An optical communication component that can be cooled by both air and liquid

Abstract

An optical communication component suitable for both air and liquid cooling includes an optical chip for transmitting or receiving optical signals, an optical lens, and an optical fiber ferrule. The transmitting or receiving optical path includes both an air environment optical path and a liquid environment optical path. The curved surface of the optical lens is isolated from the liquid environment. This invention, based on an optical chip for transmitting or receiving optical signals, designs the optical path to include both air and liquid environment optical paths, and isolates the curved surface of the optical lens from the liquid environment, thus forming an optical communication component that can operate stably in both air and liquid cooling environments for extended periods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical communication technology, and specifically relates to an optical communication component that can be cooled by both air and liquid. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new internet applications such as 5G, artificial intelligence, AR, and VR, the switching capacity, number of optical modules, and speed of data centers have increased dramatically. This has led to a significant increase in the power consumption of data centers, and the electricity costs for maintaining normal data center operations constitute a major capital expenditure for data center operators. To address this issue, the industry has proposed liquid cooling to reduce the energy consumption of optical modules.

[0003] However, while current optical devices used in data center optical modules can operate normally in air, they cannot simultaneously operate normally in coolant environments, or their long-term reliability is at risk. For single-mode optical devices and modules in data centers operating under cooling, the lenses are generally protected by metal casings, allowing for good compatibility between air and liquid cooling environments in the short term, while also significantly reducing power consumption. However, in long-term operation, due to the lack of a sealed metal casing, coolant gradually seeps into the lens, affecting optical path coupling and impacting the module's long-term stability. Furthermore, the optical modules widely used in data centers are currently multimode optical modules. Their core multimode optical devices, because the lenses of typical multimode optical devices are in direct contact with the outside environment, can focus light signals normally in air; however, in coolant, the refractive index of the coolant is similar to that of the lens, causing the lens surface to lose its ability to focus light signals, leading to the failure of the multimode optical module's transmitting and receiving devices. How to solve these technical problems is a subject of research for those skilled in the art.

[0004] like Figure 4 The diagram shows a traditional optical communication component's optical path structure. The light-emitting chip 11 emits light, which is then focused into the fiber optic ferrule 13 by the lens 12. However, as shown... Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a problem in the existing technology: after the coolant 14 is introduced into the optical path, the light refracted by the lens 12 cannot be completely focused into the fiber optic ferrule 13. Because the refractive index of the coolant is similar to that of the lens, the lenses of both the transmitting and receiving devices in the optical communication assembly lose their focusing function; the optical signal emitted by the optical transmitting chip cannot be received by the external fiber optic ferrule; similarly, the optical signal emitted by the external fiber optic ferrule cannot be received by the detector. Both the transmitting and receiving devices will be in a state of failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an improved solution for existing single-mode and multi-mode optical module devices in data centers, enabling the optical module, i.e., the optical communication component, to have minimal changes in the convergence optical path under both air and coolant environments. Within the tolerance of optical fiber or optical detection and reception, it can operate stably for a long time under both air and coolant environments, realizing an optical communication component that can be used for both air and liquid cooling.

[0006] An optical communication component that can be cooled by both air and liquid includes an optical chip for generating an optical signal in either a transmitting or receiving optical path, an optical lens, and an optical fiber ferrule. The transmitting or receiving optical path includes both an air-environment optical path and a liquid-environment optical path; the curved surface of the optical lens is isolated from the liquid environment. The combined structure of the air-environment and liquid-environment optical paths forms an effective optical signal, overcoming the high energy consumption problem of traditional single-air-environment optical paths. Cooling via the liquid-environment optical path reduces the energy consumption of the optical communication component.

[0007] The transmitted optical path is formed by an optical emitting device, and the received optical path is formed by an optical receiving device. Both the optical emitting and receiving devices contain a planar, transparent solid medium to prevent liquid from contacting the curved surface of the optical lens. This planar, transparent solid medium can be glass or resin. The planar, transparent solid medium, when added to the optical path, has minimal impact on the original optical path in the air environment. A low refractive index is preferred for the planar, transparent solid medium, and its thickness should be as thin as possible to minimize the additional optical path length. The planar, transparent solid medium is placed as close as possible to the receiving optical fiber of the optical emitting device or the transmitting optical fiber of the optical receiving device in the optical path, minimizing the change in the optical path when the optical communication component switches from an air environment to a coolant environment. This effectively achieves the technical performance of the optical communication component being both air-cooled and liquid-cooled, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0008] The optical communication component includes an optical transmitter and / or an optical receiver. The optical transmitter includes an optical transmitter chip, a transmitter cap with a first lens, and an external receiving fiber optic ferrule. The transmitter cap has a first planar transparent solid-state medium at the end furthest from the first lens. Since the optical path is essentially converged at the first planar transparent solid-state medium, which is far from the first lens, and this convergence occurs in the air, the liquid-cooled environment outside the first planar transparent solid-state medium has minimal impact on the optical path, thus achieving a cooling effect for the optical communication component and further realizing dual-use performance for both air and liquid cooling.

[0009] The optical receiving device includes a receiving detector, a receiving cap with a second lens, and an external transmitting fiber ferrule. The receiving cap has a second planar transparent solid medium at the end furthest from the second lens. Because the second planar transparent solid medium is far from the second lens, the optical path is essentially converged, and this convergence occurs in the air. The liquid-cooled environment outside the second planar transparent solid medium has minimal impact on the optical path, achieving a cooling effect for the optical communication component and further realizing dual-use performance for both air and liquid cooling.

[0010] A first cavity, isolated from the outside world, is provided between the second lens and the optical emitting chip, forming an air optical path to further reduce interference from the external environment. The optical path between the optical emitting chip and the first planar transparent solid medium is an air environment, while the path between the first planar transparent solid medium and the external receiving fiber optic ferrule is a liquid environment. This creates two environmental conductions within the same optical path, allowing the optical path of the optical communication component to remain within the transmit / receive tolerances while achieving liquid cooling to reduce energy consumption.

[0011] A second cavity, isolated from the outside world, is provided between the first lens and the receiving detector, forming an air optical path to further reduce interference from the external environment. The optical path between the receiving detector and the second planar transparent solid medium is an air environment, while the optical path between the second planar transparent solid medium and the external transmitting fiber ferrule is a liquid environment. This creates two environments for the same optical path, allowing the optical path of the optical communication component to remain within the transmit / receive tolerances while achieving liquid cooling to reduce energy consumption.

[0012] The first planar transparent solid medium is embedded inside the emitter cap and sealed with glue to prevent coolant from entering the emitter cap and affecting the optical path refraction performance of the first lens.

[0013] The second planar transparent solid medium is installed inside the external transmitting fiber ferrule and connected to the receiving cap, forming a seal for the receiving cap to prevent coolant from entering the receiving cap and affecting the refractive performance of the second lens. The external transmitting fiber ferrule has a vent hole on its side to avoid the problem of the fiber ferrule being difficult to insert due to air sealing.

[0014] The curved surface of the optical lens faces the light-emitting chip, and the other side of the curved surface of the optical lens is provided with a planar transparent solid medium. The length of the planar transparent solid medium is close to the length of the light path convergence.

[0015] This invention relates to an optical chip that generates optical signals through the transmission or reception of light. The optical path is designed to create both air and liquid environment optical paths. The curved surface of the optical lens isolates it from the liquid environment, creating an optical communication component that can operate stably in both air and liquid-cooled environments for extended periods. By incorporating a suitably sized planar transparent solid medium into the optical communication component, liquid is prevented from entering the device through the inlet / outlet, thus avoiding lens contamination and alteration of the optical path, which could lead to performance degradation or even complete failure. Furthermore, the added planar transparent solid medium keeps the optical path alteration in air within acceptable transmission and reception tolerances, ensuring normal operation of the optical device in air. This achieves both air and liquid cooling performance while providing effective cooling for the optical communication component. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an optical communication component that can be used for both air and liquid cooling according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of the optical communication component that can be used for both air and liquid cooling according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of a traditional optical communication component;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the optical path structure of a traditional optical communication component after coolant is introduced;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another optical receiving device structure in this invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air optical path structure of the light emitting device of the optical lens facing the light chip in this invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of the light emitting device of the optical lens facing the light chip in this invention, which combines the air optical path with the liquid environment optical path structure of the planar transparent solid medium. Implementation

[0024] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 The specific implementation method further illustrates the technical solution of this patent.

[0025] An optical communication component suitable for both air and liquid cooling includes an optical chip that generates optical signals in either a transmitting or receiving optical path, an optical lens, an input / output optical port, and an optical fiber ferrule. The transmitting or receiving optical path includes both an air environment optical path and a liquid environment optical path. The curved surface of the optical lens is isolated from the liquid environment, thus creating two operating environments within a single optical path. Since the optical path in the liquid environment is shorter, the optical path where the optical chip, optical lens, and input / output optical port converge is in an air environment, achieving an effective optical communication component for both air and liquid cooling environments. The input / output optical port generally refers to a transmitting cap 6 or a receiving cap 9. The transmitting optical path is generated by an optical emitting device, and the receiving optical path is generated by an optical receiving device. Both the optical emitting and receiving devices contain a planar, transparent solid medium to prevent liquid from contacting the curved surface of the optical lens.

[0026] The optical communication component includes an optical transmitter 2 and / or an optical receiver 5. The optical transmitter 2 includes an optical transmitter chip 1, a transmitter cap 6 with a first lens 3, and an external receiving fiber optic ferrule 5. The transmitter cap 6 has a first planar transparent solid medium 24 at its end furthest from the first lens 3. A second cavity 27, isolated from the outside environment, is provided between the first lens 3 and the receiving detector 4. The optical path between the optical transmitter chip 1 and the first planar transparent solid medium 24 is an air environment, while the path between the first planar transparent solid medium 24 and the external receiving fiber optic ferrule 5 is a liquid environment 15.

[0027] The optical receiver 5 includes a receiver detector 4, a receiver cap 9 with a second lens 26, and an external transmitting fiber optic ferrule 8. The receiver cap 9 has a second planar transparent solid medium 7 at its end furthest from the second lens 26. A first cavity 28, isolated from the outside environment, is provided between the second lens 26 and the optical emitting chip 1. The optical path between the receiver detector 4 and the second planar transparent solid medium 7 is an air environment, while the path between the second planar transparent solid medium 7 and the external transmitting fiber optic ferrule 8 is a liquid environment.

[0028] To further improve the sealing effect, the first planar transparent solid medium 24 is embedded inside the emitter cap 6 and sealed with glue or applied adhesive.

[0029] The second planar transparent solid medium 7 is installed inside the external transmitting fiber ferrule 8 and connected to the receiving cap 9, forming a seal for the receiving cap 9; the external transmitting fiber ferrule 8 has a vent hole 10 on its side, so that when the external ferrule is inserted into the cap space, it will not be difficult to insert smoothly due to poor liquid flow or sealing problems.

[0030] like Figure 5Another optical receiver device shown includes a receiver detector 54, a receiver cap 59 with a third lens 56, and an external transmitting fiber optic ferrule 58. The receiver cap 59 is made entirely of transparent resin and connected to the third lens 56. In this type of optical receiver device, the optical path between the receiver detector 54 and the third lens 56 is in an air environment. Because the receiver cap 59 is made entirely of transparent material, the convergence of the optical path is completed inside the receiver cap 59 and is not affected by the external liquid cooling environment, thus realizing an effective optical communication component in both air and liquid cooling environments.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown in Embodiment 1, its structure differs from the above-described embodiments of the present invention in that the curved surface 61 of the optical lens 66 faces the optical chip 64, and the optical path is effectively converged to the external receiving optical fiber ferrule 68 through the air. This structure, because the curved surface 61 of the optical lens 66 faces the optical chip 64, avoids the influence of the liquid environment on the curved surface 61, and improves the transmission performance of the optical signal of the optical communication component.

[0032] like Figure 7 As shown in Embodiment 2, its structure differs from that of Embodiment 1 in that the other side of the optical lens 66 relative to the curved surface 61 directly forms an integral planar transparent solid medium inside the transmitting tube cap 6. The length of the planar transparent solid medium is close to the length of the light path convergence, so that the light path in the liquid environment outside the planar transparent solid medium can still converge the light signal to the external receiving fiber optic ferrule 68.

[0033] The optical communication component of the present invention can be used in the optical components of array optical devices.

[0034] The preferred embodiments of this patent have been described in detail above. However, this patent is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this patent.

Claims

1. An optical communication component that can be cooled by both air and liquid, comprising an optical chip for generating optical signals in a transmitting or receiving optical path, an optical lens, and an optical fiber ferrule, characterized in that: The transmitted or received optical path includes an air environment optical path and a liquid environment optical path; the curved surface of the optical lens is isolated from the liquid environment; the transmitted optical path is formed by the optical emitting device (2), and the received optical path is formed by the optical receiving device (5); both the optical emitting device (2) and the optical receiving device (5) are equipped with a planar transparent solid medium to prevent liquid from contacting the curved surface of the optical lens; the optical receiving device (5) includes a receiving detector (4), a receiving cap (9) with a second lens (26), and an external transmitting fiber ferrule (8); the receiving cap (9) has a second planar transparent solid medium (7) at the end away from the second lens (26); a first cavity (28) is provided between the second lens (26) and the optical emitting chip (1) to isolate it from the outside world. The optical emitting device (2) includes an optical emitting chip (1), an emitting cap (6) with a first lens (3), and an external receiving optical fiber ferrule. The emitting cap (6) has a first planar transparent solid medium (24) at the end away from the first lens (3). A second cavity (27) is provided between the first lens (3) and the receiving detector (4) to isolate it from the outside world. The first planar light-transmitting solid medium (24) is embedded inside the transmitting tube cap (6) and sealed with glue. The optical path between the optical emitting chip (1) and the first planar transparent solid medium (24) is an air environment, and the optical path between the first planar transparent solid medium (24) and the external receiving optical fiber ferrule is a liquid environment (15). The optical path between the receiving detector (4) and the second planar transparent solid medium (7) is an air environment, and the optical path between the second planar transparent solid medium (7) and the external transmitting fiber optic ferrule (8) is a liquid environment.

2. The optical communication component that can be used for both air and liquid cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second planar transparent solid medium (7) is installed inside the external transmitting fiber ferrule (8) and connected to the receiving cap (9), forming a seal for the receiving cap (9); the external transmitting fiber ferrule (8) has a vent hole (10) on its side.

3. The optical communication component that can be used for both air and liquid cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curved surface of the optical lens faces the light-emitting chip, and the other side of the curved surface of the optical lens is provided with a planar transparent solid medium. The length of the planar transparent solid medium is close to the length of the light path convergence.

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