Optical module lens coupling method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical communication, and provides an optical module lens coupling method, which comprises the following steps of: S1, lightening a laser to emit laser; s2, adjusting the position of a lens, and monitoring the size of optical power by adopting an optical power meter; s3, the positions of the lens in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are adjusted, so that the optical power value reaches the maximum; s4, the lens is lifted, and UV glue is dispensed at the position, corresponding to the position where the lens is bonded, of the optical module; s5, after dispensing is completed, the lens returns to the position with the maximum optical power in the step S3, and the position of the lens in the X-axis direction is adjusted so that the optical power value can reach the target optical power value; and S6, adjusting the positions of the lens in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction to enable the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value to be within a preset range. According to the optical module lens coupling method, the final stay position of the lens is determined by observing the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value, compared with a traditional searching mode, the lens can accurately and rapidly return to the center of the flat area of the optical power curve, and the reliability of the optical module is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical communication technologies, and particularly to an optical module lens coupling method. Background Art

[0002] When an optical module lens is being coupled, it is usually required to stop the lens at the position where the optical power is maximum, and then fix the position of the lens with glue. However, in reality, it is very difficult to find and stop the lens at the position where the optical power is maximum. Therefore, to ensure the development of the optical module industry, a certain error range is allowed in the industry. When the error requirements are met, it can be recognized as a reliable product in the industry. However, in fact, if the lens is not fixed at the position where the optical power is truly maximum, some reliability problems may occur during later use.

[0003] During the coupling process of the lens, the position of the lens is adjusted, and an optical power meter is used to monitor the output optical power of the optical module when the lens is displaced. Ideally, at the end of each scan, we hope that the position of the lens stops at Figure 2 the position where the optical power is maximum as shown in Figure 2 (the position marked by the dashed line), but in reality:

[0004] (1) Due to the stepping error of the coupling machine tool motor, there is a gap between the motor lead screw and the ball screw, and the actual position where the lens stops is not necessarily at the position where the optical power is maximum, and there will be a deviation.

[0005] (2) In addition, as Figure 3 shown, after glue 7 is applied at the point below lens 6, the viscosity of the glue itself causes lens 6 not to move exactly synchronously with the movement of nozzle 5. Sometimes, there is a small relative displacement between lens 6 and nozzle 5 (the size of lens 6 is relatively small, and the width of lens 6 is usually only 0.5 mm, and the suction force of nozzle 5 for sucking lens 6 is limited). The actual position where lens 6 stops is not necessarily at the position where the optical power is maximum, and there will be a deviation.

[0006] (3) If there is a relative displacement between lens 6 and nozzle 5, it will also cause the final position where lens 6 stops not to be at the position where the optical power is maximum, and there will be a deviation.

[0007] Then, the above situations may all result in the "maximum optical power" at this time being only the maximum optical power within the error range, but in fact, it may not be the true maximum optical power.

[0008] If the final position where the lens stops is not at Figure 2 the position where the optical power is maximum as shown in

[0009] Therefore, how to adjust the lens to the position with the maximum optical power, so as to further reduce the error or even eliminate the error, is a difficult problem worthy of exploration and solution in this industry. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical module lens coupling method, which can at least solve some defects in the prior art.

[0011] To achieve the above purpose, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions: an optical module lens coupling method, including the following steps:

[0012] S1, turn on the laser to emit laser light;

[0013] S2, adjust the position of the lens, and use an optical power meter to monitor the magnitude of the optical power;

[0014] S3, adjust the positions of the lens in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum;

[0015] S4, lift the lens, and apply UV glue at the position corresponding to the lens bonding in the optical module;

[0016] S5, after the glue application is completed, the lens returns to the position with the maximum optical power in step S3, and adjust the positions of the lens in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value;

[0017] S6, adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the fluctuation range of the optical power value within a preset range.

[0018] Further, in the step S3:

[0019] a, first fix the position of the lens in the X-axis direction, and adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum;

[0020] b, fix the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power reach the maximum;

[0021] Repeat steps a and b until the increase value of the maximum optical power obtained each time is lower than the preset value.

[0022] Further, in the step S5, adjust the positions of the lens in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value; if the maximum optical power value obtained in the step S3 is greater than the target optical power value, first adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position, compare the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value, if the difference is within the specification range, stop adjusting the position of the lens, if the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value is not within the specification range, continue to adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position, and then compare the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value again, until the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value is within the specification range, complete the position adjustment of the lens, and then monitor the fluctuation range of the optical power value, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value is within the preset range, stop the position adjustment of the lens, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value is not within the preset range, go to step S6.

[0023] Further, in the step S6:

[0024] c. Fix the positions of the lens in the X-direction and Z-direction, and adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis direction to minimize the fluctuation range of the optical power value;

[0025] d. Fix the positions of the lens in the X-direction and Y-direction, and adjust the position of the lens in the Z-axis direction to minimize the fluctuation range of the optical power value;

[0026] Repeat steps c and d until the fluctuation range of the optical power value is within the preset range.

[0027] If the fluctuation range of the optical power value cannot reach within the preset range, repeat steps S3, S5, and S6. If the optical power value still cannot reach within the preset range, then judge this product as a defective product.

[0028] Further, the preset range is 0 to 0.1 dB.

[0029] Further, in steps S5 and S6, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value reaches within the preset range, UV-cure the UV glue of the corresponding channel.

[0030] Further, the lens includes a collimating lens and a focusing lens. First, couple the focusing lens, and then couple the collimating lens.

[0031] Further, there are multiple lasers and collimating lenses, and they are in one-to-one correspondence.

[0032] Further, before turning on the laser, fix the laser and the fiber optic adapter first, and then connect the fiber optic adapter and the optical power meter with an optical fiber.

[0033] Further, monitor the optical power output from the fiber optic adapter through the optical fiber to the optical power meter.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is: an optical module lens coupling method, which finds the position with the maximum optical power by observing the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value. Compared with the traditional finding method, it can accurately and quickly return the lens to the center of the flat area of the optical power curve, greatly improving the reliability of the optical module. Description of the Drawings

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the lens moving direction of an optical module lens coupling method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the optical power curve when the lens of an optical module lens coupling method provided by an embodiment of the present invention is displaced in the X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of the nozzle, lens and glue of an optical module lens coupling method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the optical power curve when the lens of an optical module lens coupling method provided by an embodiment of the present invention is displaced in the X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis (showing three points A, B, and C);

[0039] In the reference numerals: 1 - laser; 2 - collimating lens; 3 - converging lens; 4 - fiber optic adapter; 5 - nozzle; 6 - lens; 7 - glue. Detailed Embodiments

[0040] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical module lens coupling method, including the following steps: S1, turn on the laser to emit laser light; S2, adjust the position of the lens and monitor the magnitude of the optical power using an optical power meter; S3, adjust the positions of the lens in the three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to make the optical power value reach the maximum; S4, lift the lens and apply UV glue at the position corresponding to the lens bonding in the optical module; S5, after the glue application is completed, the lens returns to the position with the maximum optical power in step S3, and adjust the positions of the lens in the three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value; S6, adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the fluctuation range of the optical power value fall within a preset range. In this embodiment, by observing the fluctuation range of the optical power value to find the position with the maximum optical power, compared with the traditional search method, the lens can be accurately and quickly returned to the center of the flat region of the optical power curve, greatly improving the reliability of the optical module. Specifically, the traditional method of finding the maximum optical power is to observe the optical power value to find the position with the maximum optical power. However, due to various reasons, it is difficult to find the true position with the maximum optical power, and there are usually some errors. However, this application uses the method of observing the fluctuation range of the optical power value to find the position with the maximum optical power, which can avoid the problems existing in the traditional search method. As Figure 2 shown, when moving on the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis, the value of the optical power will experience a process of changing from small to large and then to small. Theoretically, at the peak point, the value of the optical power is the largest. As Figure 4 shown, the optical power value at C is greater than that at B, and the optical power value at B is greater than that at A. The optical power we usually see will jump due to the slight vibration of the machine itself. The amplitude of the optical power jump at point A is the largest, followed by point B, and the amplitude of the optical power jump at point C is the smallest. However, since the lens moves on a plane, at this peak, it only corresponds to a flat region with a relatively high power, and the maximum optical power value is only one point in this flat region. Therefore, it is very difficult to find this point by the magnitude of the value. The X-axis of this application is the optical axis. When performing coupling, it is usually not necessary to couple to the maximum. For example, when coupling to the maximum, it is 10W, but actually we only need 3W. Therefore, after adjusting to the maximum optical power value in step S3, we still need to adjust the lens on the optical axis through step S5 to adjust the optical power to the target optical power value. When we adjust the lens on the Y-axis and Z-axis, due to the existence of various errors mentioned in the background technology, it is very difficult to make the lens located at the position corresponding to the center of the flat region of the optical power curve. And in this embodiment, by monitoring the jump amplitude of the optical power value, as long as the optical power value stops jumping or the jump amplitude is very small, it can be determined that the lens is located at the position corresponding to the center of the flat region of the optical power curve.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the step S3: a. First, fix the position of the lens in the X-axis direction, and adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum; b. Fix the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power reach the maximum; repeat steps a and b until the increase value of the maximum optical power obtained each time is lower than the preset value. In this embodiment, the specific adjustment method of step S3 is refined. By repeating steps a and b, when the increase value of the maximum optical power obtained each time is lower than the preset value, it means that the optical power value reaches the maximum.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the step S5, adjust the positions of the lens in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value. If the maximum optical power obtained in step S3 is greater than the target optical power value, first adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position. Compare the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value. If the difference is within the specification range, stop adjusting the position of the lens. If the difference between the maximum optical power value and the target optical power value at this time is not within the specification range, continue to adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the positions of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position, and then compare the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value again until the difference between the maximum optical power value and the target optical power value is within the specification range, complete the position adjustment of the lens, and then monitor the fluctuation range of the optical power value. If the fluctuation range of the optical power value is within the preset range, stop adjusting the position of the lens. If the fluctuation range of the optical power value is not within the preset range, go to step S6.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, in the step S6: c. Fix the positions of the lens in the X and Z directions, and adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis direction to minimize the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value; d. Fix the positions of the lens in the X and Y directions, and adjust the position of the lens in the Z-axis direction to minimize the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value; Repeat steps c and d until the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value is within the preset range. In this embodiment, through the above steps a and b, and also by repeating steps c and d to adjust the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value within the preset range, fast coupling can be achieved. If the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value cannot reach within the preset range, repeat steps S3, S5, and S6. If the optical power value still cannot reach within the preset range, then judge this product as a defective product.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the preset range is 0 to 0.1 dB. When the jump amplitude is less than 0.1 dB, we can consider that the maximum position of the optical power value has been found, which is much smaller than the existing range error. And the best state is no jump at all, that is, when it is 0 dB, this is the position with no error at all. Preferably, in steps S5 and S6, if the fluctuation amplitude of the optical power value reaches within the preset range, UV-cure the UV glue of the corresponding channel.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the lens includes a collimating lens 2 and a focusing lens 3. First couple the focusing lens 3, and then couple the collimating lens 2. In this embodiment, during coupling, first couple and fix the focusing lens 3, and then couple the collimating lens 2 later. Even if there is a slight position deviation of the focusing lens 3 during coupling, the optical path can be adjusted back when coupling the collimating lens 2. Therefore, the requirements for the position accuracy of coupling the collimating lens 2 are higher. Preferably, there are multiple lasers 1 and collimating lenses 2 and they correspond one by one. This method can be used for the optical path of a single-channel optical transmitter, and can also be used for the optical path of a multi-channel optical transmitter.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , before turning on the laser 1, first fix the laser 1 and the fiber optic adapter 4, and then connect the fiber optic adapter 4 and the optical power meter with a fiber optic cable, and monitor the optical power output from the fiber optic adapter 4 through the fiber optic cable to the optical power meter. In this embodiment, an optical power meter is used to monitor the optical power, and usually the coupled monitored optical power is displayed in real time through a display.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for coupling a lens of an optical module, characterized in that It includes the following steps: S1, turn on the laser to emit laser light; S2, adjust the position of the lens and monitor the optical power using an optical power meter; S3, adjust the position of the lens in the three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to make the optical power value reach the maximum; S4, lift the lens and apply UV glue at the position corresponding to the lens bonding in the optical module; S5, after the glue application is completed, the lens returns to the position with the maximum optical power in step S3, and adjust the position of the lens in the three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value; S6, adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the fluctuation range of the optical power value within a preset range.

2. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3: a, first fix the position of the lens in the X-axis direction, and adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum; b, fix the position of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power reach the maximum; Repeat steps a and b until the increase value of the maximum optical power obtained each time is lower than the preset value.

3. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, adjust the position of the lens in the three directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to make the optical power value reach the target optical power value; if the maximum optical power obtained in step S3 is greater than the target optical power value, first adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position, compare the difference between the maximum optical power value at this time and the target optical power value, if the difference is within the specification range, stop adjusting the position of the lens, if the difference between the maximum optical power value and the target optical power value at this time is not within the specification range, continue to adjust the position of the lens in the X-axis direction to make the optical power value equal to the target optical power value, then adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to make the optical power value reach the maximum value when the lens is at the current X-axis position, and then compare the difference between the maximum optical power value and the target optical power value again until the difference between the maximum optical power value and the target optical power value is within the specification range, complete the position adjustment of the lens, monitor the fluctuation range of the optical power value, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value is within the preset range, stop the position adjustment of the lens, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value is not within the preset range, go to step S6.

4. A method for coupling an optical module lens, as described in claim 1, wherein: In step S6: c, fix the position of the lens in the X-direction and Z-direction, and adjust the position of the lens in the Y-axis direction to make the fluctuation range of the optical power value the smallest; d, fix the position of the lens in the X-direction and Y-direction, and adjust the position of the lens in the Z-axis direction to make the fluctuation range of the optical power value the smallest; Repeat steps c and d until the fluctuation range of the optical power value is within the preset range, If the fluctuation range of the optical power value cannot reach within the preset range, repeat steps S3, S5, and S6, if it still cannot make the optical power value reach within the preset range, then judge this product as a defective product.

5. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset range is 0 to 0.1 dB.

6. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In steps S5 and S6, if the fluctuation range of the optical power value reaches within the preset range, UV-cure the UV glue of the corresponding channel.

7. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens includes a collimating lens and a converging lens. First, the converging lens is coupled, and then the collimating lens is coupled.

8. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 7, wherein: There are multiple lasers and collimating lenses, and they correspond to each other one by one.

9. The optical module lens coupling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before turning on the lasers, first fix the lasers and the fiber optic adapter, and then connect the fiber optic adapter and the optical power meter using an optical fiber.

10. A method for coupling an optical module lens, as described in claim 9, characterized in that: Monitor the optical power output from the fiber optic adapter through the optical fiber to the optical power meter.

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