An optical multiplexing assembly and optical module

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of optical communication, and especially relates to an optical multiplexing assembly and an optical module; the optical multiplexing assembly comprises a prism, the prism comprises a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are arranged in parallel, a first side wall between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface is an incident surface, a second side wall arranged relative to the first side wall is an emitting surface, at least two filter pieces for passing incident light are arranged on the incident surface, a reflecting film and an anti-reflection film are arranged on the emitting surface, the first reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface and the emitting surface are located on an optical path of the incident light, and at least two beams of the incident light passing through the filter pieces are reflected by the first reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface and the reflecting film to form outgoing light, and then the outgoing light is emitted by the anti-reflection film. The optical multiplexing assembly provided in the present application makes the optical path turn back at least once in the prism, so that the size of the prism along the propagation direction of the optical path is greatly reduced, and the space occupied by the optical multiplexing assembly is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical multiplexing component and an optical module. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous updates of 5G communication technology, the market demand for high-speed modules such as 25G, 100G, 200G, and 400G is increasing, and market competition is becoming more and more intense, with higher and higher requirements for cost control of high-speed modules.

[0003] Currently, 100G, 200G, 400G, and 800G products primarily employ multiplexing technology to further enhance the speed of individual modules. Quad-multiplexing is the most common, and multiplexing generally utilizes MUX (optical multiplexers) based on TFF (thin-film filter). (Instruction manual attached) Figure 1 This is a typical four-way optical multiplexing component, comprising four thin-film filters that can transmit different wavelengths, a glass body, and a reflective and anti-reflective coating on the light-emitting side. The optical path of the optical multiplexing component during operation is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, four different wavelengths of light are incident from their corresponding filters and combined into a single output light after multiple reflections. In traditional optical multiplexing components, the spacing between channels is related to the width of the glass block; the wider the glass block, the larger the spacing between channels. Typically, the glass blocks are quite large, with a width of over 4mm, occupying a significant amount of space. This results in a large overall optical path space requirement, affecting the layout of other components in the optical module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an optical multiplexing component, including a prism. The prism comprises a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, which are arranged in parallel. A first sidewall between the first and second reflecting surfaces serves as an incident surface, and a second sidewall disposed relative to the first sidewall serves as an exiting surface. At least two filters for incident light to pass through are disposed on the incident surface, and a reflective film and an anti-reflection film are disposed on the exiting surface. The first reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface, and the exiting surface are located in the optical path of the incident light. At least two incident beams, after passing through the filters, are reflected and combined by the first reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface, and the reflective film to form outgoing light, which is then emitted through the anti-reflection film.

[0005] Furthermore, the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are inclined, and there is a height difference between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the optical path of the emitted light is parallel to the optical path of the incident light, the emitted light is in the same direction as the incident light, and the optical path of the emitted light is higher than the optical path of the incident light.

[0007] Furthermore, the incident light undergoes total internal reflection on the first and second reflecting surfaces.

[0008] Furthermore, the incident angle of the incident light on the first reflective surface is less than 41.5°, and a total reflection film is provided on the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

[0009] Furthermore, when the incident light passes through the prism, it is reflected at least once within the prism.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of filters is four, and the four filters are arranged side by side on the incident surface of the prism.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an optical module, including at least two lasers, at least two collimating lenses, an optical multiplexing component, a converging lens, and an optical fiber adapter. The collimating lenses are located in the optical path of the emitted light of the lasers, and the collimating lenses are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the lasers. The optical multiplexing component combines the emitted light from the collimating lenses into a single emitted light beam. The converging lens and the optical fiber adapter are sequentially arranged in the optical path of the emitted light of the optical multiplexing component. The optical multiplexing component is the optical multiplexing component described above.

[0012] Furthermore, the optical module also includes an isolator disposed between the converging lens and the fiber optic adapter, and the isolator is located in the outgoing optical path of the converging lens.

[0013] Furthermore, the number of lasers and collimating lenses is four, and the four collimating lenses are respectively disposed in the output light path of the laser.

[0014] By employing the above technical solutions, this invention has the following advantages compared to existing technologies:

[0015] 1) The optical multiplexing component provided in this application has its optical path folded back at least once inside the prism, which greatly reduces the size of the prism along the optical path propagation direction and significantly reduces the space occupied by the optical multiplexing component.

[0016] 2) The optical multiplexing component provided in this application has a height difference between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. When the incident light passes through the optical multiplexing component, it can be combined and the optical path can be shifted in the vertical direction at the same time, which eliminates the use of displacement prism in traditional optical modules and further reduces the space occupied by optical components. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing optical multiplexer.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the optical path of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view optical path diagram of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of the optical module in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another optical path structure of the optical module in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram (side view) of the optical path of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a top view of the optical path of the optical multiplexing component in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical module in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0027] 1-Prism; 11-First reflecting surface; 12-Second reflecting surface; 13-First sidewall; 14-Second sidewall; 15-Reflective coating; 16-Antireflective coating; 17-Third sidewall; 18-Fourth sidewall; 2-Filter; 3-Laser; 4-Colliding lens; 5-Converging lens; 6-Fiber optic adapter; 7-PCB board; 8-Isolator. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of certain parts may be enlarged for clarity.

[0029] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply 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 invention.

[0031] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] As per the instruction manual Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic of a light multiplexing component. This invention provides a light multiplexing component including a prism 1, preferably an orthorhombic prism. The prism 1 includes a first reflecting surface 11 and a second reflecting surface 12, which are arranged in parallel. A first sidewall 13 between the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 serves as the incident surface, and a second sidewall 14, disposed relative to the first sidewall 13, serves as the emitting surface. At least two filters 2 are provided on the incident surface for the passage of incident light. A reflective film 15 and an anti-reflection film 16 are provided on the emitting surface. The first reflecting surface 11, the second reflecting surface 12, and the emitting surface are located on the optical path of the incident light. At least two beams of incident light, after passing through the filters 2, are reflected and combined by the first reflecting surface 11, the second reflecting surface 12, and the reflective film 15 to form emitted light, which is then emitted through the anti-reflection film 16.

[0034] In the optimized implementation, the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 are inclined, and there is a height difference between them. During use, the fiber optic adapter and the laser are not on the same horizontal plane, and the fiber optic adapter is positioned higher than the laser. When the optical path passes through the prism 1, it needs to have an upward displacement in the vertical direction to satisfy the coupling of the fiber optic adapter. When the optical multiplexing component is in use, the second emitting surface 12 is positioned upward, that is, the second reflecting surface 12 is placed higher than the first reflecting surface 11. In this embodiment, the incident light is incident at a certain angle. The incident light entering the prism 1 through the filter 2 is first reflected on the first reflecting surface 11, and then reflected on the second reflecting surface 12 and then reflected on the reflective film 15 until the incident light is combined into the outgoing light and then emitted through the antireflection film 16. The light path in the prism 1 has not only horizontal displacement but also vertical displacement. The light path of the outgoing light is parallel to the light path of the incident light. The directions of the outgoing light and the incident light are the same, and the light path of the outgoing light is higher than the light path of the incident light, so that the outgoing light of the laser is coupled with the fiber optic adapter.

[0035] In the optimized implementation, the incident light undergoes total internal reflection at the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12. Specifically, the incident light undergoes total internal reflection at both the first and second reflecting surfaces 11 and 12. When the incident angle of the incident light at the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 is greater than or equal to 41.5 degrees, total internal reflection can occur at the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12. When the incident angle of the incident light at the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 is less than 41.5 degrees, total internal reflection can occur at the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12. The first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 are coated with a total reflection film, so that the incident light is totally reflected on the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12. In this embodiment, the acute angle of the prism 1 is 45°. After the incident light enters the first reflecting surface 11, it can be totally reflected on the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12. The single-path incident light is reflected once in the prism 1. Of course, the width of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can be extended or the incident angle of the incident light can be adjusted as needed, so that the light path is reflected twice or more in the prism.

[0036] In an optimized implementation, the incident surface of the prism 1 is provided with four filters 2, which are arranged side by side on the prism 1. The filters 2 can partially transmit and partially reflect the light incident on them. Different models of filters 2 can be selected according to requirements. After the incident light passes through the filters 2, it forms light of different wavelengths. The light of different wavelengths is then combined into a single beam after passing through a MUX.

[0037] In this embodiment, as per the appendix to the specification... Figure 3 and 4As shown, taking a 4-way multiplexing optical multiplexing component as an example, the prism 1 is equipped with four filters 2, namely the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, and the fourth filter. Four wavelengths of incident light λ1, λ2, λ3, and λ4 are incident on the corresponding filters at certain angles. Incident light λ1 enters the prism 1 after passing through the first filter, and is reflected sequentially on the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 of the prism 1 before being reflected on the reflective film 15. The reflected light is then reflected sequentially to the second reflecting surface 12 and the first reflecting surface 11. Incident light λ1 is combined with incident light λ2 after passing through the second filter. The combined incident light then reflects back once along the path of the incident light λ1 before being combined with incident light λ3 after passing through the third filter. Similarly, incident beams λ1, λ2, and λ3 are combined and then combined with incident beam λ4, which has passed through the fourth filter. They are then reflected sequentially by the first and second reflecting surfaces before exiting through the antireflection coating, thus completing the merging of the four beams. Each incident beam enters its corresponding filter at a certain angle, and there is a height difference between the first and second reflecting surfaces. Therefore, the incident beams have a horizontal displacement in the MUX, and the horizontal displacement of two adjacent incident beams is the same as the distance between them. Adjacent incident beams can be combined sequentially, and the final beam exits through the antireflection coating. When the incident beams pass through the prism, they also have a vertical displacement. Of course, this application does not limit the vertical displacement of the incident beams in the optical multiplexing component; it can be set according to actual needs.

[0038] The optical multiplexing component of this application has a significantly reduced size along the propagation direction of the pipeline, making the optical multiplexing component half the size of the original, thus reducing the space occupied by optical elements.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] This invention also provides an optical module, as shown in the appendix to the specification. Figure 5 and 6 The diagram shows the optical path of an optical module, which includes four lasers 3, four collimating lenses 4, an optical multiplexing component, a converging lens 5, and an optical fiber adapter 6. The collimating lenses 4 are located on the optical path of the emitted light from the lasers 3, and each collimating lens 4 is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with a laser 3. The optical multiplexing component combines the emitted light from the collimating lenses 4 into a single emitted beam. The converging lens 5 and the optical fiber adapter 6 are sequentially arranged on the optical path of the emitted light from the optical multiplexing component. The optical multiplexing component is the same as the optical multiplexing component described in Embodiment 1.

[0041] In an optimized implementation, the optical module further includes a PCB board 7, and the laser 3 is bonded to the PCB board 7 via gold wires.

[0042] In an optimized implementation, the optical module further includes an isolator 8, which is disposed between the converging lens 5 and the fiber optic adapter 6, and is located on the outgoing optical path of the converging lens 5.

[0043] As per the instruction manual Figure 6 The diagram shows the optical path of the optical module. In this embodiment, the fiber optic adapter 6 and the laser 3 are located on opposite sides of the PCB board 7. The fiber optic adapter 6 is located on one side of the upper surface of the PCB board 7, and the laser 3 is located on one side of the lower surface of the PCB board 7. The emitted light from the laser 3 passes through the collimating lens 4 and then enters the optical multiplexing component. The four incident lights are combined within the optical multiplexing component and move upward in the vertical direction, so that the emitted light from the optical multiplexing component can be coupled to the fiber optic adapter 6.

[0044] The optical multiplexing component used in this application has a significantly reduced size along the optical path propagation direction and eliminates the need for a displacement prism, further reducing the space occupied by optical components and leaving more space for the layout of electronic components on the PCB board. The optical module has an outer shell with more space at the bottom, allowing the bottom of the shell to be made thicker, which enhances the rigidity of the shell and the resistance of the optical path to deformation. The laser is also closer to the opening in the shell, which allows for more space for wire bonding between the laser and the PCB board.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] As per the instruction manual Figure 7 As shown, the present invention also provides another optical multiplexing component, including a prism 1, which is a polygonal glass body. The prism 1 includes a first reflecting surface 11 and a second reflecting surface 12, which are arranged in parallel. A first sidewall 13 between the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 is the incident surface, and a second sidewall 14 disposed relative to the first sidewall 13 is the emitting surface. Four filters 2 for incident light to pass through are disposed on the incident surface, and a filter element is disposed on the emitting surface. The reflective film 15 and the antireflective film 16 are provided. A third sidewall 17 is provided between the first reflective surface 11 and the second reflective surface 12. A fourth sidewall 18 is provided parallel to the third sidewall 17. The first reflective surface 11, the second reflective surface 12 and the light-emitting surface are located on the optical path of the incident light. The single-path incident light is reflected at least twice in the prism 1. The four incident lights of the filter 2 are reflected and combined by the first reflective surface 11, the second reflective surface 12 and the reflective film 15 to form the outgoing light and then emitted by the antireflective film 16.

[0047] As per the instruction manual Figure 8 and 9The diagram shows the optical path of a multiplexing component. Four different wavelengths of light are incident from their respective filters at predetermined angles, typically 8 degrees. The incident light λ1 is reflected twice on the first and second reflective surfaces, then reflected again by the reflective film on the light-emitting surface. It is then reflected twice more on the second and first reflective surfaces and combined with the incident light λ2. This process is repeated until it is combined with the incident light λ4. The combined light is then reflected twice on the first and second reflective surfaces and exits through the antireflection film.

[0048] The optical multiplexing component of the present invention has a single-path optical path that is folded back at least twice in the prism, and the size along the optical path propagation direction is greatly reduced, thus greatly reducing the space occupied by the optical multiplexing component; wherein, the single-path optical path refers to the path of the incident light from the filter to the light-emitting surface.

[0049] In the optimized implementation, the incident light undergoes total internal reflection on the first and second reflecting surfaces. The conditions for total internal reflection are the same as in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] Example 4

[0051] As per the instruction manual Figure 10 As shown, the present invention also provides another optical module, the structure of which is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and will not be described again here. In this embodiment, the optical multiplexing component is the optical multiplexing component described in Embodiment 3.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical multiplexing component, characterized in that, The device includes a prism, which comprises a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface. The first and second reflecting surfaces are arranged in parallel. A first sidewall between the first and second reflecting surfaces is an incident surface, and a second sidewall disposed relative to the first sidewall is an exiting surface. At least two filters for incident light to pass through are disposed on the incident surface. A reflective film and an anti-reflective film are disposed side by side on the exiting surface. The first, second, and exiting surfaces are located on the optical path of the incident light. At least two beams of incident light that have passed through the filters are reflected and combined by the first, second, and reflective surfaces and the reflective film to form outgoing light, which is then emitted by the anti-reflective film. The first and second reflecting surfaces are inclined and there is a height difference between them, so that while the incident light is reflected at least once within the prism, the optical path of the outgoing light is higher than the optical path of the incident light in the vertical direction.

2. The optical multiplexing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical path of the emitted light is parallel to the optical path of the incident light, and the direction of the emitted light is the same as that of the incident light.

3. The optical multiplexing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incident light undergoes total internal reflection on the first and second reflecting surfaces.

4. The optical multiplexing component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The incident angle of the incident light on the first reflective surface is less than 41.5°, and a total reflection film is provided on the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

5. The optical multiplexing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of filters is four, and the four filters are arranged side by side on the incident surface of the prism.

6. An optical module comprising at least two lasers, at least two collimating lenses, an optical multiplexing assembly, a converging lens, and an optical fiber adapter, wherein the collimating lenses are located in the optical path of the emitted light from the lasers, and the collimating lenses are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the lasers; the optical multiplexing assembly combines the emitted light from the collimating lenses into a single emitted beam; and the converging lens and the optical fiber adapter are sequentially arranged in the optical path of the emitted light from the optical multiplexing assembly, characterized in that... The optical multiplexing component is the optical multiplexing component according to any one of claims 1-5.

7. The optical module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The optical module also includes an isolator, which is disposed between the converging lens and the optical fiber adapter, and is located in the outgoing optical path of the converging lens.

8. The optical module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of lasers and collimating lenses are both four, and the four collimating lenses are respectively arranged in the output light path of the laser.

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