A wavelength division multiplexing optical device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical device, comprising: a substrate having opposing first and second grooves; a plurality of filters disposed within the first groove; a transparent filling medium filling the first groove, enclosing the filters, wherein the refractive index of the transparent filling medium matches that of the filters; and a plurality of lenses located at the bottom of the second groove, wherein the positions of the plurality of lenses correspond one-to-one with the positions of the plurality of filters. In this WDM optical device, the transparent filling medium enclosing the filters and matching the refractive index of the transparent filling medium to the filters, using a transparent filling medium with a refractive index matching that of the filters as the environmental medium, can avoid optical path misalignment, eliminate the need for additional structural adjustments to the filter positions, and simplify the structure of the WDM optical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, and in particular to a WDM optical device. Background Technology

[0002] Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a technique that combines two or more optical carrier signals of different wavelengths, each carrying various information, at the transmitting end using a multiplexer (also called a multiplexer) and couples them into the same optical fiber for transmission. At the receiving end, a demultiplexer (also called a demultiplexer) separates the optical carriers of different wavelengths, and then the optical receiver performs further processing to recover the original signal. This technique of simultaneously transmitting two or more different wavelength optical signals in the same optical fiber is called wavelength division multiplexing.

[0003] In existing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices, mismatches in the refractive index of multiple filters with the surrounding environment or other components on the optical path can lead to optical path misalignment. This necessitates adjusting the filter positions using external structures, which adds extra components and increases the overall complexity of the device. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a wavelength division multiplexing optical device, comprising:

[0005] A substrate having opposing first and second grooves;

[0006] Multiple filters are disposed within the first groove;

[0007] A transparent filling medium is filled in the first groove to enclose the filter, and the refractive index of the transparent filling medium matches that of the filter.

[0008] Multiple lenses are located at the bottom of the second groove, and the positions of the multiple lenses correspond one-to-one with the positions of the multiple filters.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a converging lens disposed within the substrate and facing the filter, for receiving light reflected from the filter and converging it onto the optical fiber or for directing light emitted from the optical fiber to the filter.

[0010] Furthermore, the filter is tilted and configured as the optical path between the reflective transmission lens and the converging lens.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0012] Optical fiber mounting holes are provided on the side of the substrate for mounting optical fibers;

[0013] An optical fiber, one end of which is inserted into an optical fiber mounting hole, is used to receive the optical signal from the converging lens or to collimate and transmit the desired optical signal to the filter through the converging lens.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of mounting slots are formed in the first groove of the substrate. The mounting slots are configured to allow the filter to be placed in the mounting slots and to ensure a certain spacing and tilt angle.

[0015] Furthermore, the plurality of mounting slots are arranged in a comb-like pattern and are inclined.

[0016] Furthermore, the lens and the substrate are integrally formed.

[0017] Furthermore, the converging lens is integrally formed with the substrate; or

[0018] The substrate has a through hole that connects the optical fiber mounting hole and the first groove, and the converging lens is mounted at the through hole.

[0019] Furthermore, the spacing between multiple filters approaches zero infinitely.

[0020] Furthermore, each filter's reflective surface is coated with a reflective film to reflect the laser transmitted through the corresponding lens and transmit the laser transmitted through the non-corresponding lens.

[0021] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] In this invention, a wavelength division multiplexing optical device is constructed by encapsulating a filter with a transparent filling medium. The refractive index of the transparent filling medium is matched with that of the filter. Using a transparent filling medium with a refractive index matched with that of the filter as the environmental medium can prevent optical path misalignment. No additional structural adjustments to the filter position are required, resulting in a simple structure for the wavelength division multiplexing optical device.

[0023] By wrapping the filter with a transparent filling medium that matches the refractive index of the filter, the influence of the rough sides of the filter on the optical path can be avoided. The optical path does not need to avoid the rough sides of the filter, which can reduce the spacing between filters and thus reduce the size of wavelength division multiplexing optical devices. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the various embodiments of the present invention, a more specific description of the various embodiments of the present invention will be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope. In the drawings, for clarity, the same or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0025] Figure 1 A top view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A perspective view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A side view schematic diagram of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device without a filter installed according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 A top view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device without a filter installed according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the optical path is shown, illustrating the mismatch between the refractive index of the ambient medium and the filter.

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the optical path is shown, illustrating the refractive index matching between the transparent filling medium and the filter.

[0033] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a light beam is shown when the refractive index of the transparent filling medium and the filter is mismatched.

[0034] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the beam is shown when the refractive index of the transparent filling medium is matched with that of the filter. Detailed Implementation

[0035] It should be noted that the components in the accompanying drawings may be shown exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be to scale.

[0036] In this utility model, the various embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the solution of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting.

[0037] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified, the quantifiers “one” and “one” do not exclude scenarios involving multiple elements.

[0038] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this utility model, only a portion of the parts or components may be shown for clarity and simplicity. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, under the teachings of this utility model, the required parts or components can be added according to the specific scenario.

[0039] It should also be noted that within the scope of this utility model, the terms "same", "equal", and "equal to" do not mean that the two values ​​are absolutely equal, but allow for a certain reasonable error. In other words, the terms also cover "substantially the same", "substantially equal", and "substantially equal to".

[0040] It should also be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Furthermore, the embodiments of this utility model describe the process steps in a specific order. However, this is only for the convenience of distinguishing each step, and is not a limitation on the order of each step. In different embodiments of this utility model, the order of each step can be adjusted according to the process.

[0042] Figure 1 A top view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A perspective view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 A side view schematic diagram of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 A perspective view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device without a filter installed according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A top view of a wavelength division multiplexing optical device without a filter installed according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a wavelength division multiplexing optical device includes a substrate 101, multiple filters 102, a transparent filling medium 103, a converging lens 105, an optical fiber mounting hole 106, and multiple lenses 107.

[0044] The substrate 101 has a first groove 1011 on its first surface and a second groove 1012 on its second surface opposite to the first surface. The first groove 1011 and the second groove 1012 are opposite to each other and are not interconnected. A plurality of filters 102 are obliquely disposed within the first groove 1011, and a transparent filling medium 103 fills the first groove 1011, enclosing and fixing the filters 102. The transparent filling medium 103 can be adhesive. The filters 102 are inclined at 45° relative to the horizontal plane. The difference between the refractive index of the transparent filling medium 103 and the refractive index of the filters 102 is within ±0.01. Preferably, the refractive index of the transparent filling medium 103 is the same as the refractive index of the filters 102. In one embodiment, the filters 102 can be glass sheets, with a reflective film deposited on one side of the glass sheet to obtain the filters 102. The reflective film only reflects light of the corresponding wavelength and transmits light of the desired wavelength.

[0045] The filter 102 has a first plane 1021 and a second plane 1022, as well as a plurality of side surfaces located between the first plane and the second plane. The first plane 1021 and the second plane 1022 are inclined at 45° with respect to the horizontal plane. The shape of the filter 102 is not limited, for example, it can be a cuboid, a cube, a hexahedron, etc. The filter 102 also has side surfaces other than the first plane 1021 and the second plane 1022.

[0046] The filter is tilted and configured as the optical path between the reflective transmission lens and the converging lens.

[0047] In one embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of filters 102 is 350 micrometers, consistent with the spacing of the array lens 107. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the light beam emitted from lens 107 simultaneously illuminates both the corresponding filter and the adjacent filter. Due to the refractive index matching between filter 102 and the transparent filling medium, the light beam is transmitted through the adjacent filter and ultimately reflected on the corresponding filter. The refractive index matching between filter 102 and the transparent filling medium means that the refractive index difference between filter 102 and the transparent filling medium is within ±0.1.

[0048] In another embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of filters 102 can be infinitely close to 0.

[0049] Fiber optic mounting holes 106 are formed on the side of the substrate 101. Fiber optic mounting holes 106 are used to mount optical fibers.

[0050] A converging lens 105 is disposed within the substrate 101, facing the filter 102, allowing light reflected from the filter 102 to enter the converging lens 105. In one embodiment, the substrate 101 has a through-hole (not shown) connecting the fiber optic mounting hole 106 and the first groove 1011, and the converging lens 105 is mounted at the through-hole. In another embodiment, the converging lens 105 is integrally formed with the substrate 101.

[0051] In one embodiment, the converging lens 105 is coaxial with the fiber optic mounting hole 106. The convex surface of the converging lens 105 faces the fiber optic mounting hole 106.

[0052] There is a through hole between the converging lens 105 and the fiber mounting hole 106, and the through hole is not filled.

[0053] A lens array consisting of multiple lenses 107 is disposed at the bottom of the second groove 1012. The positions of the multiple lenses 107 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the multiple filters 102, and are used to direct the laser to the filters for reflection or to focus the light reflected by the filters onto the photodiode.

[0054] In one embodiment, the lens 107 and the substrate 101 are connected as one piece, so that the lens 107 and the substrate 101 can be integrally formed, eliminating the need to process mounting holes in the substrate 101, reducing manufacturing costs, and also eliminating the step of mounting the lens 107 on the substrate 101.

[0055] In another embodiment, the bottom of the second groove 1012 of the substrate 101 is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the lens 107.

[0056] Multiple lasers or multiple photodiodes (not shown) are positioned one-to-one with the positions of multiple lenses 107, so that multiple beams of light of different wavelengths can be collimated by the multiple lenses 107. Multiple filters 102 can reflect the light transmitted through the multiple lenses 107 into parallel light, which then reaches the converging lens and is converged into a beam of light and coupled into the optical fiber, or can collimate the light emitted from the optical fiber through the converging lens to the filter, then reflect it to the array lens and coupled into the photodiode.

[0057] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, a plurality of mounting slots 108 are formed at the first recess 101 of the substrate 101 for mounting the filter 102. The shape and size of the mounting slots 108 match those of the filter 102, so that the filter 102 can be placed within the mounting slots 108. The mounting slots 108 are inclined at 45° relative to the horizontal plane, so that the filter 102 is tilted at 45° after installation. The plurality of mounting slots 108 are arranged in a comb-like pattern.

[0058] The length L of the mounting groove 108 is greater than the width W of the first groove 101. The depth of the mounting groove 108 is less than the depth of the first groove 101, so that the filter 102 does not contact the bottom surface of the first groove 101.

[0059] In the wavelength division multiplexing optical device of this invention, light emitted from lasers of different wavelengths (not shown) is emitted through lens 107 and directed towards the transparent filling medium 103 and filter 102 within the first groove 1011. A reflective film corresponding to the corresponding wavelength is deposited on the first plane of the filter 102; each reflective film only reflects light of its corresponding wavelength and transmits light of the desired wavelength. Light of different wavelengths passes through the lens array and is then reflected at a 45° angle by the filter, converging all wavelengths of light into the optical fiber. The optical path is reversible; similarly, light emitted from the optical fiber can be reflected by filter 102 to the lens array and received by a photodiode.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, when the refractive index of the ambient medium and the filter 102 do not match, it will cause optical path misalignment. In this invention, because the refractive index of the transparent filling medium 103 (ambient medium) matches that of the filter 102, the optical path will not be misaligned, as... Figure 8 As shown, this eliminates the need for additional structures used to adjust the position of filter 102.

[0061] The filter 102 is relatively thin, and its sides (surfaces other than the first and second planes) are rough and cannot be polished. Since the light spot illuminating the filter 102 has a diameter, if the sides of the filter 102 are rough and the filter 102 is not compatible with the surrounding medium, the rough sides of the filter 102 will also affect the optical path, causing misalignment of the light path illuminating it. Figure 9 As shown. The distance between the filters 102 needs to be increased to avoid obstructing the optical path.

[0062] like Figure 10 As shown, the refractive index of the transparent filling medium 103 (ambient medium) matches that of the filter 102. The side of the filter 102 will not affect the optical path. Therefore, the side of the filter 102 does not need to avoid the optical path, and the spacing of the filter 102 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall structure.

[0063] While some embodiments of this invention have been described in this application, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative. Numerous variations, alternatives, and improvements will arise in those skilled in the art under the teachings of this invention without departing from its scope. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of this invention and thereby cover the methods and structures within the scope of the claims themselves and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wavelength division multiplexing optical device, characterized in that, include: A substrate having opposing first and second grooves; Multiple filters are disposed within the first groove; A transparent filling medium is filled in the first groove to enclose the filter, and the refractive index of the transparent filling medium matches that of the filter. Multiple lenses are located at the bottom of the second groove, and the positions of the multiple lenses correspond one-to-one with the positions of the multiple filters.

2. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a converging lens disposed within the substrate and facing the filter, for receiving light reflected from the filter and converging it onto the optical fiber or for directing light emitted from the optical fiber to the filter.

3. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter is tilted and configured as the optical path between the reflective transmission lens and the converging lens.

4. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Optical fiber mounting holes are provided on the side of the substrate for mounting optical fibers; An optical fiber, one end of which is inserted into an optical fiber mounting hole, is used to receive the optical signal from the converging lens or to collimate and transmit the desired optical signal to the filter through the converging lens.

5. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple mounting slots are formed in the first groove of the substrate. The mounting slots are configured to allow the filter to be placed in the mounting slots and to ensure that there is a spacing and tilt between the multiple filter sheets.

6. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting slots are arranged in a comb-like pattern and are inclined.

7. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens and the substrate are integrally formed.

8. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The converging lens is integrally formed with the substrate; or The substrate has a through hole that connects the optical fiber mounting hole and the first groove, and the converging lens is mounted at the through hole.

9. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing between multiple filters approaches zero infinitely.

10. The wavelength division multiplexing optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each filter's reflective surface is coated with a reflective film to reflect laser light transmitted through the corresponding lens and to transmit laser light transmitted through the non-corresponding lens.

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