030] If the waveguide sizes and
orientation remain the same for a particular connection
configuration, multiple inventive HDOPH blocks may be readily and
efficiently produced by guiding multiple fibers through multiple
plates simultaneously, and then fusing and polishing waveguides
(i.e., through a single fiber insertion step). [0031] Inventive
HDOPH blocks may be configured as being connected permanently to
backplane or plug-in cards. [0032] Optical components can be
injection molded with, for example, spring wires, zirconia sleeves,
or equivalents, for coupling to optical waveguides or fibers,
respectively. [0033] Inventive HDOPH blocks may be configured with
a plurality of channels (holes), some of which may be utilized for
receiving and retaining optical fibers, while others may be left
empty for use with passive alignment elements, thus enabling
fabrication of a passive alignment--enabled optical fiber
connection system in a single process step. [0034] The inventive
HDOPH blocks may be configured with one wave guidance parameter
value at one end and the same or other wave guidance parameter
value at the other end, as is shown, by way of example for a HDOPH
block array assembly 250 of FIG. 6. [0035] The fiber ports of
various embodiments of the inventive HDOPH blocks may comprise
holes and/or V-grooves (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0036] Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed
out fundamental novel features of the inventive apparatus as
applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood
that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form
and details of the devices and methods illustrated, and in their
operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is
expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or
method steps which perform substantially the same function in
substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within
the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be
limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *