EP1386188A2 - Element for maintaining and indexing an asymmetric guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optics component - Google Patents
Element for maintaining and indexing an asymmetric guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optics componentInfo
- Publication number
- EP1386188A2 EP1386188A2 EP02708444A EP02708444A EP1386188A2 EP 1386188 A2 EP1386188 A2 EP 1386188A2 EP 02708444 A EP02708444 A EP 02708444A EP 02708444 A EP02708444 A EP 02708444A EP 1386188 A2 EP1386188 A2 EP 1386188A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- recess
- holding
- axis
- element according
- indexing element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3851—Ferrules having keying or coding means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
- G02B6/02042—Multicore optical fibres
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/30—Optical coupling means for use between fibre and thin-film device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an element for holding and indexing an asymmetrical guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optical component.
- this invention finds an application in all fields requiring the maintenance of an asymmetrical guiding structure such as a fiber or a set of juxtaposed fibers, these fibers being able to be single core or multi core; this invention applies particularly well in integrated optics for the connection of an asymmetrical guiding structure to an integrated optics component.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a conventional connection, from an optical fiber 1 to an optical component 5 via a ferrule 3.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of these different elements, before the realization of the optical connection and
- FIG. 1B represents a top view of the structure obtained after connection.
- the fiber 1 is cylindrical and has a core 12 and a sheath 11 all around the core, making it possible to confine light waves propagating in the fiber.
- the fiber has an optical axis 2 located in the heart and which coincides with one axis of symmetry of the fiber.
- the ferrule 3 allowing the maintenance of the fiber is a cylindrical element comprising a recess of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the fiber to a few 1 to 5 .mu.m to allow its sliding.
- the ferrule is capable of receiving the 'fiber and hold it in facing the end of the optical guide 7 to which it must be connected.
- the component 5 is a divider and comprises an optical guide 7 at one of its ends which is divided into two optical guides 8, 9 at another end.
- An optical guide is made up of a central part: the heart and surrounding environments located all around the heart and which can be identical to each other or different.
- the refractive index of the medium composing the heart must be different and in most cases greater than those of the surrounding mediums.
- the guide will be likened to its central part. Furthermore, all or part of the surrounding media will be called a substrate, it being understood that when the guide is not or only slightly buried, one of the surrounding media may be outside the substrate and be, for example, air.
- the substrate can be monolayer or multilayer.
- an optical guide in a substrate can be more or less buried in this substrate and in particular comprise guide portions buried at variable depths.
- the end of the guide generally has a propagation mode close to that of the fiber to which it is connected.
- the fiber is introduced into the ferrule and the assembly is attached and fixed for example by bonding to a lateral face of the component so that the optical axis of the fiber is aligned with the optical axis. from the end of the guide.
- the fiber section being perfectly symmetrical with respect to the optical axis, the connection does not pose any problem of alignment of the optical axes, since the optical axis of the fiber remains centered in the recess of symmetrical section of the ferrule , whatever either the way it was introduced into the ferrule.
- this type of ferrule poses a certain number of problems for asymmetrical guiding structures such as fibers of asymmetrical section comprising several optical axes. Indeed, for this type of fibers, their introduction into a ferrule whose recess would be as previously cylindrical does not allow to know the position of the optical axes.
- the invention overcomes this problem thanks to an element which makes it possible both to maintain and to index an asymmetrical guiding structure, this element also making it possible to connect the structure in particular to an integrated optical component.
- this element also making it possible to connect the structure in particular to an integrated optical component.
- indexing the positioning of the asymmetric structure in this element, so that the position of the optical axes of the structure is determined precisely.
- asymmetrical guiding structure is understood to mean any structure comprising an asymmetrical section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes.
- an asymmetrical guiding structure can be a multi-core optical fiber (that is to say comprising several cores in the same sheath) or a set of single or multi-core fibers juxtaposed.
- the invention relates to a retaining and indexing element of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure comprising at least two optical axes; this element comprising at least one recess, having a section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the structure, such that the structure can only take two pairs of positions in the recess, the two positions of each pair corresponding to a 180 ° rotation of the structure in said plane.
- the size of the recess section makes it possible to automatically adjust the position of the structure in the recess, since all the other positions (apart from the two pairs of positions defined above) are made impossible.
- This recess thus makes it possible to index the optical axis of each core in a determined position thereof.
- the section of the recess is defined by at least two axes called first and second axes having a point of intersection, the dimension of the recess along this first axis is greater than the dimension of the recess along this second axis and the dimension of the recess along this first axis is preferably slightly greater than the largest of the dimensions of the structure along the same plane.
- the dimension of the recess along the first axis is greater by a few ⁇ m and for example from 1 to 5 ⁇ m than the largest of the dimensions of the structure, to allow the structure to slide in the recess.
- the section of the recess describes an ellipse, the first axis being the major axis of the ellipse and the second axis being its minor axis.
- the section of the recess describes a parallelepiped, the first axis corresponding to a length of the parallelepiped and the second axis to a width.
- the section of the recess describes a parallelepiped, the first axis corresponding to a diagonal (oblique) axis of the parallelepiped (that is to say the axis separating it into two triangles) and the second axis, at a width, these two axes being at 45 ° from each other.
- the external surface of the element can have any shape but advantageously, it comprises at least one reference surface making it possible to identify the first and / or the second axes of the section of the recess.
- the element of the invention allows a double indexing, an internal indexing due to the shape of one obviously and an external indexing.
- This indexing allows, during the assembly steps, positioning along the optical axes of the fiber in the desired position automatically and quickly, which saves time and therefore cost.
- the first axis is parallel to the reference surface.
- the element having an outer surface of circular type it further comprises a flat on its outer surface to form the reference surface.
- circular type surface means any surface whose section describes a circle, an ellipse, etc.
- the reference surface is formed by one of the faces of the parallelepiped.
- the other faces of the parallelepiped can also form other reference surfaces.
- the retaining element may include several identical or different recesses to index several asymmetrical guiding structures identical or different.
- the invention also relates to the use of this element for the connection of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure to one or more optical guides of an integrated optical component; for this, the structure is partially disposed in the recess of the element of the invention in one of the positions, one end of the structure being located in the vicinity of one end of the recess; moreover, a face of the element comprising said end of the recess is brought into contact with an area of the component on which there is one end of each of the optical guides to which the asymmetrical guide structure must be optically connected.
- the component area is either located on one side of the component or in a housing fitted in the composite.
- the element can be bonded with the component using an appropriate adhesive.
- the face of the element which is brought into contact with the component has an angle of a few degrees with the plane perpendicular to the axis or to the optical axes and advantageously 8 degrees.
- This angle is obtained for example by prior polishing before transfer, of said face in the presence or not of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
- the component area then has an angle complementary to that of said face of the element.
- the structure is introduced into the recess before the element is brought into contact with the component.
- This element thus also makes it possible to maintain the structure during the preparation of the face to be transferred and thus to prepare in the same way the end of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
- the element comprising a reference surface at which the pairs of positions are identified, the element is brought into contact by using this surface as a reference so as to align the optical axis or axes of the structure with the corresponding optical axis or axes of the component.
- FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically represent in section, a first example of a recess of rectangular section with several types of asymmetrical guiding structures
- FIG. 3 schematically represents in section, a second example of a recess, of square section with another example of an asymmetrical guiding structure
- FIG. 4 shows schematically in section, a third example of a recess, of elliptical section, - Figure 5 shows schematically in section a holding and indexing element of circular external surface with a recess of rectangular section,
- FIG. 6 schematically represents in section a holding and indexing element with two recesses
- FIG. 7 schematically represents in perspective the connection of the holding and indexing element containing an asymmetrical guiding structure, to an integrated optical component
- - Figure 8 shows schematically in perspective a housing in an integrated optical component for receiving the holding and indexing element
- - Figures 9A and 9B schematically show in section two examples of embodiment of the element of the invention 'from several blocks.
- FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically represent in section, a first example of a recess of rectangular section with several examples of asymmetrical guiding structures.
- a structure SI has been shown in section comprising, in a sheath 21, two cores 22 and 22bis, the optical axes of the structure being located at the center of the cores.
- a structure S2 comprising in a sheath 27, three hearts 24, 25 and 26, the optical axes of the structure being located at the center of these hearts.
- FIG. 2C there is shown in section a structure S3 comprising two juxtaposed fibers FI and F2 comprising respectively a sheath 30, 31 and a heart 28, 29.
- FIG. 3 there is shown in section a structure S4 comprising in a sheath 36, two hearts 35 and 37, the optical axes of the structure being located in the center of these hearts. All of these structures are asymmetrical.
- the recess of the element may have a section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the asymmetrical guiding structure, of very varied shape, it suffices simply that its section is such that the structure can take no more than two couples of positions in the recess.
- the section thereof describes a rectangle
- the first axis XI corresponds to a length of the rectangle
- the second axis X2 corresponds to a width of it ci
- the dimension of the recess along this first axis XI being larger than the dimension along the second axis X2
- these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess which is on the optical axis of the heart 25 in FIG. 2B and which is at the intersection of the 2 fibers FI and F2 in FIG. 2C.
- the first and second axes are perpendicular to each other.
- the section of it describes a square
- the first axis XI corresponds to the axis diagonal (oblique) which divides this square into 2 triangles
- the second axis X2 is parallel to its width, the dimension of the recess along this first axis being greater than its dimension along this second axis; these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess.
- the first and second axes make an angle of 45 ° between them.
- the section thereof describes an ellipse, the first axis being the major axis of the ellipse and the second axis being the minor axis of the ellipse, these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess and are perpendicular to each other.
- the dimension of the recess along its first axis is within a few ⁇ m, the same as the largest of the dimensions of the structure. The latter can therefore only take: - a position or the symmetrical position of
- the axis of the largest dimension of the structure is aligned with the first axis referenced XI (or its symmetrical at 90 ° in the case of a recess of symmetrical section see FIG. 3). All other positions are impossible given the size of the recess section.
- the external surface of the element can have any shape but advantageously, it comprises at least one reference surface making it possible to identify the first and / or the second axes of the section of the recess.
- the recess 54 is of rectangular section, of the type of those shown in FIGS. 2A,
- the optical axis or axes of an asymmetrical guiding structure passing through the first axis are in a plane parallel to that of the reference surface.
- the optical axes are in a plane parallel to that of the reference surface.
- the element has a diameter of 1.6mm and the recess has a dimension along the first axis of 155 ⁇ m and a dimension along the second axis of 105 ⁇ m.
- the holding and indexing element of the invention may include one or more recesses depending on the applications.
- FIG. 6 shows an element 60 with two recesses 61 and 63 of elliptical type.
- these two recesses are of the same type and arranged parallel to each other, but they could have, depending on the intended application, been of a different type and arranged differently.
- the retaining and indexing element of an asymmetrical guiding structure can be used in free space optics but especially in integrated optics to allow the connection of the asymmetrical guiding structure to one or more optical guides of an optical component. integrated.
- FIG. 7 schematically shows in perspective an asymmetrical structure 70 with 2 cores disposed in an elliptical recess 72 of an element 73 for holding and indexing, one end of the structure being located in the vicinity of one end of the recess. Furthermore, a face of the element comprising this end of the recess is disposed opposite a zone of the component located on a face of the component on which there is one end of each of the optical guides to which the two-core structure must be optically connected.
- the component 75 shown is a spark gap.
- the element is ready in this figure to be brought into contact with the component area.
- the element is brought into contact by using at least one of the external surfaces of the element as a reference so as to align the optical axes of the structure with the corresponding optical axes of the component.
- This contacting of the element may include bonding with an appropriate adhesive, that is to say say an adhesive of refractive index capable of not disturbing light waves propagating along the optical axes and able to keep the element in contact with the component.
- the face of the element which is transferred has an angle B with the plane perpendicular to the optical axes of a few degrees and advantageously 8 degrees. This angle is obtained for example by polishing said face in the presence or not of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
- the component area then has an angle complementary to that of said face of the element so that the element is brought into contact with the component, face against face.
- the asymmetrical guiding structure is introduced into the recess before the element is brought into contact with the component, although depending on the applications, this is not limiting. This holding and indexing element thus makes it possible to maintain the structure during the preparation of the face to be transferred and to prepare in the same way the end of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
- FIG. 8 shows a variant of the component of FIG. 7 in which a housing 80 can accommodate all or part of the element 73.
- the zone of the component on which the element must be transferred also has a inclination complementary to that of the element.
- This variant also makes it possible, by using the walls of the element as reference surfaces, to size the housing of the component so that that when the element is placed in the latter, the optical axes of the asymmetrical guiding structure are self-aligned with those of the component.
- holding and indexing elements have been shown having closed recesses.
- these recesses can be formed by open cavities when they have the section required to allow the positioning of the structure according to at most two pairs of positions.
- These elements can be made of many materials and for example glass or a ceramic including silicon carbide or plastic. Many techniques can be used to make the holding and indexing element of the invention.
- the support can be obtained by drawing in particular for a glass support, or by machining or molding; this support can be produced in a block or in several blocks which are then assembled to form the element.
- the recess of the support can be obtained by using a rod, for example metallic, capable of reserving a given volume corresponding to the recess, in the support, during its preparation; the rod is then removed to obtain the element provided with its recess.
- This rod can have the exact shape of the desired recess or a coarse shape; in the latter case, the desired shape of the recess is obtained after removal of the rod by machining, for example by ultrasound or by a diamond wire.
- the recess can also be obtained by molding or by an appropriate etching of the support according to a pattern corresponding to the desired shape of the recess.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Moving Of The Head For Recording And Reproducing By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
The invention concerns an element for maintaining and indexing an asymmetric guiding structure (S1, S2, S3) comprising at least two optical axes, said element including at least a recess, having a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the structure, so that the structure can only take up a maximum of two pairs of positions in the recess, the two positions of each pair corresponding to a rotation of 180° of the structure in said plane; the cross-section of the recess being defined by at least two axes called first and second axes (X1, X2), the dimension of the recess along said first axis is greater than the dimension of the recess along said second axis. The inventive maintaining and indexing element is useful for connecting the asymmetric guiding structure to at least an optical guide of an integrated optics component.
Description
ELEMENT DE MAINTIEN ET D'INDEXATION D'UNE STRUCTURE ELEMENT FOR HOLDING AND INDEXING A STRUCTURE
GUIDANTE ASYMETRIQUE, ET SON UTILISATION POUR LA CONNEXION DE LA STRUCTURE A UN COMPOSANT D'OPTIQUEASYMMETRIC GUIDE, AND ITS USE FOR CONNECTING THE STRUCTURE TO AN OPTICAL COMPONENT
INTEGREEINTEGRATED
Domaine techniqueTechnical area
La présente invention concerne un élément de maintien et d'indexation d'une structure guidante asymétrique, et son utilisation pour la connexion de la structure à un composant d'optique intégrée.The present invention relates to an element for holding and indexing an asymmetrical guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optical component.
D'une façon générale, cette invention trouve une application dans tous les domaines nécessitant le maintien d'une structure guidante asymétrique telle qu'une fibre ou un ensemble de fibres juxtaposées, ces fibres pouvant être mono cœur ou multi cœurs ; cette invention s'applique particulièrement bien en optique intégrée pour la connexion d'une structure guidante asymétrique à un composant d'optique intégrée.In general, this invention finds an application in all fields requiring the maintenance of an asymmetrical guiding structure such as a fiber or a set of juxtaposed fibers, these fibers being able to be single core or multi core; this invention applies particularly well in integrated optics for the connection of an asymmetrical guiding structure to an integrated optics component.
Etat de la techniqueState of the art
Actuellement, pour connecter une fibre optique à un composant d'optique intégrée et plus particulièrement à un guide optique de ce composant, il est connu d'introduire la fibre dans une férule et de reporter l'ensemble ainsi obtenu sur la face du composant sur lequel se trouve l'extrémité du guide optique auquel la fibre doit être connectée optiquement.
Les figures 1A et 1B illustrent schématiquement une connexion classique, d'une fibre optique 1 à un composant optique 5 par l'intermédiaire d'une férule 3. La figure 1A est une vue en perspective de ces différents éléments, avant la réalisation de la connexion optique et la figure 1B représente une vue de dessus de la structure obtenue après connexion.Currently, to connect an optical fiber to an integrated optical component and more particularly to an optical guide of this component, it is known to introduce the fiber into a ferrule and to transfer the assembly thus obtained to the face of the component on which is the end of the optical guide to which the fiber is to be optically connected. FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a conventional connection, from an optical fiber 1 to an optical component 5 via a ferrule 3. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of these different elements, before the realization of the optical connection and FIG. 1B represents a top view of the structure obtained after connection.
La fibre 1 est cylindrique et comporte un cœur 12 et une gaine 11 tout autour du cœur, permettant de confiner des ondes lumineuses se propageant dans la fibre .The fiber 1 is cylindrical and has a core 12 and a sheath 11 all around the core, making it possible to confine light waves propagating in the fiber.
La fibre comporte un axe optique 2 situé dans le cœur et qui est confondu avec 1 ' axe de symétrie de la fibre. La férule 3 permettant le maintien de la fibre est un élément cylindrique comportant un évidement de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur de la fibre à quelques 1 à 5μm prés pour permettre son coulissement. Cette férule est apte à recevoir la' fibre et la maintenir en regard de l'extrémité du guide optique 7 auquel elle doit être connectée .The fiber has an optical axis 2 located in the heart and which coincides with one axis of symmetry of the fiber. The ferrule 3 allowing the maintenance of the fiber is a cylindrical element comprising a recess of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the fiber to a few 1 to 5 .mu.m to allow its sliding. The ferrule is capable of receiving the 'fiber and hold it in facing the end of the optical guide 7 to which it must be connected.
Sur ces figures, le composant 5 est un diviseur et comporte un guide optique 7 à une de ses extrémités qui se divise en deux guides optiques 8, 9 à une autre extrémité.In these figures, the component 5 is a divider and comprises an optical guide 7 at one of its ends which is divided into two optical guides 8, 9 at another end.
Un guide optique se compose d'une partie centrale : le coeur et de milieux environnants situés tout autour du cœur et qui peuvent être identiques entre eux ou différents. Pour permettre le confinement des ondes lumineuses dans le cœur, l'indice de réfraction du
milieu composant le cœur doit être différent et dans la plupart des cas supérieure à ceux des milieux environnants .An optical guide is made up of a central part: the heart and surrounding environments located all around the heart and which can be identical to each other or different. To allow the confinement of light waves in the heart, the refractive index of the medium composing the heart must be different and in most cases greater than those of the surrounding mediums.
Pour simplifier la description, on assimilera le guide à sa partie centrale. Par ailleurs, on appellera tout ou partie des milieux environnants, substrat, étant bien entendu que lorsque le guide est pas ou peu enterré, un des milieux environnants peut être extérieur au substrat et être par exemple de l'air.To simplify the description, the guide will be likened to its central part. Furthermore, all or part of the surrounding media will be called a substrate, it being understood that when the guide is not or only slightly buried, one of the surrounding media may be outside the substrate and be, for example, air.
Suivant le type de technique utilisé, le substrat peut être monocouche ou multicouches .Depending on the type of technique used, the substrate can be monolayer or multilayer.
En outre, suivant les applications, un guide optique dans un substrat peut être plus ou moins enterré dans ce substrat et en particulier comporter des portions de guide enterrées à des profondeurs variables. De plus, pour permettre la connexion à une fibre optique, l'extrémité du guide présente généralement un mode de propagation proche de celui de la fibre à laquelle il est connecté.In addition, depending on the applications, an optical guide in a substrate can be more or less buried in this substrate and in particular comprise guide portions buried at variable depths. In addition, to allow connection to an optical fiber, the end of the guide generally has a propagation mode close to that of the fiber to which it is connected.
Pour connecter ces différents éléments, la fibre est introduite dans la férule et l'ensemble est rapporté et fixé par exemple par collage sur une face latérale du composant de façon à ce que l'axe optique de la fibre soit aligné avec l'axe optique de 1 ' extrémité du guide .To connect these various elements, the fiber is introduced into the ferrule and the assembly is attached and fixed for example by bonding to a lateral face of the component so that the optical axis of the fiber is aligned with the optical axis. from the end of the guide.
La section de la fibre étant parfaitement symétrique par rapport à l'axe optique, la connexion ne pose pas de problème d'alignement des axes optiques, puisque l'axe optique de la fibre reste centré dans l'évidement de section symétrique de la férule, quelque
soit la façon dont elle a été introduite dans la férule .The fiber section being perfectly symmetrical with respect to the optical axis, the connection does not pose any problem of alignment of the optical axes, since the optical axis of the fiber remains centered in the recess of symmetrical section of the ferrule , whatever either the way it was introduced into the ferrule.
Bien que satisfaisant pour le type de fibres décrit précédemment, ce type de férule pose un certain nombre de problèmes pour les structures guidantes asymétriques telles que les fibres de section asymétriques comportant plusieurs axes optiques. En effet, pour ce type de fibres, leurs introductions dans une férule dont l'évidement serait comme précédemment cylindrique ne permet pas de connaître la position des axes optiques.Although satisfactory for the type of fibers described above, this type of ferrule poses a certain number of problems for asymmetrical guiding structures such as fibers of asymmetrical section comprising several optical axes. Indeed, for this type of fibers, their introduction into a ferrule whose recess would be as previously cylindrical does not allow to know the position of the optical axes.
Exposé de l'invention et brève description des figuresStatement of the invention and brief description of the figures
L'invention pallie ce problème grâce à un élément qui permet à la fois de maintenir et d' indexer une structure guidante asymétrique, cet élément permettant en outre de connecter la structure notamment à un composant d'optique intégrée. On entend dans la présente invention par indexation, le positionnement de la structure asymétrique dans cet élément, de façon à ce que la position des axes optiques de la structure soit déterminée de façon précise. On entend par ailleurs, par structure guidante asymétrique, toute structure comportant une section asymétrique dans un plan perpendiculaire aux axes optiques. A titre d'exemple une structure guidante asymétrique peut être une fibre optique multi cœurs (c'est-à-dire comportant plusieurs cœurs dans une même
gaine) ou encore un ensemble de fibres mono ou multi cœurs juxtaposées.The invention overcomes this problem thanks to an element which makes it possible both to maintain and to index an asymmetrical guiding structure, this element also making it possible to connect the structure in particular to an integrated optical component. In the present invention is meant by indexing, the positioning of the asymmetric structure in this element, so that the position of the optical axes of the structure is determined precisely. The term “asymmetrical guiding structure” is understood to mean any structure comprising an asymmetrical section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes. As an example, an asymmetrical guiding structure can be a multi-core optical fiber (that is to say comprising several cores in the same sheath) or a set of single or multi-core fibers juxtaposed.
De façon plus précise, l'invention a pour objet un élément de maintien et d'indexation d'au moins une structure guidante asymétrique comportant au moins deux axes optiques ; cet élément comprenant au moins un évidement, présentant une section dans un plan perpendiculaire aux axes optiques de la structure, telle que la structure ne peut prendre au plus que deux couples de positions dans l'évidement, les deux positions de chaque couple correspondant à une rotation de 180° de la structure dans ledit plan.More specifically, the invention relates to a retaining and indexing element of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure comprising at least two optical axes; this element comprising at least one recess, having a section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the structure, such that the structure can only take two pairs of positions in the recess, the two positions of each pair corresponding to a 180 ° rotation of the structure in said plane.
La taille de la section de l'évidement permet de régler automatiquement la position de la structure dans l'évidement, puisque toutes les autres positions (hormis les deux couples de positions définis précédemment) sont rendues impossibles.The size of the recess section makes it possible to automatically adjust the position of the structure in the recess, since all the other positions (apart from the two pairs of positions defined above) are made impossible.
Cet évidement permet ainsi, d'indexer l'axe optique de chaque cœur dans une position déterminée de celui-ci.This recess thus makes it possible to index the optical axis of each core in a determined position thereof.
La section de l'évidement est définie par au moins deux axes appelés premier et second axes présentant un point d'intersection, la dimension de l'évidement selon ce premier axe est supérieure à la dimension de l'évidement selon ce second axe et la dimension de l'évidement selon ce premier axe est de préférence légèrement supérieure à la plus grande des dimensions de la structure selon le même plan.The section of the recess is defined by at least two axes called first and second axes having a point of intersection, the dimension of the recess along this first axis is greater than the dimension of the recess along this second axis and the dimension of the recess along this first axis is preferably slightly greater than the largest of the dimensions of the structure along the same plane.
En général, la dimension de l'évidement selon le premier axe est supérieure de quelques μm et par exemple de 1 à 5 μm à la plus grande des dimensions de
la structure, pour permettre le coulissement de la structure dans l'évidement.In general, the dimension of the recess along the first axis is greater by a few μm and for example from 1 to 5 μm than the largest of the dimensions of the structure, to allow the structure to slide in the recess.
Selon un premier mode de réalisation, la section de l'évidement décrit une ellipse, le premier axe étant le grand axe de l'ellipse et le second axe étant son petit axe.According to a first embodiment, the section of the recess describes an ellipse, the first axis being the major axis of the ellipse and the second axis being its minor axis.
Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, la section de l'évidement décrit un parallélépipède, le premier axe correspondant à une longueur du parallélépipède et le second axe, à une largeur.According to a second embodiment, the section of the recess describes a parallelepiped, the first axis corresponding to a length of the parallelepiped and the second axis to a width.
Selon un troisième mode de réalisation, la section de l'évidement décrit un parallélépipède, le premier axe correspondant à un axe diagonal (oblique) du parallélépipède (c'est-à-dire l'axe le séparant en deux triangles) et le second axe, à une largeur, ces deux axes étant à 45° l'un de l'autre.According to a third embodiment, the section of the recess describes a parallelepiped, the first axis corresponding to a diagonal (oblique) axis of the parallelepiped (that is to say the axis separating it into two triangles) and the second axis, at a width, these two axes being at 45 ° from each other.
La surface extérieure de l'élément peut présenter une forme quelconque mais de façon avantageuse, elle comporte au moins une surface de référence permettant de repérer le premier et/ou le second axes de la section de l'évidement.The external surface of the element can have any shape but advantageously, it comprises at least one reference surface making it possible to identify the first and / or the second axes of the section of the recess.
Ainsi, selon ce mode avantageux, l'élément de l'invention permet une double indexation, une indexation intérieure due à la forme de 1 ' évidemment et une indexation extérieure. Cette indexation permet, lors des étapes d'assemblage, un positionnement selon les axes optiques de la fibre dans la position souhaitée de manière automatique et rapide ce qui induit un gain de temps et donc de coût. Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, le premier axe est parallèle à la surface de référence.
L'élément présentant une surface extérieure de type circulaire, il comporte en outre un méplat sur sa surface extérieure pour former la surface de référence .Thus, according to this advantageous mode, the element of the invention allows a double indexing, an internal indexing due to the shape of one obviously and an external indexing. This indexing allows, during the assembly steps, positioning along the optical axes of the fiber in the desired position automatically and quickly, which saves time and therefore cost. According to a preferred embodiment, the first axis is parallel to the reference surface. The element having an outer surface of circular type, it further comprises a flat on its outer surface to form the reference surface.
On entend par surface de type circulaire, toute surface dont la section décrit un cercle, une ellipse, ...etcThe term “circular type surface” means any surface whose section describes a circle, an ellipse, etc.
L'élément présentant une surface extérieure de type parallélépipédique, la surface de référence est formée par une des faces du parallélépipède. Les autres faces du parallélépipède peuvent également former d'autres surfaces de référence.The element having an external surface of the parallelepiped type, the reference surface is formed by one of the faces of the parallelepiped. The other faces of the parallelepiped can also form other reference surfaces.
On entend par surface de type parallélépipédique, toute surface dont la section décrit un carré, un rectangle, un losange.... etc Selon l'invention, l'élément de maintien peut comporter plusieurs évidements identiques ou différents pour indexer plusieurs structures guidantes asymétriques identiques ou différentes.The term “parallelepiped type surface” is understood to mean any surface whose section describes a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, etc. According to the invention, the retaining element may include several identical or different recesses to index several asymmetrical guiding structures identical or different.
-L'invention a également pour objet l'utilisation de cet élément pour la connexion d'au moins une structure guidante asymétrique à un ou plusieurs guides optiques d'un composant d'optique intégrée ; pour cela, la structure est disposée partiellement dans l'évidement de l'élément de l'invention selon une des positions, une extrémité de la structure étant située au voisinage d'une extrémité de l'évidement ; par ailleurs, une face de l'élément comportant ladite extrémité de l'évidement est mise en contact avec une zone du composant sur lequel se trouve une extrémité de chacun des guides optiques auxquels la
structure guidante asymétrique doit être connectée optiquement .-The invention also relates to the use of this element for the connection of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure to one or more optical guides of an integrated optical component; for this, the structure is partially disposed in the recess of the element of the invention in one of the positions, one end of the structure being located in the vicinity of one end of the recess; moreover, a face of the element comprising said end of the recess is brought into contact with an area of the component on which there is one end of each of the optical guides to which the asymmetrical guide structure must be optically connected.
La zone du composant est soit située sur une face du composant soit dans un logement aménagé dans le composan .The component area is either located on one side of the component or in a housing fitted in the composite.
L'élément peut être collé avec le composant par l'intermédiaire d'une colle appropriée.The element can be bonded with the component using an appropriate adhesive.
De façon avantageuse, la face de l'élément qui est mise en contact avec le composant présente un angle de quelques degrés avec le plan perpendiculaire à l'axe ou aux axes optiques et de façon avantageuse 8 degrés. Cet angle est obtenu par exemple par polissage préalable avant report, de ladite face en présence ou non de la structure guidante asymétrique. La zone du composant comporte alors un angle complémentaire à celui de ladite face de l'élément.Advantageously, the face of the element which is brought into contact with the component has an angle of a few degrees with the plane perpendicular to the axis or to the optical axes and advantageously 8 degrees. This angle is obtained for example by prior polishing before transfer, of said face in the presence or not of the asymmetrical guiding structure. The component area then has an angle complementary to that of said face of the element.
De préférence, la structure est introduite dans l'évidement avant la mise en contact de l'élément avec le composant . Cet élément permet ainsi de maintenir aussi la structure au cours de la préparation de la face à reporter et de préparer ainsi de la même façon l'extrémité de la structure guidante asymétrique.Preferably, the structure is introduced into the recess before the element is brought into contact with the component. This element thus also makes it possible to maintain the structure during the preparation of the face to be transferred and thus to prepare in the same way the end of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
De façon avantageuse l'élément comportant une surface de référence auxquelles sont repérées les couples de positions, la mise en contact de l'élément est réalisée en utilisant cette surface comme référence de façon à aligner l'axe ou les axes optiques de la structure avec l'axe ou les axes optiques correspondants du composant . Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront mieux à la lumière la
description qui va suivre. Cette description porte sur des exemples de réalisations, donnés à titre explicatif et non limitatif. Elle se réfère par ailleurs à des dessins annexés sur lesquels : - les figures 1A et 1B déjà décrites, représentent schématiquement en perspective et en vue de dessus une férule connectant une fibre symétrique mono-cœur, à un diviseur,Advantageously, the element comprising a reference surface at which the pairs of positions are identified, the element is brought into contact by using this surface as a reference so as to align the optical axis or axes of the structure with the corresponding optical axis or axes of the component. The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better in light of description which follows. This description relates to examples of embodiments, given by way of explanation and without limitation. It also refers to the appended drawings in which: FIGS. 1A and 1B already described, schematically represent in perspective and in top view a ferrule connecting a symmetrical single-core fiber, to a divider,
- les figures 2A, 2B et 2C représentent schématiquement en coupe, un premier exemple d' évidement de section rectangulaire avec plusieurs types de structures guidantes asymétriques,FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically represent in section, a first example of a recess of rectangular section with several types of asymmetrical guiding structures,
- la figure 3 représente schématiquement en coupe, un deuxième exemple d' évidement, de section carré avec un autre exemple de structure guidante asymétrique,FIG. 3 schematically represents in section, a second example of a recess, of square section with another example of an asymmetrical guiding structure,
- la figure 4 représente schématiquement en coupe, un troisième exemple d' évidement, de section elliptique, - la figure 5 représente schématiquement en coupe un élément de maintien et d' indexation de surface extérieure circulaire avec un évidement de section rectangulaire ,- Figure 4 shows schematically in section, a third example of a recess, of elliptical section, - Figure 5 shows schematically in section a holding and indexing element of circular external surface with a recess of rectangular section,
- la figure 6 représente schématiquement en coupe un élément de maintien et d'indexation à deux évidements,FIG. 6 schematically represents in section a holding and indexing element with two recesses,
- la figure 7 représente schématiquement en perspective la connexion de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation contenant une structure guidante asymétrique, à un composant d'optique intégrée,
- la figure 8 représente schématiquement en perspective un logement dans un composant d'optique intégrée pour recevoir l'élément de maintien et d'indexation, et - les figures 9A et 9B représentent schématiquement en coupe deux exemples de mode de réalisation de l'élément de l'invention' à partir de plusieurs blocs.FIG. 7 schematically represents in perspective the connection of the holding and indexing element containing an asymmetrical guiding structure, to an integrated optical component, - Figure 8 shows schematically in perspective a housing in an integrated optical component for receiving the holding and indexing element, and - Figures 9A and 9B schematically show in section two examples of embodiment of the element of the invention 'from several blocks.
Exposé détaillé de modes de réalisationDetailed description of embodiments
Les figures 2A, 2B et 2C représentent schématiquement en coupe, un premier exemple d' évidement de section rectangulaire avec plusieurs exemples de structures guidantes asymétriques.FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically represent in section, a first example of a recess of rectangular section with several examples of asymmetrical guiding structures.
Sur la figure 2A, on a représenté en coupe une structure SI comportant dans une gaine 21, deux cœurs 22 et 22bis, les axes optiques de la structure étant situé au centre des cœurs. Sur la figure 2B, on a représenté en coupe une structure S2 comportant dans une gaine 27, trois cœurs 24, 25 et 26, les axes optiques de la structure étant situés au centre de ces cœurs.In FIG. 2A, a structure SI has been shown in section comprising, in a sheath 21, two cores 22 and 22bis, the optical axes of the structure being located at the center of the cores. In Figure 2B, there is shown in section a structure S2 comprising in a sheath 27, three hearts 24, 25 and 26, the optical axes of the structure being located at the center of these hearts.
Sur la figure 2C, on a représenté en coupe une structure S3 comportant deux fibres juxtaposées FI et F2 comportant respectivement une gaine 30, 31 et un cœur 28, 29.In FIG. 2C, there is shown in section a structure S3 comprising two juxtaposed fibers FI and F2 comprising respectively a sheath 30, 31 and a heart 28, 29.
Enfin, sur la figure 3, on a représenté en coupe une structure S4 comportant dans une gaine 36, deux cœurs 35 et 37, les axes optiques de la structure étant situés au centre de ces cœurs.
Toutes ces structures sont asymétriques.Finally, in Figure 3, there is shown in section a structure S4 comprising in a sheath 36, two hearts 35 and 37, the optical axes of the structure being located in the center of these hearts. All of these structures are asymmetrical.
De nombreux autres exemples de structures guidantes asymétriques peuvent être bien entendu utilisées avec l'élément de l'invention comportant un évidement du type de celui représenté sur ces figures ou d'un autre type.Many other examples of asymmetrical guiding structures can of course be used with the element of the invention comprising a recess of the type shown in these figures or of another type.
En effet, l'évidement de l'élément peut présenter une section dans un plan perpendiculaire aux axes optiques de la structure guidante asymétrique, de forme très variée, il suffit simplement que sa section soit telle que la structure ne puisse prendre au plus que deux couples de positions dans l'évidement.Indeed, the recess of the element may have a section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the asymmetrical guiding structure, of very varied shape, it suffices simply that its section is such that the structure can take no more than two couples of positions in the recess.
A titre d'exemples, on a représenté sur les figures 2, 3 et 4 trois exemples de réalisations de cet évidement .As examples, there are shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 three examples of embodiments of this recess.
Dans le premier mode de réalisation de l'évidement des figures 2A, 2B et 2C, la section de celui-ci décrit un rectangle, le premier axe XI correspond à une longueur du rectangle et le second axe X2 correspond à une largeur de celui-ci, la dimension de l'évidement selon ce premier axe XI étant plus grande que la dimension selon le second axe X2 , ces 2 axes présentent un point d'intersection A dans l'évidement qui est sur l'axe optique du cœur 25 dans la figure 2B et qui est à l'intersection des 2 fibres FI et F2 sur la figure 2C. De plus, dans cet exemple, les premier et second axes sont perpendiculaires entre eux.In the first embodiment of the recess in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the section thereof describes a rectangle, the first axis XI corresponds to a length of the rectangle and the second axis X2 corresponds to a width of it ci, the dimension of the recess along this first axis XI being larger than the dimension along the second axis X2, these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess which is on the optical axis of the heart 25 in FIG. 2B and which is at the intersection of the 2 fibers FI and F2 in FIG. 2C. In addition, in this example, the first and second axes are perpendicular to each other.
Dans le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'évidement représenté figure 3, la section de celui-ci décrit un carré, le premier axe XI correspond à l'axe
diagonal (oblique) qui divise ce carré en 2 triangles et le second axe X2 est parallèle à sa largeur, la dimension de l'évidement selon ce premier axe étant plus grande que sa dimension selon ce second axe ; ces 2 axes présentent un point d'intersection A dans l'évidement. Dans cet exemple, les premier et second axes font un angle de 45° entre eux.In the second embodiment of the recess shown in Figure 3, the section of it describes a square, the first axis XI corresponds to the axis diagonal (oblique) which divides this square into 2 triangles and the second axis X2 is parallel to its width, the dimension of the recess along this first axis being greater than its dimension along this second axis; these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess. In this example, the first and second axes make an angle of 45 ° between them.
Dans le troisième mode de réalisation de l'évidement de la figure 4, la section de celui-ci décrit une ellipse, le premier axe étant le grand axe de l'ellipse et le second axe étant le petit axe de l'ellipse, ces 2 axes présentent un point d'intersection A dans l'évidement et sont perpendiculaires entre eux. Dans ces trois exemples, on voit que la dimension de l'évidement selon son premier axe est à quelques μm prés, la même que la plus grande des dimensions de la structure. Cette dernière ne peut donc prendre : - qu'une position ou la position symétrique deIn the third embodiment of the recess in FIG. 4, the section thereof describes an ellipse, the first axis being the major axis of the ellipse and the second axis being the minor axis of the ellipse, these 2 axes have a point of intersection A in the recess and are perpendicular to each other. In these three examples, we see that the dimension of the recess along its first axis is within a few μm, the same as the largest of the dimensions of the structure. The latter can therefore only take: - a position or the symmetrical position of
180° par rapport au point A dans les figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 4, (ce qui correspond à un couple unique de positions) , et180 ° with respect to point A in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 4, (which corresponds to a single pair of positions), and
- que 2 positions (représentés en trait plein et en traits pointillés) ou les 2 positions symétriques de 180° par rapport au point A, dans la figure 3 (ce qui correspond à 2 couples de positions) .- only 2 positions (shown in solid lines and in dotted lines) or the 2 symmetrical positions of 180 ° relative to point A, in Figure 3 (which corresponds to 2 pairs of positions).
Dans, ces positions, l'axe de la plus grande dimension de la structure s'aligne avec le premier axe référencé XI (ou son symétrique à 90°dans le cas d'un évidement de section symétrique voir figure 3) . Toutes
les autres positions sont impossibles compte tenu de la taille de la section de l'évidement.In these positions, the axis of the largest dimension of the structure is aligned with the first axis referenced XI (or its symmetrical at 90 ° in the case of a recess of symmetrical section see FIG. 3). All other positions are impossible given the size of the recess section.
La surface extérieure de l'élément peut présenter une forme quelconque mais de façon avantageuse, elle comporte au moins une surface de référence permettant de repérer le premier et/ou le second axes de la section de l'évidement.The external surface of the element can have any shape but advantageously, it comprises at least one reference surface making it possible to identify the first and / or the second axes of the section of the recess.
Dans l'exemple représenté figure 5, l'élémentIn the example shown in Figure 5, the element
50 décrit selon sa section un cercle présentant sur une partie de sa périphérie un méplat 52 apte à former une surface de référence.50 describes according to its section a circle having on a part of its periphery a flat 52 able to form a reference surface.
Dans cet exemple, l'évidement 54 est de section rectangulaire, du type de ceux représentés figures 2A,In this example, the recess 54 is of rectangular section, of the type of those shown in FIGS. 2A,
2B, 2C et le premier axe est parallèle à la surface de référence.2B, 2C and the first axis is parallel to the reference surface.
Ainsi, dans cet exemple, l'axe ou les axes optiques d'une structure guidante asymétrique passant par le premier axe, les axes optiques sont dans un plan parallèle à celui de la surface de référence. A titre d'exemple, pour une structure deThus, in this example, the optical axis or axes of an asymmetrical guiding structure passing through the first axis, the optical axes are in a plane parallel to that of the reference surface. For example, for a structure of
150μm x lOOμm de section, l'élément présente un diamètre de 1,6mm et l'évidement présente une dimension selon le premier axe de 155μm et une dimension selon le second axe de 105μm. L'élément de maintien et d'indexation de l'invention peut comporter un ou plusieurs évidements suivant les applications.150μm x 100μm section, the element has a diameter of 1.6mm and the recess has a dimension along the first axis of 155μm and a dimension along the second axis of 105μm. The holding and indexing element of the invention may include one or more recesses depending on the applications.
A titre d'exemple, on a représenté figure 6, un élément 60 à deux évidements 61 et 63 de type elliptiques. Sur cette figure, ces deux évidements sont du même type et disposés parallèlement l'un à l'autre,
mais ils auraient pu, suivant l'application envisagée être de type différent et disposés autrement.By way of example, FIG. 6 shows an element 60 with two recesses 61 and 63 of elliptical type. In this figure, these two recesses are of the same type and arranged parallel to each other, but they could have, depending on the intended application, been of a different type and arranged differently.
L'élément de maintien et d'indexation d'une structure guidante asymétrique peut être utilisé en optique en espace libre mais surtout en optique intégrée pour permettre la connexion de la structure guidante asymétrique à un ou plusieurs guides optiques d'un composant d'optique intégrée.The retaining and indexing element of an asymmetrical guiding structure can be used in free space optics but especially in integrated optics to allow the connection of the asymmetrical guiding structure to one or more optical guides of an optical component. integrated.
La figure 7 représente schématiquement en perspective une structure 70 asymétrique à 2 cœurs disposée dans un évidement 72 elliptique d'un élément 73 de maintien et d'indexation, une extrémité de la structure étant située au voisinage d'une extrémité de 1 ' évidement . Par ailleurs, une face de l'élément comportant cette extrémité de l'évidement est disposée en regard d'une zone du composant située sur une face du composant sur lequel se trouve une extrémité de chacun des guides optiques auxquels la structure à deux cœurs doit être connectée optiquement.FIG. 7 schematically shows in perspective an asymmetrical structure 70 with 2 cores disposed in an elliptical recess 72 of an element 73 for holding and indexing, one end of the structure being located in the vicinity of one end of the recess. Furthermore, a face of the element comprising this end of the recess is disposed opposite a zone of the component located on a face of the component on which there is one end of each of the optical guides to which the two-core structure must be optically connected.
Sur cette figure, à titre d'exemple, le composant 75 représenté est un éclateur.In this figure, by way of example, the component 75 shown is a spark gap.
L'élément est prêt sur cette figure à être mis en contact avec la zone du composant . La mise en contact de l'élément est réalisée en utilisant au moins une des surfaces extérieures de l'élément comme référence de façon à aligner les axes optiques de la structure avec les axes optiques correspondants du composant . Cette mise en contact de l'élément peut comporter un collage avec une colle appropriée c'est-à-
dire une colle d'indice de réfraction apte à ne pas perturber des ondes lumineuses se propageant selon les axes optiques et apte à maintenir l'élément en contact avec le composant . De façon avantageuse, la face de l'élément qui est reporté présente un angle B avec le plan perpendiculaire aux axes optiques de quelques degrés et de façon avantageuse 8 degrés. Cet angle est obtenu par exemple par polissage de ladite face en présence ou non de la structure guidante asymétrique.The element is ready in this figure to be brought into contact with the component area. The element is brought into contact by using at least one of the external surfaces of the element as a reference so as to align the optical axes of the structure with the corresponding optical axes of the component. This contacting of the element may include bonding with an appropriate adhesive, that is to say say an adhesive of refractive index capable of not disturbing light waves propagating along the optical axes and able to keep the element in contact with the component. Advantageously, the face of the element which is transferred has an angle B with the plane perpendicular to the optical axes of a few degrees and advantageously 8 degrees. This angle is obtained for example by polishing said face in the presence or not of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
La zone du composant comporte alors un angle complémentaire à celui de ladite face de l'élément de sorte que l'élément est mis en contact avec le composant, face contre face. De préférence, la structure guidante asymétrique est introduite dans l'évidement avant la mise en contact de l'élément avec le composant bien que suivant les applications, ce ne soit pas limitatif. Cet élément de maintien et d' indexation permet ainsi de maintenir la structure au cours de la préparation de la face à reporter et de préparer de la même façon l'extrémité de la structure guidante asymétrique.The component area then has an angle complementary to that of said face of the element so that the element is brought into contact with the component, face against face. Preferably, the asymmetrical guiding structure is introduced into the recess before the element is brought into contact with the component, although depending on the applications, this is not limiting. This holding and indexing element thus makes it possible to maintain the structure during the preparation of the face to be transferred and to prepare in the same way the end of the asymmetrical guiding structure.
Sur la figure 8 on a représenté une variante du composant de la figure 7 dans lequel un logement 80 permet d'accueillir tout ou partie de l'élément 73. Comme précédemment la zone du composant sur lequel doit être reporté l'élément présente aussi une inclinaison complémentaire à celle de l'élément.FIG. 8 shows a variant of the component of FIG. 7 in which a housing 80 can accommodate all or part of the element 73. As before, the zone of the component on which the element must be transferred also has a inclination complementary to that of the element.
Cette variante permet en outre, en utilisant comme surfaces de référence, les parois de l'élément, de dimensionner le logement du composant de façon à ce
que lorsque l'élément est mis dans ce dernier, les axes optiques de la structure guidante asymétrique soient autoalignés avec celles du composant.This variant also makes it possible, by using the walls of the element as reference surfaces, to size the housing of the component so that that when the element is placed in the latter, the optical axes of the asymmetrical guiding structure are self-aligned with those of the component.
Dans l'ensemble de ces figures, on a représenté des éléments de maintien et d'indexation présentant des évidements fermés. Bien entendu, ces évidements peuvent être formés par des cavités ouvertes du moment où elles présentent la section requise pour permettre le positionnement de la structure selon au plus deux couples de positions.In all of these figures, holding and indexing elements have been shown having closed recesses. Of course, these recesses can be formed by open cavities when they have the section required to allow the positioning of the structure according to at most two pairs of positions.
Ces éléments peuvent être réalisés en de nombreux matériaux et par exemple en verre ou en une céramique notamment du carbure de silicium ou encore en plastique . Pour réaliser l'élément de maintien et d'indexation de l'invention, on peut utiliser de nombreuses techniques .These elements can be made of many materials and for example glass or a ceramic including silicon carbide or plastic. Many techniques can be used to make the holding and indexing element of the invention.
A titre d'exemple, le support peut être obtenu par tirage notamment pour un support en verre, ou encore par usinage ou moulage ; ce support peut être réalisé en un bloc ou en plusieurs blocs qui sont ensuite assemblés pour former l'élément.For example, the support can be obtained by drawing in particular for a glass support, or by machining or molding; this support can be produced in a block or in several blocks which are then assembled to form the element.
L'évidement du support, quant à lui peut être obtenu en utilisant une pige par exemple métallique apte à réserver un volume donné correspondant à l'évidement, dans le support, pendant son élaboration ; la pige étant ensuite retirée pour obtenir l'élément muni de son évidement . Cette pige peut avoir la forme exacte de l'évidement souhaité ou une forme grossière ; dans ce dernier cas, la forme souhaitée de l'évidement
est obtenue après retrait de la pige par un usinage par exemple par des ultra- sons ou par un fil diamanté.The recess of the support, meanwhile, can be obtained by using a rod, for example metallic, capable of reserving a given volume corresponding to the recess, in the support, during its preparation; the rod is then removed to obtain the element provided with its recess. This rod can have the exact shape of the desired recess or a coarse shape; in the latter case, the desired shape of the recess is obtained after removal of the rod by machining, for example by ultrasound or by a diamond wire.
L'évidement peut aussi être obtenu par un moulage ou par une gravure appropriée du support selon un motif correspond à la forme désirée de l'évidement.The recess can also be obtained by molding or by an appropriate etching of the support according to a pattern corresponding to the desired shape of the recess.
Les figures 9A et 9B représentent en coupe deux exemples d'éléments réalisés par deux blocs indépendants assemblés .FIGS. 9A and 9B show in section two examples of elements produced by two independent blocks assembled.
La figure 9A, illustre un élément formé d'un premier bloc 90 dans lequel une cavité 92 a été réalisée (par exemple par moulage ou par gravure) et d'un deuxième bloc 91 disposé sur le bloc 90 de façon à fermer la cavité 92 qui forme ici un évidement de section rectangulaire. La figure 9B, illustre un élément formé de deux blocs 93 et 94 qui comportent respectivement une cavitéFIG. 9A illustrates an element formed by a first block 90 in which a cavity 92 has been produced (for example by molding or by etching) and by a second block 91 disposed on the block 90 so as to close the cavity 92 which here forms a recess of rectangular section. FIG. 9B illustrates an element formed by two blocks 93 and 94 which respectively have a cavity
(formée également par moulage ou par gravure) , ces deux blocs étant rapportés de façon à ce que leurs cavités soient respectivement en regard et forment ensemble un évidement 95 de section dans cet exemple rectangulaire.
(also formed by molding or by etching), these two blocks being added so that their cavities are respectively opposite and together form a recess 95 of section in this rectangular example.
Claims
1. Elément de maintien et d'indexation (50, 60, 73) d'au moins une structure guidante asymétrique comportant au moins deux axes optiques, cet élément comprend au moins un évidement (54, 61, 63) présentant une section dans un plan perpendiculaire aux axes optiques de la structure, telle que la structure ne peut prendre au plus que deux couples de deux positions dans l'évidement, les deux positions de chaque couple correspondant à une rotation de 180° de la structure dans ledit plan.1. holding and indexing element (50, 60, 73) of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure comprising at least two optical axes, this element comprises at least one recess (54, 61, 63) having a section in a plane perpendicular to the optical axes of the structure, such that the structure cannot take more than two pairs of two positions in the recess, the two positions of each pair corresponding to a 180 ° rotation of the structure in said plane.
2. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la section de l'évidement est définie par au moins deux axes appelés premier et second axes (XI, X2) , la dimension de l'évidement selon ce premier axe est supérieure à la dimension de l'évidement selon ce second axe.2. holding and indexing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the section of the recess is defined by at least two axes called first and second axes (XI, X2), the dimension of the recess according to this first axis is greater than the dimension of the recess along this second axis.
3. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la dimension de l'évidement selon ledit premier axe est légèrement supérieure à la plus grande des dimensions de la structure selon ledit plan.3. holding and indexing element according to claim 2, characterized in that the dimension of the recess along said first axis is slightly greater than the largest of the dimensions of the structure along said plane.
4. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la section de l'évidement décrit une des formes choisies parmi une ellipse, un parallélépipède, le premier axe et le second axe étant orthogonaux. 4. holding and indexing element according to claim 2, characterized in that the section of the recess describes one of the shapes chosen from an ellipse, a parallelepiped, the first axis and the second axis being orthogonal.
5. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la section de l'évidement décrit un carré, le premier axe correspondant à un axe diagonal du carré et le second axe étant parallèle à un bord du carré, ces deux axes étant à 45° l'un de l'autre.5. holding and indexing element according to claim 2, characterized in that the section of the recess describes a square, the first axis corresponding to a diagonal axis of the square and the second axis being parallel to an edge of the square, these two axes being at 45 ° from each other.
6. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente une surface extérieure comportant au moins une surface de référence (52) .6. holding and indexing element according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an outer surface comprising at least one reference surface (52).
7. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon les revendications 2 et 6, caractérisé en ce que le premier axe est parallèle à la surface de référence.7. holding and indexing element according to claims 2 and 6, characterized in that the first axis is parallel to the reference surface.
8. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la surface extérieure étant de type circulaire, cette surface comporte au moins un méplat (52) correspondant à la surface de référence.8. holding and indexing element according to claim 6, characterized in that the external surface being of circular type, this surface comprises at least one flat (52) corresponding to the reference surface.
9. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la surface extérieure étant de type parallélépipédique, la surface de référence est formée par une des faces du parallélépipède .9. holding and indexing element according to claim 6, characterized in that the external surface being of the parallelepiped type, the reference surface is formed by one of the faces of the parallelepiped.
10. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente plusieurs évidements (61, 63) , chaque évidement étant apte à recevoir une structure guidante asymétrique .10. Holding and indexing element according to claim 1, characterized in that it has several recesses (61, 63), each recess being able to receive an asymmetrical guiding structure.
11. Élément de maintien et d'indexation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la structure guidante asymétrique est une fibre multicoeurs, chaque cœur présentant un axe optique.11. holding and indexing element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the asymmetrical guiding structure is a multi-core fiber, each core having an optical axis.
12. Elément de maintien et d'indexation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la structure guidante asymétrique est un ensemble de fibres mono ou multicœurs juxtaposées, chaque cœur présentant un axe optique12. holding and indexing element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the asymmetrical guiding structure is a set of juxtaposed single or multicore fibers, each core having an optical axis
13. Utilisation d'un élément de maintien et d'indexation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, pour la connexion d'au moins une structure guidante asymétrique (70) à un ou plusieurs guides optiques d'un composant d'optique intégrée (75).13. Use of a holding and indexing element according to any one of the preceding claims, for the connection of at least one asymmetrical guiding structure (70) to one or more optical guides of an integrated optical component. (75).
14. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que la structure guidante asymétrique est disposée au moins partiellement dans l'évidement de l'élément dans une desdites positions, une extrémité de la structure étant située au voisinage d'une extrémité de l'évidement, par ailleurs, une face de l'élément comportant ladite extrémité de l'évidement est mise en contact avec une zone du composant sur lequel se trouve une extrémité de chacun des guides optiques auxquels la structure guidante asymétrique doit être connectée optiquement .14. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 13, characterized in that the asymmetrical guiding structure is disposed at least partially in the recess of the element in one of said positions, one end of the structure being located in the vicinity of one end of the recess, moreover, one face of the element comprising said end of the recess is brought into contact with a zone of the component on which is located one end of each of the optical guides to which the asymmetrical guide structure must be optically connected.
15. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que la zone du composant est située sur une face du composant ou dans un logement (80) aménagé dans le composant .15. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 14, characterized in that the component area is located on one side of the component or in a housing (80) arranged in the component.
16. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que l'élément est collé au composant, avec une colle appropriée .16. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 13, characterized in that the element is glued to the component, with an appropriate glue.
17. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que la face de l'élément qui est mise en contact avec le composant, présente un angle (B) de quelques degrés avec le plan perpendiculaire à l'axe ou aux axes optiques et la zone du composant comporte un angle complémentaire à celui de ladite face de l'élément.17. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 14, characterized in that the face of the element which is brought into contact with the component, has an angle (B) of a few degrees with the perpendicular plane to the optical axis or axes and the component area has an angle complementary to that of said face of the element.
18. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d'indexation selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce que la face de l'élément est préalablement polie pour obtenir ledit angle.18. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 17, characterized in that the face of the element is previously polished to obtain said angle.
19. Utilisation de l'élément de maintien et d' indexation selon la revendication 18, caractérisée en ce que la face de l'élément est préalablement polie avec l'extrémité de la structure. 19. Use of the holding and indexing element according to claim 18, characterized in that the face of the element is previously polished with the end of the structure.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0103100A FR2821933B1 (en) | 2001-03-07 | 2001-03-07 | ELEMENT FOR HOLDING AND INDEXING AN ASYMMETRIC GUIDING STRUCTURE, AND ITS USE FOR CONNECTING THE STRUCTURE TO AN INTEGRATED OPTICAL COMPONENT |
FR0103100 | 2001-03-07 | ||
PCT/FR2002/000807 WO2002071102A2 (en) | 2001-03-07 | 2002-03-06 | Element for maintaining and indexing an asymmetric guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optics component |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1386188A2 true EP1386188A2 (en) | 2004-02-04 |
Family
ID=8860842
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02708444A Withdrawn EP1386188A2 (en) | 2001-03-07 | 2002-03-06 | Element for maintaining and indexing an asymmetric guiding structure, and its use for connecting the structure to an integrated optics component |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1386188A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002242808A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2821933B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002071102A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012172906A1 (en) * | 2011-06-17 | 2012-12-20 | 住友電気工業株式会社 | Optical connection member, optical connection structure, and method for producing optical connection member |
JP2013117664A (en) * | 2011-12-05 | 2013-06-13 | Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd | Multicore optical fiber connection structure and method for manufacturing multicore optical fiber connection structure |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4762387A (en) * | 1986-02-21 | 1988-08-09 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Array connector for optical fibers |
JPS62299914A (en) * | 1986-06-20 | 1987-12-26 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Method and member for fixing polarization maintaining optical fiber |
JPH0616126B2 (en) * | 1986-11-06 | 1994-03-02 | 日本電気株式会社 | Ferrule for optical fiber connection |
US4919509A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1990-04-24 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Mechanical connection for polarization-maintaining optical fiber and methods of making |
US5046808A (en) * | 1989-12-18 | 1991-09-10 | Litton Systems, Inc. | Integrated optics chip and method of connecting optical fiber thereto |
FR2678393B1 (en) * | 1991-06-28 | 1995-02-10 | Cit Alcatel | TRANSVERSELY ANISOTROPIC FIBER DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF. |
JP3549659B2 (en) * | 1996-02-19 | 2004-08-04 | 富士通株式会社 | Method for manufacturing optical waveguide device |
DE19709842C1 (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 1998-10-15 | Siemens Ag | Electro-optical coupling assembly |
JP3850569B2 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2006-11-29 | 富士通株式会社 | Ferrule assembly and optical module |
-
2001
- 2001-03-07 FR FR0103100A patent/FR2821933B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-03-06 WO PCT/FR2002/000807 patent/WO2002071102A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-03-06 EP EP02708444A patent/EP1386188A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-03-06 AU AU2002242808A patent/AU2002242808A1/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO02071102A3 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2821933A1 (en) | 2002-09-13 |
AU2002242808A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
WO2002071102A3 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
WO2002071102A2 (en) | 2002-09-12 |
FR2821933B1 (en) | 2004-05-28 |
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