US20060093271A1 - Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections - Google Patents
Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections Download PDFInfo
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- US20060093271A1 US20060093271A1 US10/980,591 US98059104A US2006093271A1 US 20060093271 A1 US20060093271 A1 US 20060093271A1 US 98059104 A US98059104 A US 98059104A US 2006093271 A1 US2006093271 A1 US 2006093271A1
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- fiber
- core
- exposed edge
- connector
- diffusion
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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
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/262—Optical details of coupling light into, or out of, or between fibre ends, e.g. special fibre end shapes or associated optical elements
-
- 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
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
In one embodiment, method of forming fibers is provided. The method includes modifying a first exposed edge of at least one core of a first fiber. The first fiber has a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The second end has the first exposed edge of the core, and the first exposed edge has a first diffusion state. The first fiber may transmit light along the core. The modification of the first exposed edge includes modifying the first diffusion state of the first exposed edge of the core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting the first exposed edge in the second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of the light exiting the first exposed edge in the first diffusion state.
Description
- Fiber optic systems allow signals to be transmitted using light as the signal transmission means, and such fiber optic systems may be used in computer systems to aid in data and signal transmission. The fiber optic systems may be used to provide interconnection between boards, and the fiber optic system may be used to provide fiber to fiber connections as needed. Fiber optic connections and methods of forming fiber optic connections exist in the art. However, it is desirable to provide additional optical connections and methods of forming optical connections.
- In one embodiment, a method of forming fibers is provided. The method includes modifying a first exposed edge of at least one core of a first fiber. The first fiber has a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The second end has the first exposed edge of the core, and the first exposed edge has a first diffusion state. The first fiber may transmit light along the core. The modification of the first exposed edge includes modifying the first diffusion state of the first exposed edge of the core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting the first exposed edge in the second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of the light exiting the first exposed edge in the first diffusion state.
- The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
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FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate fiber assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a core in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A-3B are views of connectors in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate cores having angled end surfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate exposed end surfaces of cores having at least one diffusion feature in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a fiber assembly incorporating at least one magnet in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate board assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates another board assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 9A-9B are illustrations of connectors in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate various alignments of array positions; -
FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate board assemblies incorporating a magnet in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate board assemblies incorporating at least one motor in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate optical arrays and various alignments in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an algorithm that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, fiber assemblies and methods of forming and connecting fibers are provided. Referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , afiber assembly 10 is illustrated. Thefiber assembly 10 has afirst fiber 12 that has at least onecore 14. Thefiber assembly 10 comprises a plurality offibers 12. Thecore 14 may be made of any suitable material that may transmit light. For example, thecore 14 may be made of plastic or glass. Thefirst fiber 12 comprises any suitable fiber optic fiber. Thefiber assembly 10 has asecond fiber 20 that has at least onecore 14. Thefiber assembly 10 comprises a plurality offibers 20. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thecore 14 has afirst end 30, asecond end 32, and a length L. It will be understood that thecore 14 may have any suitable length L between thefirst end 30 and thesecond end 32. Referring toFIGS. 1A-1B andFIGS. 3A-3B , thefirst fiber 12 has asecond end 26, and thesecond end 26 may be proximate to thesecond ends 32 of thecores 14. For example, thesecond end 26 of thefirst fiber 12 may be in about the same position as thesecond ends 32 of thecores 14, as shown inFIG. 3A . Thesecond fiber 20 has afirst end 28 that may be proximate to thefirst ends 30 of thecores 14. For example, thefirst end 28 of thesecond fiber 20 may be in about the same position as thefirst ends 30 of thecores 14, as shown inFIG. 3B . It will be understood that the fibers and fiber assemblies may be used to transmit a signal, such as a light signal, from one point to another point via the fibers. It will be further understood that light may be emitted from or received by the fibers. - Referring to
FIG. 1A and 1B , thefiber assembly 10 may be in a disengaged position as illustrated inFIG. 1A . Alternatively, thefiber assembly 10 may be in an engaged position as illustrated inFIG. 1B . When thefiber assembly 10 is in an engaged position, thesecond end 26 of thefirst fiber 12 may be optically coupled to thefirst end 28 of thesecond fiber 20. In this position, light emitted from thefirst fiber 12 may be transmitted to thesecond fiber 20. Thefirst fiber 12 and thesecond fiber 20 may be optically coupled in any suitable manner. For example, thefirst fiber 12 may have afirst connector 16, and thesecond fiber 20 may have asecond connector 18. Thefirst connector 16 may be connected to thesecond connector 20. It will be understood that any suitable type of connector may be used. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A , the first andsecond connectors - Referring to
FIGS. 1A, 1B , 4A, and 4B, thecores 14 may have an obtuselyangled end surface 34 of at least a portion of thesecond end 32 of thecores 14 of thefirst fiber 12. The obtuselyangled end surface 34 of thecores 14 increases the surface area of thesecond end 32 of thecore 14. This increased surface area may provide afirst fiber 12 that exhibits increased alignment tolerance because the area to be aligned may be increased and because the light exiting the obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be refracted over a wider number of angles than light exiting from an end surface that is not obtusely angled. For purposes of describing and defining the present invention, the term “increased alignment tolerance” shall be understood as referring to a fiber or fiber bundle that may be aligned with another desired fiber, fiber, bundle, connector or the like over a wider number of suitable alignment positions than a fiber or fiber bundle that does not exhibit increased alignment tolerance. Further, for purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term “suitable alignment positions” shall be understood as referring to any alignment positions that allow an acceptable amount of light to be passed from a fiber, fiber bundle, or the like to another fiber, fiber bundle, connector, receiver, or the like. - The obtusely
angled end surface 34 may be formed in an any suitable manner on thecores 14. For example, the obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be formed by cutting thesecond end 32 of the core 14 or machining thesecond end 32 of thecore 14. The core 14 may be described as having a central orhorizontal axis 36 that runs through the core 14 parallel to the length L. The obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be angled obtusely with respect to theaxis 36. Thus, an obtuse angle θ may be formed between theend surface 34 and theaxis 36. For example, the obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be angled at greater than about 90° to less than about 180° with respect to theaxis 34. In a further example, the obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be angled at about 101° to about 136° with respect to theaxis 34. Thecore 14 of thefirst fiber 12 may be cylindrical, and the obtuselyangled end surface 34 may be elliptical as shown inFIG. 4B . - The
first fiber 12 may further have an obtuselyangled end surface 34 formed on thefirst end 30 of the core 14 as shown inFIG. 4C . Additionally, thesecond fiber 20 may have an obtuselyangled end surface 34 at thefirst end 30 and thesecond end 32 of the core 14 as desired. Further, thesecond end 26 of thefirst fiber 12 and thefirst end 28 of thesecond fiber 20 may have an index matching material (not shown) disposed between thefirst end 28 and thesecond end 26. The index matching material may be selected such that the refractive index of the index matching material is different than the refractive index of air. - The fibers may have at least one surface feature provided on the second end of the at least one core. Referring to
FIGS. 1A, 1B , 5A, and 5B, thefiber assembly 10 has at least onecore 14 of thefirst fiber 12, and thecore 14 has asecond end 32. At least a portion of thesecond end 32 comprises a first exposededge 42. For purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term “exposed edge” shall be understood as referring to an end surface i.e. tip of a core. - At least one
diffusion feature 44 may be provided on at least a portion of the first exposededge 42. The first exposededge 42 has a first diffusion state when no diffusion features 44 are present. Thediffusion feature 44 defines a second diffusion state. The second diffusion state is such that light exiting the first exposededge 42 having at least onediffusion feature 44 is spread over a greater number of angles relative to the angles said light would spread over if the first exposededge 42 did not have at least onediffusion feature 44 contained thereon. Thus, the first exposededge 42 may be modified from a first diffusion state to a second diffusion state. Because the light exiting the core 14 in the second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles, thefirst fiber 12 exhibits increased alignment tolerance because the number of angles at which light can be received is increased. It will be understood that the second diffusion state may be selected to provide a desired range or number of angles depending on the requirements of a particular fiber assembly. It will further be understood, that thefirst fiber 12 and thesecond fiber 20 may have diffusion features provided on the first exposededges 42 of the first and second ends 30, 32 of thecores 14. Additionally, thecores 14 may have adiffusion feature 12 on an obtuselyangled end surface 34. The diffusion features 44 may comprise light dispersing geometries. - The
fiber assembly 10 may comprise thefirst fiber 12 aligned with thesecond fiber 20 in any desired manner. Alternatively, thefirst fiber 12 may be connected to thesecond fiber 20 in any suitable manner. Thefirst fiber 12 may be connected to thesecond fiber 20 so that the fibers are aligned such that at least a portion of light exiting thesecond end 32 of thecore 14 of thefirst fiber 12 enters the core 14 at thefirst end 30 of thesecond fiber 20. Thefirst end 30 of thecore 14 of thefirst fiber 12 may have at least onediffusion feature 44. Additionally, thefirst end 30 and/orsecond end 32 of the core 14 may have at least onediffusion feature 44. - The diffusion features 44 may be any suitable diffusion feature. For example, the diffusion features 44 may be formed in any suitable random pattern such as the
pattern 38 illustrated inFIG. 5A . The diffusion features 44 may be formed in an ordered pattern such as thepattern 40 shown inFIG. 5B . The ordered pattern may be any suitable ordered pattern. For example, the ordered pattern may be in the form of a grating, facets, or diffraction grating, and the grating may be a fresnel lens. The diffusion features 44 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the diffusion features 44 may be formed by blasting, sandblasting, machining, grinding, etching, laser cutting, molding, and molding facets onto the first exposededge 42 of thecore 14. - The fiber assemblies may have at least one magnet incorporated therein. Referring to
FIGS. 11A, 1B , and 6, afiber assembly 10 has afirst connector 16 on thefirst fiber 12 and asecond connector 18 on thesecond fiber 20 as discussed herein. Thesecond connector 18 has at least onemagnet 46 disposed therein. Themagnet 46 may be operated to engage thefirst connector 16 to thesecond connector 18. For example, themagnet 46 may be operated such that thefirst connector 16 moves toward thesecond connector 18 and engages thesecond connector 18. Thefirst connector 16 may have a portion that may be magnetically attracted. Themagnet 46 may be operated such that thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 remain statically engaged. Themagnet 46 may further be operated such that thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 are disengaged after being engaged. It will be understood that thefiber assembly 10 could alternatively have amagnet 46 in thefirst connector 16. Additionally, thefirst connector 16 may have amagnet 50, and themagnet 50 may be a permanent magnet that ensures the static engagement of thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18. Thesecond connector 18 may have a magnetically attractive element (not shown) disposed thereon or therein the may allow themagnet 50 to be statically engaged to thesecond connector 18. For example, thesecond connector 18 may have a magnet with reverse polarity to themagnet 50 or a magnetically attractive area such as a ferrous sleeve around a portion of theconnector 18. Alternatively, themagnet 50 could comprise a reverse polarity magnet, and the polarity could be reversed to disengage thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 after engagement. Thesecond fiber 20 may be mounted to or engaged to aplanar member 52 such as a bulkhead, and thefirst connector 16 may pass through theplanar member 52 to engage thesecond connector 18. - The
magnet 46 may be any suitable type of magnet. For example, themagnet 46 may comprise a hollow wire coil connected to a power source to form an air core electromagnet. Themagnet 46 may be an iron core electromagnet with a hollow area in the core shaped to accept analignment pin 22. Alternatively, themagnet 46 may comprise any other suitable type of electromagnet. For example, themagnet 46 could be operated in an AC fashion to provide an alignment force and to engage thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18, and themagnet 46 could be subsequently operated in a DC fashion to maintain static engagement. When themagnet 46 comprises an electromagnet, themagnet 46 may be operated electromagnetically to engage thefirst connector 16 by providing a magnetic force that attracts thefirst connector 16. Additionally, the power to themagnet 46 may be turned off to disengage thefirst connector 16 after thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 are engaged. Thefirst connector 16 may additionally have at least onepermanent magnet 50 that may cause thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 to remain statically engaged even after power to an electromagnet in thesecond connector 18 is turned off. - The
first connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 may comprise any suitable types of connectors. For example, the connectors could be MT ferrule type connectors as discussed above. As shown inFIG. 6 , thesecond connector 18 may have twomagnets 46 havingwires 54 around a hollow area forming a hollow wire coil. Thefirst connector 16 may have twoalignment pins 22 disposed to align with the hollow wire coils 46, and thefirst connector 16 and thesecond connector 18 may be engaged by inserting the alignment pins 22 into the hollow wire coils 46. The alignment pins 22 may be magnetically attractive. It will be understood that thesecond connector 18 may have any desired number of hollow wire coils 46 and thefirst connector 16 may have any desired number of alignment pins 22. Themagnets 46 may be operated to provide a magnetic force that draws the alignment pins 22 into the hollow wire coils 46. - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, board assemblies and methods of connecting boards are provided. Referring to
FIG. 7A-7C , a board assembly is illustrated. Theboard assembly 58 has afirst board 60 having afirst face 64 and asecond board 62 having asecond face 66. The first andsecond board connector 67 to abackplane 65. However, it will be understood that the first andsecond boards fiber bundle 68 having afirst end 72 and asecond end 70. The fiber bundle has a plurality offibers 74. Each of the plurality of fibers has a core 14 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and as discussed above. Thecores 14 have first ends 30 proximate to thefirst end 72 of the fiber bundle, and thecores 14 have second ends 32 proximate to thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68. Thefirst end 72 of thefiber bundle 68 is connected to thefirst board 60first face 64, and thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68 has afirst connector 76. Thefirst end 72 of thefiber bundle 68 may be connected to thefirst board 60first face 64 in any suitable manner. For example as shown inFIG. 7C , thefirst end 72 of thefiber bundle 68 may be connected to aconnector portion 75 that is connected to thefirst board 60. Theassembly 58 has asecond connector 78 on thesecond board 62first face 66. - The
first board 60 may be parallel to thesecond board 62. Additionally, thefirst face 64 of thefirst board 60 may face thefirst face 66 of thesecond board 62. Theboards boards first connector 76 may be connected to thesecond connector 78 as shown inFIG. 7B . Alternatively, thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 may be in a disengaged position as shown inFIG. 7A . It will be understood that when thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 are engaged an optical signal may be transmitted from thefirst board 60 to thesecond board 62 or from thesecond board 62 to thefirst board 60. Thus, theboards - Referring now to
FIGS. 7A, 7B , 9A, and 9B, thefirst connector 76 may comprise a plurality of first array positions 80. The first array positions 80 may correspond to the positions of the plurality offibers 74 in thefiber bundle 68, and light may exit from or enter into thefiber bundle 68 in the plurality of first array positions 80. Additionally, the first array positions 80 may correspond to positions (not shown) on thefirst board 60first face 64. The positions defined on thefirst board 60first face 64 may correspond to emitters or receivers that may emit or receive a signal, such as an optical signal. The emitters or receivers may be used to establish optical communication. Thus, thefirst connector 76 may be connected to at least one emitter or receiver via thefiber bundle 68. The first array positions 80 may be defined on thefirst connector 76 on amating face 84 of thefirst connector 76. - The
second connector 78 may comprise a plurality of second array positions 82. The second array positions 82 may be defined on amating face 84 of thesecond connector 78. Additionally, the second array positions 82 may correspond to positions (not shown) on thesecond board 62first face 66, and the positions on thesecond board 62first face 66 may correspond to emitters or receivers/detectors that may emit or receive a signal. Thus, thesecond connector 78 may be connected to at least one emitter or receiver. The second array positions 82 may be configured such that an optical signal such as light may enter or exit the second array positions 82. It will be understood that the first array positions 80 and the second array positions 82 may have any suitable configuration, and the illustrated configuration comprises only one of the possible configurations. - The
first connector 76 may be aligned with or connected to thesecond connector 78 such that at least one position of the plurality of first array positions 80 is aligned with a desired at least one position of the plurality of second array positions 82. For example, referring toFIGS. 10A-10C , one or more positions of the plurality of first array positions 80 may be aligned with one or more positions of the plurality of second array positions 80. Thus, a receiver could be aligned with an emitter via thefiber bundle 68 and theboards fiber bundle 68 in the plurality of first array positions 80 is received by the plurality of second array positions 82. In still a further example, optical communication via thefiber bundle 68 may be established between thefirst board 60 and thesecond board 62 when thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 are connected. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-4C , 7A, and 7B thecores 14 of thefiber bundle 68board assembly 58 may have obtusely angled end surfaces 34 at the second ends 32 of thecores 14. The obtusely angled end surfaces 34 and methods of forming the obtusely angled end surfaces 34 are described herein with respect to thefiber assemblies 10. Additionally, the first ends 30 of thecores 14 may have obtusely angled end surfaces 34. Thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 may be any suitable type of connector. For example, thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 may be MT style ferrule connectors as discussed above. Alternatively, referring toFIG. 8 , thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 may have some other shape, such as wedge shaped connectors as shown. The wedge shaped connectors allow thefiber bundle 68 to be connected to thesecond connector 78 by steering thefiber bundle 68 in one direction with respect to thesecond connector 78. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A, 5B , 7A, and 7B, theboard assembly 58 may have at least onediffusion feature 44 on a first exposededge 42 of thesecond end 32 of thecores 14. The diffusion features 44 and methods of forming the diffusion features 44 are described herein with respect to thefiber assemblies 10. Thus, the first exposededge 42 of thesecond end 32 of thecores 14 may be modified from a first diffusion state to a second diffusion state. Additionally, the first ends 30 of thecores 14 may have at least onediffusion feature 44 on the first exposededge 42. - Referring to
FIGS. 7A-7C , 11A, 11B, and 11C, theboard assembly 58 may comprise at least onefirst magnet 46. Thefirst connector 76 or thesecond connector 78 may comprise themagnet 46, and themagnet 46 may be operated to engage the first connector to the second connector. Themagnet 46 and methods of operating themagnet 46 are described herein with respect to thefiber assemblies 10. It will be understood that themagnet 46 may be operated such that thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 are engaged or disengaged, as already described herein. In one embodiment, thesecond connector 78 may comprise at least one hollow wire coil comprising themagnet 46, and thefirst connector 76 may have analignment pin 22 disposed to align with thehollow wire coil 46. Thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78 may be engaged by operating themagnet 46 to draw thealignment pin 22 into thehollow wire coil 46 by a magnetic force. - The
fiber bundle 68 may be connected to thefirst board 60 by aconnector portion 75 as described herein. Theconnector portion 75 may have anengagement member 86 disposed between theconnector portion 75 and thefirst connector 76. Theengagement member 86 may be any suitable member that allows thefirst connector 76 to move in relation to theconnector portion 75. For example, theengagement member 86 may comprise at least one spring as shown inFIG. 11B . The spring may be extended when thefirst connector 76 is engaged to thesecond connector 78, and the spring may provide a disengagement force when themagnet 46 is operated to disengage thefirst connector 76 and thesecond connector 78. Alternatively, theengagement member 86 may comprise at least one reversible magnet disposed such that an engagement and disengagement force may be provided to thefirst connector 76 as shown inFIG. 11C . The reversible magnet could be operated to provide an engagement force that moves thefirst connector 76 toward thesecond connector 78. The reversible magnet could further be operated to provide a disengagement force that moves thefirst connector 76 away from thesecond connector 78. - In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, assemblies having active alignment and methods of forming connections are provided. Referring to
FIGS. 12A-12D , theboard assembly 58 may have at least onemovable stage 86 on asecond board 62. Theassemblies 58 may have twoboards FIGS. 12A and 12C . Alternatively, theassemblies 58 may have oneboard 62 to form a board tofiber 68 optical communication as illustrated inFIGS. 12B and 12D . The at least onemovable stage 86 may be disposed on asecond board 62. Themovable stage 86 is disposed on thesecond board 62 such that at least one motor (not shown) may steer themovable stage 86 such that themovable stage 86 may be aligned with thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68 in a desired manner For example, the position of themovable stage 86 may be changed relative to thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68. - The
first board 60 and thesecond board 62 may have acenter region 88. Thecenter region 88 may be defined between afront edge 90 and arear edge 92 of theboards center region 88 of thefirst board 60 may comprise a firstoptical array 94. Alternatively, the firstoptical array 94 may be defined by thesecond end 70 of afiber bundle 68 that may be connected to any desired structure as shown inFIG. 12C . The firstoptical array 94 may have a plurality of first array positions 80 as illustrated inFIG. 13A . Theoptical array 94 may comprise a plurality of emitters or detectors/receivers, and the plurality of emitters or detectors/receivers may have positions that comprise the plurality of first array positions 80. The first array positions 80 may correspond to positions of the plurality offibers 74 and the fiber bundle may have positions corresponding to the first array positions 80 defined thereon. Thus, thefiber bundle 68 may be connected to the firstoptical array 94. It will be understood that thearray 94 illustrated inFIG. 13A illustrates is only one possible configuration, and the array may have a greater number of positions or a smaller number of positions in any desired configuration. - The
movable stage 86 may have a secondoptical array 96, and the secondoptical array 96 may comprise a plurality of second array positions 82 as illustrated inFIGS. 12A-12D andFIG. 13B . In accordance with one embodiment, the secondoptical array 96 may comprise an array of emitters or detectors/receivers as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12C . In an alternative embodiment, the secondoptical array 96 may comprise afiber bundle 69 as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12C . The secondoptical array 96 may comprise by afiber bundle 69 having second array positions 82 which may be connected to any desired structure. For example, thefiber bundle 69 may be connected to an array of emitters or detectors/receivers that correspond to the second array positions 82. As illustrated inFIG. 12C , thesecond board 62 may have a portion through which thefiber bundle 69 may pass and over which themovable stage 86 may be mounted. - The
movable stage 86 may be disposed such that the at least one motor may steer the movable stage such that the secondoptical array 96 may be aligned with thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68. For example, the movable stage may be steered such that a desired at least one of the plurality of second array positions 82 may be aligned with a desired at least one of the plurality of first array positions 80. For example, some possible alignments are illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C as discussed above. - It will be understood that the motor or motors may be disposed in any suitable manner to allow the motors to steer the
movable stage 86. For example, the at least one motor may be disposed such that themovable stage 86 may be engaged by the at least one motor. The at least one motor may comprise a portion of themovable stage 86. The at least one motor may comprise a single motor disposed to steer the movable stage in a first direction. The at least one motor could alternatively comprise two motors. The first motor may be disposed to steer themovable stage 86 in a first direction, and the second motor may be disposed to steer themovable stage 86 in a second direction. The at least one motor could additionally comprise a third motor disposed to steer themovable stage 86 in a third direction. The motors may comprise any suitable types of motors. For example, the motors may be microstepper motors. - In one example, each of the first array positions 80 may be emitters, and each of the second array positions 82 may be detectors. Each one of the plurality of
emitters 80 may correspond to one of thedetectors 82. Signals may be emitted that correspond to the plurality ofemitters 80 such that signals are transmitted along thefibers 74 of thefiber bundle 68 to thesecond end 70 of thefiber bundle 68. Themovable stage 86 may then be selectively operated until at least one of the plurality ofdetectors 82 is aligned with the corresponding signal from at least one the plurality ofemitters 80. Themovable stage 86 may be selectively operated until each on of the plurality ofdetectors 82 is aligned with the corresponding signal from the plurality ofemitters 80. - In a further example, each of the first array positions 80 may be detectors, and each of the second array positions 82 may be emitters. Each one of the plurality of
emitters 82 may correspond to one of thedetectors 80. Signals may be emitted that correspond to the plurality ofemitters 82. Themovable stage 86 may then be selectively operated until at least one of the plurality ofdetectors 80 is aligned with the corresponding signal from at least one the plurality ofemitters 82. Themovable stage 86 may be selectively operated until each on of the plurality ofdetectors 80 is aligned with the corresponding signal from the plurality ofemitters 82. - It will be understood that the
second end 70 of thefiber bundle 68 need only be positioned proximate to thesecond array 96 in order for optical communication to be established between thefiber bundle 68 and the secondoptical array 96. Thus, no direct physical connection between thefiber bundle 68 and thesecond array 96 needs to be made. Additionally, thefiber bundle 68 need only be grossly aligned with thesecond array 96 prior to selectively operating themovable stage 86. Theassembly 58 may have any suitable mechanical constraint to keep thefiber bundle 68 proximate to thesecond array 96 if needed. For example, the first orsecond board fiber bundle 68. In another example, thefirst board 60 may have a spring arm (not shown) that may be extended to position thefiber bundle 68 proximate to thesecond array 96. - The first array positions 80 may comprise a row location R and a column location C as shown in
FIG. 13A . For example, one of the first array positions may comprise R1, C3. It will be understood that the array positions 80 may be configured in any desired manner and there may be any desired number of first array positions 80. The second array positions 82 may comprise a row location R and a column location C as shown inFIG. 13B . Each of the row and column locations of the second array positions 82 may correspond to a row and column location of the first array positions 80. For example, R1, C3 of thefirst array 94 may correspond to R1, C3 of thesecond array 96. Themovable stage 86 may be selectively operated such that at least one of the row and column locations of the secondoptical array 96 aligns with at least one of the corresponding row and column locations of the firstoptical array 94. Themovable stage 86 may be selectively operated until each one of the row and column locations of thefirst array 94 aligns with the corresponding row and column locations of thesecond array 96. - In one example, the center of the
first array 94 may be aligned with the center of thesecond array 96 as shown inFIG. 13C . Themovable stage 86 may then be selectively operated until each of the row and column locations of thefirst array 94 align with the corresponding row and column locations of the secondoptical array 96 as shown inFIG. 13D . In another example, themovable stage 86 may have a first motor that is disposed to move themovable stage 86 in a column direction and a second motor that is disposed to move themovable stage 86 in a row direction. Themovable stage 86 may then be selectively operated until each of the row and column locations of the secondoptical array 96 align with the corresponding row and column locations of the firstoptical array 94 as shown inFIG. 13D . In yet another example, theboard assembly 58 may have at least one magnet (not shown) that is disposed to move thefiber bundle 68 proximate to thesecond array 96. After thefiber bundle 68 is moved by the magnet, the at least onemovable stage 86 may be selectively operated to align thesecond array 96 and thefiber bundle 68 in a desired manner. It will be understood that the magnet or magnets may be disposed in any suitable location and thefiber bundle 68 may have a structure, such as a metal structure, upon which the magnetic force may act. - The
movable stage 86 and motors may be controlled in any suitable manner. For example, themovable stage 86 and motors may be controlled by at least one algorithm, and the algorithm may be a search algorithm. An example of a suitable algorithm is shown inFIG. 14 . The algorithm may start atstep 100, and themovable stage 86 may be centered instep 102. All the emitters from either thefiber bundle 68 side or thesecond array 96 side may be turned on instep 104. The number of detectors receiving signals may be measured and the result may be stored instep 106. Next, the algorithm may question whether all alignment positions have been tested instep 108. If the answer is no, the movable stage may move to the next alignment position instep 110 andsteps step 112, and the movable stage may be moved to the optimum alignment position instep 114. - It will be understood that the alignment of the
movable stage 86 with thesecond end 70 of the fiber bundle may be performed at any desired time throughout the operation of theassembly 58. For example, the alignment may be periodically performed to ensure that vibrations or other movements do not cause undue misalignment and loss of optical communication. - While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the fiber assemblies can comprise a plurality of fibers, cores, connectors, magnets, and the like. It will be further understood that the board assemblies can comprise a plurality of boards, fiber bundles, connectors, optical arrays, magnets, engagement members, and the like. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims (52)
1. A method of forming fibers, comprising modifying a first exposed edge of at least one core of a first fiber, wherein:
said first fiber comprises a first end, a second end comprising said first exposed edge of said core end having a first diffusion state;
said first fiber may transmit light along said core; and
said modification of said first exposed edge comprises modifying said first diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting said first exposed edge in said second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of said light exiting said first exposed edge in said first diffusion state.
2. A method of coupling fibers, comprising:
modifying a first exposed edge of at least one core of a first fiber, wherein:
said core comprises a first end, a second end comprising said first exposed edge of said core and having a first diffusion state, and a length between said first end and said second end;
said first fiber may transmit light along said core; and
said modification of said first exposed edge comprises modifying said first diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting said first exposed edge in said second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of said light exiting said first exposed edge in said first diffusion state; and
optically coupling said second end of said first fiber to a first end of a second fiber.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 said step of optically coupling further comprising aligning said second end of said first fiber with said first end of said second fiber such that at least a portion of light exiting said second end of said first fiber enters said core of said first end of said second fiber.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising modifying said first end of said second fiber, wherein:
said second fiber comprises at least one core having a first end, a second end comprising a first exposed edge of said core and having a first diffusion state, and a length between said first end and said second end; and
said modification comprises modifying said first diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said second fiber to a second diffusion state.
5. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises forming at least one diffusion feature on said first exposed edge of said core of said first fiber.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said at least one diffusion feature comprises a random pattern.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said at least one diffusion feature comprises an ordered pattern.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said ordered pattern comprises a grating.
9. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises blasting said first exposed edge of said core.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said blasting comprises sandblasting.
11. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises machining said first exposed edge of said core.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said machining comprises grinding.
13. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises etching said first exposed edge of said core.
14. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises laser cutting said first exposed edge of said core.
15. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said step of modifying said first exposed edge of said core comprises molding said surface features into said first exposed edge of said core.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said molding comprises molding facets.
17. A method of optically coupling boards, comprising:
connecting a first end of a fiber bundle to a first face of a first board, wherein:
said fiber bundle has a first end and a second end;
said fiber bundle comprises a plurality of fibers comprising cores;
each of said fibers may transmit light along said core;
each of said fibers comprises a first end proximate to said first end of said fiber bundle, a second end comprising a first exposed edge of said core and having a first diffusion state proximate to said second end of said fiber bundle, and a length between said first end and said second end; and
said second end of said fiber bundle comprises a first connector;
modifying said first diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting said first exposed edge in said second diffusion sate is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of said light exiting said first exposed edge in said first diffusion state; and
connecting said first connector to a second connector on a first face of a second board.
18. A method of optically coupling boards, comprising:
connecting a first end of a first fiber bundle to a first face of a first board, wherein:
said fiber bundle has a second end;
said fiber bundle comprises a plurality of fibers comprising cores;
each of said cores may transmit light;
each of said fibers comprises a first end proximate to said first end of said fiber bundle, a second end comprising a first exposed edge and having a first diffusion state proximate to said second end of said fiber bundle, and a length between said first end and said second end; and
said second end of said fiber bundle comprises a first connector comprising a plurality of first array positions;
modifying said first diffusion sate of said first exposed edge of said core to a second diffusion state such that light exiting said first exposed edge in said second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to angles of said light exiting said first exposed edge in said first diffusion state; and
connecting said first connector to a second connector on a first face of a second board, wherein:
said second connector is defined by a plurality of second array positions; and
said first connector is connected to said second connector such that at least one of said plurality of first array positions is aligned with at least one of said plurality of second array positions.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first array positions are aligned with said second array positions such that at least a portion of light exiting from said fiber bindle in said plurality of first array positions is received by said plurality of second array positions.
20. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first array positions correspond to positions of said plurality of fibers.
21. A fiber assembly, comprising:
a first fiber comprising at least one core, wherein:
said first fiber may transmit light along said core;
said first fiber comprises a first end, a second end, and a length between said first end and said second end;
at least a portion said second end comprises a first exposed edge of said core;
at least a portion of said first exposed edge of said core comprises at least one diffusion feature contained thereon;
said at least one diffusion feature defines a second diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said core; and
said second diffusion state is such that light exiting said first exposed edge of said core in said second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to the angles said light would spread over if said first exposed edge did not comprise said at least one diffusion feature; and
a second fiber comprising at least one core, wherein:
said second fiber is defined by a first end; and
said first fiber is at least partially aligned with said second fiber.
22. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first fiber is aligned with said second fiber such that light exiting said second end of said first fiber is at least partially incident on said core of said first end of said second fiber.
23. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said at least one diffusion feature comprises a random pattern.
24. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said at least one diffusion feature comprises an ordered pattern.
25. The assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said ordered pattern comprises a grating.
26. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said at least one diffusion feature comprises facets.
27. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first fiber comprises a first connector at said second end that is connected to a second connector at said first end of said second fiber.
28. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said core comprises glass.
29. The assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said core comprises plastic.
30. A board assembly, comprising:
a first board;
a fiber bundle having a first end and a second end, wherein
said fiber bundle comprises a plurality of fibers;
each of said plurality of fibers comprises a first end proximate to said first end of said fiber bundle and a second end proximate to said second end of said fiber bundle;
each of said fibers comprises a core that may transmit light; and
each of a portion of said second end of said fibers is defined by a first exposed edge of said core;
at least a portion of each of said first exposed edge of said core comprises at least one diffusion feature contained thereon;
said at least one diffusion feature defines a second diffusion state of said first exposed edge of said core;
said second diffusion state is such that light exiting said first exposed edge of said core in said second diffusion state is spread over a greater number of angles relative to the angles said light would spread over if said first exposed edge did not comprise said at least one diffusion feature;
said first end of said fiber bundle is connected to said first board; and
said second end of said fiber bundle comprises a first connector; and
a second board comprising a second connector, wherein said first connector may be connected to said second connector.
31. The assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first board is parallel to said second board.
32. The assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein:
said fiber bundle is connected to a first face of said first board;
said second connector is on a first face of said second board; and
said first face of said first board faces said second face of said first board.
33. The assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first connector comprises a plurality of first array positions; and wherein said second connector defines a plurality of second array positions.
34. The assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein said plurality of first array positions correspond to array positions on said first board.
35. The assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein said plurality of first array positions correspond to positions of said plurality of fibers.
36. The assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein said first connector may be connected to said second connector such that said at least one of said plurality of said first array positions is aligned with a desired at least one of said plurality of second array positions.
37. The assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first connector is connected to at least one emitter, and wherein said second connector is connected to at least one receiver.
38. The assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first connector is connected to at least one receiver, and wherein said second connector is connected to at least one emitter.
39. The assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first end of said fiber bundle is connected to said first board via a connector portion.
40. A system, comprising:
a plurality of electronic circuit boards; and
at least one optical fiber in optical communication with at least one circuit board of said plurality of electronic circuit boards, wherein the at least one optical fiber comprises at least one core having at least one end surface, and wherein said at least one end surface comprises a light dispersing geometry.
41. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said light dispersing geometry comprises a random pattern.
42. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said light dispersing geometry comprises an ordered pattern.
43. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said light dispersing geometry comprises a diffraction grating.
44. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of said cores.
45. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said at least one optical fiber is in optical communication with more than one of said plurality of electronic circuit boards.
46. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said at least one optical fiber is in optical communication with two of said plurality of electronic circuit boards.
47. The system as claimed in claim 40 wherein said system comprises a plurality of said optical fibers.
48. A system, comprising:
a first means for transmitting light from a first point to a second point;
a means for providing a diffusion state of said first means for transmitting light such that light exiting said first means for transmitting light is spread over a desired number of angles; and
a second means for transmitting light from a first point to a second point at least partially aligned with said first means for transmitting light proximate to said means for providing a diffusion state.
49. The system as claimed in claim 48 further comprising a means for providing a diffusion state of said second means for transmitting light such that light exiting said second means for transmitting light is spread over a desired number of angles proximate to said means for providing a diffusion state of said first means for transmitting light.
50. The system as claimed in claim 48 further comprising a means for connecting said first means for transmitting light to said second means for transmitting light.
51. A system, comprising:
a plurality of electronic circuit boards;
means for establishing optical communication between a first one of said plurality of electronic circuit boards and a second one of said plurality of electronic circuit boards; and
means for providing a diffusion state of said means for establishing optical communication such that light exiting said means for establishing optical communication is spread over a desired number of angles.
52. The system as claimed in claim 51 further comprising means for connecting said means for establishing optical communication to at least one of said plurality of electronic circuit boards.
Priority Applications (4)
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US10/980,591 US20060093271A1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2004-11-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
US12/630,076 US7833842B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-12-03 | Mixed-scale electronic interface |
US12/630,053 US7813613B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-12-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
US12/862,875 US20100322552A1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2010-08-25 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/980,591 US20060093271A1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2004-11-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
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US12/630,053 Division US7813613B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-12-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
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US12/630,053 Expired - Fee Related US7813613B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-12-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
US12/862,875 Abandoned US20100322552A1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2010-08-25 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
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US12/630,053 Expired - Fee Related US7813613B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-12-03 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
US12/862,875 Abandoned US20100322552A1 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2010-08-25 | Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections |
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US9829655B2 (en) | 2012-01-12 | 2017-11-28 | Te Connectivity Corporation | Communication connector having an alignment mechanism |
US10409010B2 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2019-09-10 | Eaton Corporation | Connectors for fiber optic cables |
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US20100074576A1 (en) | 2010-03-25 |
US7813613B2 (en) | 2010-10-12 |
US20100322552A1 (en) | 2010-12-23 |
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JPH08101328A (en) | Ld module |
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