Coupling method and system for lasers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a coupling method and system for a laser. The coupling method for a laser comprises: determining a position to be coupled of a collimating lens (14) so ​​that light emitted from a light-emitting chip (12) is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens (14); and determining a position to be coupled of a first converging lens (16) based on an active optical coupling method so that the parallel light is converged at a predetermined position inside a tube shell (11) via the first converging lens (16), wherein at the predetermined position, the converged light can be coupled with the core of an optical fiber. According to the coupling method and system for a laser disclosed in the present disclosure, coupling of optical devices is achieved by an active coupling method, which significantly improves the coupling efficiency of the laser.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of May 9, 2022, application number 202210495958.7, and invention name “Coupling method and system for laser”. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of optical communications, and more particularly to coupling methods and systems for lasers. Background Art

[0003] Some optical communication devices in optical communication systems include semiconductor lasers (such as laser diode chips) as light sources. Lasers are widely used in sensing and analog modulation, and coupling efficiency has always been one of the indicators that laser products pay close attention to. Improving coupling efficiency plays a vital role in improving product performance, but the actual coupling efficiency in the actual production process is often quite different from the theoretical value. Traditional laser coupling methods are difficult to be satisfactory, and it is expected that the laser coupling efficiency can be improved. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a coupling method and system for a laser, aiming to solve one or more of the above problems and other potential problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling method for a laser is provided. The laser comprises a tube shell and a light-emitting chip, a collimating lens and a first converging lens arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser arranged in the tube shell, and the method comprises: determining a position of the collimating lens to be coupled so that the light emitted from the light-emitting chip is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens; and determining a position of the first converging lens to be coupled based on an active optical coupling method so that the parallel light is converged at a predetermined position inside the tube shell via the first converging lens, wherein at the predetermined position, the converged light can be coupled with the tube core of the optical fiber.

[0006] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, determining the position of the collimating lens to be coupled includes: providing the collimating lens in the tube shell to receive light emitted from the light-emitting chip and collimating the received light; receiving the collimated light by a light receiving device, wherein the light receiving device is arranged outside the tube shell; changing the position of the collimating lens along the output light axis to change the first light indication received on the light receiving device; and determining the position of the collimating lens to be coupled based on the first indication on the light receiving device.

[0007] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, changing the position of the collimating lens along the output light axis includes: in response to the first light indication being less than a first predetermined threshold, moving the collimating lens toward or away from the light-emitting chip, wherein the first predetermined threshold corresponds to the light indication obtained when the light-emitting chip is located at the focus of the collimating lens; and in response to the first light indication being equal to the first predetermined threshold, determining the position of the collimating lens to be coupled.

[0008] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, changing the position of the collimating lens along the output light axis includes: moving the collimating lens toward or away from the light-emitting chip based on the positional relationship of the first light indication relative to a predetermined mark position on the light receiving device, wherein the predetermined mark position is determined in relation to a light indication obtained when the light-emitting chip is located at the focus of the collimating lens; and determining a position of the collimating lens to be coupled in response to the first light indication being located at the predetermined mark position.

[0009] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, determining the position of the first converging lens to be coupled based on the active coupling method includes: providing a second converging lens outside the tube shell, wherein the second converging lens is opposite to the first converging lens so that light passing through the first converging lens is converged outside the tube shell via the second converging lens; changing the position of the first converging lens along the output optical axis to change the second light indication received on the light receiving device; and determining the position of the first converging lens to be coupled based on the second light indication on the light receiving device.

[0010] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, changing the position of the first converging lens along the output optical axis includes: in response to the second light indication being less than a second predetermined threshold, moving the first converging lens toward or away from the collimating lens, wherein the second predetermined threshold corresponds to a light indication obtained on the light receiving device by the parallel light obtained through the second converging lens; and in response to the second light indication being equal to the second predetermined threshold, determining the position to be coupled of the first converging lens.

[0011] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, changing the position of the first converging lens along the output optical axis includes: moving the first converging lens toward or away from the collimating lens based on the positional relationship of the second light indication relative to a predetermined mark position on the light receiving device, wherein the predetermined mark position is determined in relation to a light indication obtained on the light receiving device by parallel light obtained through the second converging lens; and determining the position to be coupled of the first converging lens in response to the second light indication being located at the predetermined mark position.

[0012] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the second converging lens is held together with the first converging lens so that the second converging lens moves synchronously with the first converging lens.

[0013] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the distance between the second converging lens and the first converging lens is the sum of a second focal length of the second converging lens and a first focal length of the first converging lens.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling system for a laser is provided. The laser comprises a tube shell and a light-emitting chip to be optically coupled, a collimating lens and a first converging lens arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser in the tube shell, and the coupling system comprises: a platform, suitable for supporting the laser; an adjustment stage, comprising a support arm, wherein the support arm is configured to change the position of the collimating lens and the first converging lens along the output optical axis to change the light indication received on the light receiving device; and a light receiving device, suitable for receiving light for optical coupling to at least the first converging lens of the laser; the system also comprises a second converging lens arranged outside the tube shell, wherein the second converging lens is opposite to the first converging lens, so that the first converging lens is optically coupled through the second converging lens.

[0015] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling system for a laser is provided. The laser includes a tube shell and a light-emitting chip to be optically coupled, a collimating lens and a first converging lens arranged in the tube shell and arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser, and the coupling system includes: a platform suitable for supporting the laser; an adjustment platform including a horizontally extending support arm, wherein the adjustment platform is suitable for adjusting the position of the support arm; and a light receiving device suitable for receiving light for optical coupling with respect to the optical device of the laser; the support arm is suitable for holding the first converging lens or the collimating lens and can adjust the position of the first converging lens or the collimating lens on the output optical axis; the system also includes a second converging lens arranged outside the tube shell, wherein the second converging lens is opposite to the first converging lens, so that the light passing through the first converging lens is converged through the second converging lens outside the tube shell.

[0016] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the support arm comprises a first section and a second section arranged along the extension direction, wherein the second section is adapted to be releasably rigidly attached to the first section and to hold the optical device.

[0017] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the coupling system also includes a vertically extending suspension arm, which is suitable for being installed to the second section, wherein one end of the suspension arm is rigidly attached to the support arm, and the other end of the suspension arm is suitable for holding the first converging lens or the collimating lens, and the position of the first converging lens or the collimating lens is changed by adjusting the position of the support arm to perform optical coupling of the first converging lens or the collimating lens.

[0018] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the suspension arm comprises a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube is suitable for being connected to a vacuum pump to hold the corresponding optical element by vacuum adsorption.

[0019] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the suspension arm comprises a first suspension arm, and the first suspension arm is adapted to simultaneously hold the first converging lens and the second converging lens at an end thereof so that the first converging lens and the second converging lens move synchronously.

[0020] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the first suspension arm is in a Y shape, and holds a corresponding converging lens at an end of a corresponding leg of the Y shape.

[0021] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a distance between an end of the first suspension arm for holding the second converging lens and an end of the first converging lens is a sum of a second focal length of the second converging lens and a first focal length of the first converging lens.

[0022] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the suspension arm comprises a second suspension arm, the second suspension arm is linear and is adapted to hold the collimating lens at an end thereof.

[0023] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the first section and the second section are attached magnetically, and the suspension arm is adapted to be attached to the second section magnetically.

[0024] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the adjustment stage is configured to: during the coupling process of the collimating lens, based on a first light indication of the light collimated by the collimating lens received by a light receiving device, move the collimating lens toward or away from the light-emitting chip, so that the position of the collimating lens to be coupled is determined according to the first light indication.

[0025] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the adjustment stage is configured to: during the coupling process for the first converging lens, based on a second light indication received by a light receiving device, which is light collimated by the collimating lens and then sequentially passes through the first converging lens and the second converging lens, at least move the first converging lens toward or away from the light-emitting chip, so that the position to be coupled of the first converging lens is determined according to the second light indication.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling method for a laser is provided, wherein the laser comprises a tube shell and a light-emitting chip, a collimating lens and a first converging lens arranged in the tube shell in sequence along an output optical axis of the laser. The method comprises:

[0027] Determining a position of the collimating lens to be coupled so that the light emitted from the light-emitting chip is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens;

[0028] providing a second converging lens and a light receiving device outside the tube housing, the light receiving device being located downstream of the second converging lens along the output optical axis; and

[0029] The position to be coupled of the first converging lens is determined by means of the second converging lens and the light receiving device, wherein the second converging lens is opposite to the first converging lens so that the light passing through the first converging lens passes through the second converging lens and is received by the light receiving device.

[0030] According to the laser coupling method and system of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling of optical devices is achieved through an active coupling method, which significantly improves the coupling efficiency of the laser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown by way of example and not limitation.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coupling system for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A flow chart of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an optical path of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 4A flow chart of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an optical path of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A flow chart of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an optical path of a coupling method for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] In the various drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] The term "including" and its variations used in this document represent open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "an example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". Terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear" indicating placement or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the principles of the present disclosure, and do not indicate or imply that the referred elements must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limitations on the present disclosure.

[0042] The coupling efficiency of a laser has always been one of the important indicators of a laser. To this end, a laser is proposed, which includes a double lens. In this laser, the light emitted by the light-emitting chip of the laser first passes through a collimating lens to become parallel light, and then passes through a converging lens to enter the optical fiber. Through simulations such as Zemax software, it can be found that the coupling efficiency of the laser of this double-lens system is increased by up to 10% or even higher than that of the laser of a single-lens system.

[0043] However, when implementing this solution in a laser, great technical challenges are encountered. This is because the light spot after the light collimated by the collimating lens is converged by the converging lens is located inside the laser, which makes it impossible to perform active coupling on the converging lens. Therefore, how to position the dual lenses in the laser to achieve precise optical coupling of these optical devices and ensure that the above theoretical analysis performance can be exerted is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0044] In view of this, the inventors of the present disclosure have proposed a method for realizing optical coupling of lasers based on active optical coupling after extensive and in-depth research. Thus, it is ensured that the actual coupling of the laser meets the theoretical design performance. The coupling method and system for lasers according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 1 shows a coupling system 100 for a laser 10. The coupling system 100 may include a platform 30, an adjustment platform 40, and a light receiving device 20. The platform 30 forms an operating platform for the coupling system 100 for a laser. The platform 30 may be a ground or an operating table disposed on the ground. The platform 30 may support the laser 10. The laser 10 includes a housing 11 and a light emitting chip 12 to be optically coupled, a collimating lens 14, and a first converging lens 16 (also refer to FIG. 1 ) arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser 10 in the housing 11. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The optical path diagram of the embodiment. The coupling system 100 according to the present disclosure can achieve efficient optical coupling between the light emitting chip 12 , the collimating lens 14 and the first converging lens 16 .

[0046] The adjustment stage 40 can move with multiple degrees of freedom to implement optical coupling. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 11 can be kept in an open state, and the adjustment platform 40 can move the optical device in a suspended manner from above to achieve optical coupling of the optical device. This is only exemplary, and the relative movement between the housing 11 and each optical device can be achieved in other ways, for example, each optical device can be kept stationary and only the housing 11 can be moved to implement optical coupling.

[0047] In some embodiments, the adjustment stage 40 may include a horizontally extending support arm 50, wherein the adjustment stage 40 is adapted to adjust the position of the support arm 50. In some embodiments, the adjustment stage 40 may include a six-axis displacement adjustment stage to achieve adjustment with six degrees of freedom. The support arm 50 may be adapted to hold the first converging lens 16 or the collimating lens 14 and may be movable in response to the adjustment action of the adjustment stage 40, thereby adjusting the position of the optical device attached to the support arm 50.

[0048] The light receiving device 20 is suitable for receiving light emitted from the laser 10. The light received by the light receiving device 20 can be optically coupled to the optical device in the laser 10. In the coupling method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, during the coupling process of the optical device, the light receiving device 20 can be used to receive light and provide a light indication of the received light, thereby enabling active coupling of the optical device through the light indication. In some embodiments, the light receiving device 20 may include a visually visible indication, so that the user can conveniently visually observe the received light signal. In some embodiments, the light receiving device 20 can provide a numerical indication (e.g., a light intensity indication), so that the user can determine the intensity-related information of the received light by observing the light intensity.

[0049] The coupling system 100 may further include a second converging lens 18 arranged outside the tube housing 11 (see also Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The optical path diagram of the embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the second converging lens 18 is oppositely disposed to the first converging lens 16, so that the light passing through the first converging lens 16 is converged outside the tube shell 11 via the second converging lens 18. Active coupling of the first converging lens 16 can be achieved through the second converging lens 18. This will be described in detail later with reference to other drawings.

[0050] In some embodiments, the support arm 50 may include multiple sections. This has significant benefits in the optical coupling process. In some embodiments, the support arm 50 may include a first section 52 and a second section 54 in the extension direction. The second section 54 is adapted to be releasably rigidly attached to the first section 52 and adapted to the optical device to provide optical coupling for the optical device. Through the structure of multiple sections, the optical device can be conveniently held without making any structural changes to the conventional support arm 50, thereby making it simple to adjust the coupling position of the optical device by the suspension method.

[0051] In some embodiments, a vertically extending suspension arm 60 is adapted to be mounted to the second section 54. One end of the suspension arm is rigidly attached to the support arm 50, and the other end of the suspension arm is adapted to hold the first converging lens 16 or the collimating lens 14. Thus, the position of the first converging lens 16 or the collimating lens 14 can be changed by adjusting the position of the support arm 50 to perform optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 or the collimating lens 14.

[0052] In some embodiments, the suspension arm 60 includes a hollow tube. The hollow tube is suitable for being connected to a vacuum pump 68 through a hose 67 to hold the corresponding optical element by vacuum adsorption. In this way, the holding and release of the optical device can be conveniently achieved.

[0053] In some embodiments, the suspension arm may include a first suspension arm. The first suspension arm is adapted to simultaneously hold the first converging lens 16 and the second converging lens 18 at its end. With this structure, it is convenient to achieve synchronous movement of the first converging lens 16 and the second converging lens 18. This can greatly improve the efficiency of the laser optical coupling operation.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the first suspension arm may be in a Y shape, and the corresponding converging lens is held by the ends of the corresponding legs of the Y shape. Such a shape is particularly suitable for vacuum adsorption and can achieve the holding and release of optical devices at a low cost.

[0055] In some embodiments, the distance between the end of the first suspension arm for holding the second converging lens 18 and the end of the first converging lens 16 is the sum of the second focal length of the second converging lens 18 and the first focal length of the first converging lens 16. With this structure, the focus of the first converging lens 16 and the focus of the second converging lens 18 arranged in reverse can be overlapped to ensure that the light passing through the second converging lens 18 is parallel light. This has significant benefits in terms of active coupling of the first converging lens 16 (described in detail later).

[0056] In some embodiments, the suspension arm may further include a second suspension arm (not shown in the figure), the second suspension arm is linear and suitable for holding the collimating lens 14 at its end. The first suspension arm or the second suspension arm may be selected according to the needs of optical coupling. It is worth noting that the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm may adopt other appropriate shapes other than the illustrated embodiment.

[0057] The first section and the second section may include a variety of attachment methods. In some embodiments, the first section 52 and the second section 54 are attached magnetically. Magnetic attachment is convenient when the coupling platform is open. In some embodiments, the suspension arm may include ferromagnetic material, whereby the suspension arm is suitable for being attached to the second section 54 by magnetism.

[0058] In some embodiments, the adjustment stage 40 may be configured to: during the coupling process of the collimating lens 14, based on the first light indication collimated by the collimating lens 14 received by the light receiving device 20, move the collimating lens 14 toward or away from the light emitting chip 12, so that according to the first light indication, the position to be coupled of the collimating lens 14 is determined and the collimating lens 14 is fixed at the determined position to be coupled. Thus, the optical coupling of the collimating lens 14 can be conveniently achieved with the help of the adjustment stage 40.

[0059] In some embodiments, the adjustment stage 40 may be configured to: during the coupling process for the first converging lens 16, based on the second light indication of the light received by the light receiving device 20, which is collimated by the collimating lens 14 and then sequentially passes through the first converging lens 16 and the second converging lens 18, at least move the first converging lens 16 toward or away from the light emitting chip 12, so that according to the second light indication, the position to be coupled of the first converging lens 16 is determined and the first converging lens 16 is fixed at the determined position to be coupled. Thus, the optical coupling of the collimating lens 14 can be conveniently achieved with the aid of the adjustment stage 40.

[0060] Figure 2 A flow chart of a coupling method 200 for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method 200 may include the following actions. At box 202, the position to be coupled of the collimating lens 14 is determined so that the light emitted from the light emitting chip 12 is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens 14. At box 204, based on the active optical coupling method, the position to be coupled of the first converging lens 16 is determined so that the parallel light is converged at a predetermined position inside the tube shell 11 via the first converging lens 16, wherein at the predetermined position, the converged light can be coupled with the tube core of the optical fiber.

[0061] It is worth noting that the term "active optical coupling" should be understood as the transmission light being able to pass through the first converging lens 16 and the optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 being performed based on the light detection passing through the first converging lens 16. According to the coupling method 200 for a laser in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the coupling position of the first converging lens 16 is determined based on the active optical coupling method, the optical coupling efficiency between the collimating lens 14 and the first converging lens 16 can be ensured.

[0062] Combine the following Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram for coupling the collimating lens 14 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an optical path for coupling a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 A flow chart of a coupling method 400 for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the laser 10 may include a light emitting chip 12 and a collimating lens 14 arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser 10. The light emitting chip 12 and the collimating lens 14 are arranged in a tube shell 11 of the laser (in Figure 3 The light emitted by the laser can be detected by a light receiving device 20 arranged outside the tube shell. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving device 20 is configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitting chip 12 after being collimated by the collimating lens 14.

[0064] The coupling method 400 may include the following actions. At box 402, a collimating lens 14 is provided in the tube shell 11. The collimating lens 14 can receive light emitted from the light emitting chip 12 and collimate the received light. At box 404, the collimated light is received by the light receiving device 20. At box 406, the position of the collimating lens 14 is changed along the output optical axis to change the first light indication received on the light receiving device 20. In some embodiments, the second suspension arm can be attached to the support arm 50, and the collimating lens 14 can be changed by moving the support arm 50 along the optical axis. At box 408, based on the first indication on the light receiving device 20, the position of the collimating lens 14 to be coupled is determined.

[0065] In some embodiments, the light emitting chip 12 and the collimating lens 14 can be aligned along the output optical axis by the adjustment stage 40. Then, the position of the collimating lens 14 is changed along the output optical axis to determine the optimal optical coupling position of the collimating lens 14. Once the optimal optical coupling position of the collimating lens 14 is determined, the collimating lens 14 can be fixed or pre-fixed in the tube housing, and then the optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 can be continued.

[0066] In some embodiments, changing the position of the collimating lens 14 along the output optical axis may include: in response to the first light indication being less than a first predetermined threshold, moving the collimating lens 14 toward or away from the light emitting chip 12, wherein the first predetermined threshold corresponds to the light indication obtained when the light emitting chip 12 is located at the focus of the collimating lens 14. In response to the first light indication being equal to the first predetermined threshold, determining the position to be coupled of the collimating lens 14 and fixing the collimating lens 14 at the determined position to be coupled. This is particularly suitable for the case where the light receiving device 20 provides a numerical indication of light intensity, whereby the light coupling position of the collimating lens 14 can be conveniently determined by determining whether the first light indication is a predetermined size.

[0067] In some embodiments, changing the position of the collimating lens 14 along the output optical axis may include: moving the collimating lens 14 toward or away from the light emitting chip 12 based on the positional relationship of the first light indication relative to a predetermined marking position on the light receiving device 20, wherein the predetermined marking position is determined in relation to the light indication obtained when the light emitting chip 12 is located at the focus of the collimating lens 14. In response to the first light indication being located at the predetermined marking position, the position to be coupled of the collimating lens 14 is determined and the collimating lens 14 is fixed at the determined position to be coupled. This is particularly suitable for the situation where the light receiving device 20 provides a light spot indication, whereby the user can conveniently observe the position of the predetermined marking position by determining whether the first light indication matches the predetermined marking position.

[0068] After determining the coupling position of the collimating lens 14, the coupling position of the first converging lens 16 is further determined. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic diagram for coupling the first converging lens 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an optical path for coupling a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 A flow chart of a coupling method 600 for a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the laser 10 may include a light emitting chip 12, a collimating lens 14 and a first converging lens 16 arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser 10. The light emitting chip 12, the collimating lens 14 and the first converging lens 16 are arranged in a tube shell 11 of the laser (in Figure 5 The light emitted by the laser can be detected by a light receiving device 20 arranged outside the tube shell.

[0070] Considering that the first converging lens 16 is located inside the laser and the light passing through the first converging lens 16 is converged inside the laser, that is, Figure 5 The focus F of the first converging lens 16 in the laser tube is located at the position where the focus F of the first converging lens 16 is located, so the inside of the laser tube shell cannot provide active coupling for the first converging lens 16. According to the coupling method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a second converging lens 18 is provided outside the tube shell 11. The second converging lens 18 is opposite to the first converging lens 16, so that the active optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 is achieved by means of the second converging lens 18.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, a second converging lens 18 is further provided outside the tube shell 11. Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting chip 12 is first collimated into parallel light by the collimating lens 14, and then the parallel light is converged by the first converging lens 16, and the converged light is focused to a focal point F in the tube shell. The focused light is then converged by the reverse second converging lens 18, and finally received by the light receiving device 20. Thus, the optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 can be achieved by the cooperative operation of the receiving device 20 and the second converging lens 18.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the coupling method 600 may include the following actions: At block 602 , a second converging lens 18 is provided outside the tube housing 11 , wherein the second converging lens 18 is opposite to the first converging lens 16 , so that light passing through the first converging lens 16 is converged by the second converging lens 18 outside the tube housing 11 .

[0073] At block 604, the position of the first converging lens 16 is changed along the output optical axis to change the second light indication received on the light receiving device 20. In some embodiments, the second suspension arm can be attached to the support arm 50, and the position of the first converging lens 16 can be changed by moving the support arm 50 along the optical axis. At block 606, based on the second light indication on the light receiving device 20, the position of the first converging lens 16 to be coupled is determined.

[0074] In some embodiments, the light emitting chip 12, the collimating lens 14, and the first converging lens 16 can be aligned along the output optical axis by the adjustment stage 40. Then, the position of the first converging lens 16 is changed along the output optical axis to determine the optimal light coupling position of the first converging lens 16. Once the optimal light coupling position of the first converging lens 16 is determined, the first converging lens 16 can be fixed or pre-fixed in the tube housing.

[0075] In some embodiments, changing the position of the first converging lens 16 along the output optical axis includes: in response to the second light indication being less than a second predetermined threshold, moving the first converging lens 16 toward or away from the collimating lens 14, wherein the second predetermined threshold corresponds to a light indication obtained by the converged light passing through the second converging lens 18 at the focus of the second converging lens 18. In response to the second light indication being equal to the second predetermined threshold, determining the position of the first converging lens 16 and fixing the first converging lens 16 at the determined position.

[0076] In some embodiments, changing the position of the first converging lens 16 along the output optical axis includes: moving the first converging lens 16 toward or away from the collimating lens 14 based on the positional relationship of the second light indication relative to a predetermined marking position on the light receiving device 20, wherein the predetermined marking position is determined in relation to a light indication on the light receiving device 20 of parallel light obtained by the converged light passing through the second converging lens 18 at the focus of the second converging lens 18. In response to the second light indication being located at the predetermined marking position, the position of the first converging lens 16 is determined and the first converging lens 16 is fixed at the determined position.

[0077] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an optical path for coupling a laser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 5 Similar, in Figure 7 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the overall cross-sectional schematic structure of the laser, and also schematically shows the first suspension arm 65. Considering Figure 7 and Figure 5 The similarity of Figure 7 and Figure 5 Differences of the illustrated embodiments.

[0078] like Figure 7As shown, the laser 10 may include a light emitting chip 12, a collimating lens 14, and a first converging lens 16 arranged in sequence along the output optical axis of the laser 10. The light emitting chip 12, the collimating lens 14, and the first converging lens 16 are configured in a tube shell 11 of the laser. Active optical coupling of the first converging lens 16 can be achieved by a second converging lens 18 and a light receiving device 20 arranged outside the tube shell.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the second converging lens 18 and the first converging lens 16 can be held together by the first suspension arm 65, so that the second converging lens 18 moves synchronously with the first converging lens 16. Since the second converging lens 18 moves synchronously with the first converging lens 16, the coupling position of the first converging lens 16 can be quickly determined within a smaller moving range, thereby improving the efficiency of the coupling operation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the distance between the second converging lens 18 and the first converging lens 16 is the sum of the second focal length d2 of the second converging lens 18 and the first focal length d1 of the first converging lens 16. Figure 7 As shown, the focus of the second converging lens 18 coincides with the focus of the first converging lens 16 at position F. Therefore, no matter where the first converging lens 16 is located on the optical axis, it can always be ensured that the light passing through the first converging lens 16 and the second converging lens 18 is parallel light, so that the light receiving device 20 can determine the coupling position.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the first suspension arm 65 can be attached to the second section 54 of the support arm 50. The first suspension arm 65 can be in the form of a hollow tube so that the second converging lens 18 and the first converging lens 16 can be held by vacuum suction. The first suspension arm 65 may include a main tube 62 and branch tubes 64 and 66 that branch away from each other from the main tube 62. The first converging lens 16 and the second converging lens 18 can be held respectively by the ends of the branch tubes 64 and 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the first suspension arm 65 can be a Y-shaped suction nozzle. It is worth noting that this is merely exemplary, and the first suspension arm 65 can be other appropriate shapes. In order to facilitate the engagement of the end of the branch tube with the lens, the portion of the end of the suction nozzle that contacts the lens should follow the shape of the lens, thereby ensuring that the suction nozzle is fully in contact with the corresponding lens and achieving the best adsorption effect.

[0082] Aspect 1. According to the present disclosure, a coupling system for a laser (10) is provided, wherein the laser (10) comprises a tube shell (11) and a light-emitting chip (12), a collimating lens (14) and a first converging lens (16) to be optically coupled, which are arranged in sequence along an output optical axis of the laser (10) in the tube shell (11), and the coupling system comprises:

[0083] A platform (30) adapted to support the laser (10);

[0084] an adjustment platform (40) comprising a horizontally extending support arm (50), wherein the adjustment platform (40) is suitable for adjusting the position of the support arm (50); and

[0085] a light receiving device (20) adapted to receive light for optical coupling to an optical device of the laser (10);

[0086] The support arm (50) is suitable for holding the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) and is capable of adjusting the position of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) on the output optical axis;

[0087] The system further comprises a second converging lens (18) arranged outside the tube housing (11), wherein the second converging lens (18) is oppositely disposed to the first converging lens (16), so that light passing through the first converging lens (16) is converged outside the tube housing (11) via the second converging lens (18).

[0088] Aspect 2. The coupling system according to Aspect 1 is characterized in that the support arm (50) comprises a first section (52) and a second section (54) arranged along an extension direction, wherein the second section (54) is suitable for being releasably rigidly attached to the first section (52) and suitable for holding the optical device.

[0089] Aspect 3. The coupling system according to Aspect 2 is characterized in that it also includes a vertically extending suspension arm (60), wherein the suspension arm (60) is suitable for being installed to the second section (54), wherein one end of the suspension arm is rigidly attached to the support arm (50), and the other end of the suspension arm is suitable for holding the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14), and the position of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) is changed by adjusting the position of the support arm (50) to perform optical coupling of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14).

[0090] Aspect 4. The coupling system according to Aspect 3 is characterized in that the suspension arm comprises a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube is suitable for connecting to a vacuum pump to hold the corresponding optical element by vacuum adsorption.

[0091] Aspect 5. The coupling system according to Aspect 4 is characterized in that the suspension arm includes a first suspension arm, and the first suspension arm is suitable for simultaneously holding the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18) at its end so that the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18) move synchronously.

[0092] Aspect 6. The coupling system according to Aspect 5 is characterized in that the first suspension arm is in a Y shape, and the corresponding converging lens is held at the end of the corresponding leg of the Y shape.

[0093] Aspect 7. The coupling system according to Aspect 5 is characterized in that the distance between the end of the first suspension arm used to maintain the second converging lens (18) and the end of the first converging lens (16) is the sum of the second focal length of the second converging lens (18) and the first focal length of the first converging lens (16).

[0094] Aspect 8. The coupling system according to Aspect 5 is characterized in that the suspension arm includes a second suspension arm, which is linear and suitable for holding the collimating lens (14) at its end.

[0095] Aspect 9. A coupling system according to any one of Aspects 2-8, characterized in that the first section (52) and the second section (54) are attached magnetically, and the suspension arm is suitable for being attached to the second section (54) magnetically.

[0096] Aspect 10. The coupling system according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that the adjustment stage (40) is configured as:

[0097] During the coupling process of the collimating lens (14), based on a first light indication of light collimated by the collimating lens (14) received by a light receiving device (20), the collimating lens (14) is moved toward or away from the light emitting chip (12), so that a position of the collimating lens (14) to be coupled is determined according to the first light indication.

[0098] Aspect 11. The coupling system according to Aspect 10 is characterized in that the adjustment stage (40) is configured as:

[0099] During the coupling process for the first converging lens (16), based on a second light indication received by a light receiving device (20), which is light that has been collimated by the collimating lens (14) and then sequentially passes through the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18), at least the first converging lens (16) is moved toward or away from the light-emitting chip (12), so that a position to be coupled of the first converging lens (16) is determined according to the second light indication.

[0100] Aspect 12. A coupling method for a laser (10), characterized in that the laser (10) comprises a tube shell (11) and a light emitting chip (12), a collimating lens (14) and a first converging lens (16) arranged in the tube shell (11) in sequence along an output optical axis of the laser (10), the method comprising:

[0101] Determining a position of the collimating lens (14) to be coupled so that light emitted from the light-emitting chip (12) is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens (14);

[0102] A second converging lens (18) and a light receiving device (20) are provided outside the tube housing (11), wherein the light receiving device (20) is located downstream of the second converging lens (18) along the output optical axis; and

[0103] With the aid of the second converging lens (18) and the light receiving device (20), the position of the first converging lens (16) to be coupled is determined, wherein the second converging lens (18) is opposite to the first converging lens (16) so that the light passing through the first converging lens (16) passes through the second converging lens (18) and is received by the light receiving device (20).

[0104] In addition, although each operation is described in a specific order, this should be understood as requiring such operation to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or requiring that all illustrated operations should be performed to obtain desired results. Under certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although some specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Some features described in the context of a separate embodiment can also be implemented in a single implementation in combination. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable sub-combination mode.

[0105] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological logical actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. On the contrary, the specific features and actions described above are merely example forms of implementing the claims.

[0106] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, and the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements in the market, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A coupling system for a laser (10), the laser (10) comprising a tube shell (11) and a light-emitting chip (12), a collimating lens (14) and a first converging lens (16) to be optically coupled, which are arranged in sequence along an output optical axis of the laser (10) in the tube shell (11), the coupling system comprising: A platform (30) adapted to support the laser (10); An adjustment platform (40) comprising a horizontally extending support arm (50), wherein the adjustment platform (40) is suitable for adjusting the position of the support arm (50); as well as A light receiving device (20) adapted to receive light for optical coupling with an optical device of the laser (10); The support arm (50) is suitable for holding the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) and is capable of adjusting the position of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) on the output optical axis; The system further comprises a second converging lens (18) arranged outside the tube housing (11), wherein the second converging lens (18) is opposite to the first converging lens (16), so that light passing through the first converging lens (16) is converged outside the tube housing (11) via the second converging lens (18); The support arm (50) comprises a first section (52) and a second section (54) arranged along an extension direction, wherein the second section (54) is adapted to be releasably rigidly attached to the first section (52) and to hold the optical device; The coupling system further comprises a vertically extending suspension arm (60), wherein the suspension arm (60) is suitable for being mounted on the second section (54), wherein one end of the suspension arm is rigidly attached to the support arm (50), and the other end of the suspension arm is suitable for holding the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14), and the position of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14) is changed by adjusting the position of the support arm (50) to perform optical coupling of the first converging lens (16) or the collimating lens (14); wherein the suspension arm comprises a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube is adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump to hold the corresponding optical element by vacuum adsorption; The suspension arm comprises a first suspension arm, wherein the first suspension arm is suitable for simultaneously holding the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18) at its end, so that the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18) move synchronously.

2. The coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first suspension arm is in a Y shape and holds a corresponding converging lens at the end of a corresponding leg of the Y shape.

3. The coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the end of the first suspension arm for maintaining the second converging lens (18) and the end of the first converging lens (16) is the sum of the second focal length of the second converging lens (18) and the first focal length of the first converging lens (16).

4. The coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suspension arm comprises a second suspension arm which is linear and suitable for holding the collimating lens (14) at its end.

5. The coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first section (52) and the second section (54) are attached magnetically, and the suspension arm is adapted to be attached to the second section (54) magnetically.

6. The coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The adjustment platform (40) is configured as follows: During the coupling process for the collimating lens (14), based on a first light indication of light collimated by the collimating lens (14) received by a light receiving device (20), the collimating lens (14) is moved toward or away from the light emitting chip (12), so that a position of the collimating lens (14) to be coupled is determined according to the first light indication.

7. The coupling system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustment platform (40) is configured as follows: During coupling with the first converging lens (16), based on a second light indication received by a light receiving device (20) of light that is collimated by the collimating lens (14) and then sequentially passes through the first converging lens (16) and the second converging lens (18), at least the first converging lens (16) is moved toward or away from the light emitting chip (12), so that a position of the first converging lens (16) to be coupled is determined according to the second light indication.

8. A coupling method for coupling a laser (10) using a coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The laser (10) comprises a tube shell (11) and a light emitting chip (12), a collimating lens (14) and a first converging lens (16) arranged in sequence along an output optical axis of the laser (10) within the tube shell (11). The method comprises: Determining a position of the collimating lens (14) to be coupled so that light emitted from the light-emitting chip (12) is collimated into parallel light via the collimating lens (14); A second converging lens (18) and a light receiving device (20) are provided outside the tube housing (11), wherein the light receiving device (20) is located downstream of the second converging lens (18) along the output optical axis; and The position to be coupled of the first converging lens (16) is determined by means of the second converging lens (18) and the light receiving device (20), wherein the second converging lens (18) is opposite to the first converging lens (16) so that light passing through the first converging lens (16) passes through the second converging lens (18) and is received by the light receiving device (20).

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