Optical device

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical device. The optical device comprises an optical fiber array and an optical accessory set. The optical fiber array comprises a shared channel and a plurality of partial wave channels which are arranged in parallel, and the optical fiber array is provided with a first surface from an overlook angle. The set of optical accessories is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array. The optical accessory group comprises a lens array, a filter layer, a spacing layer, a Z block and a prism. The lens array and the filter layer are arranged on the same side of the optical fiber array. The lens array is attached to the filter layer. A spacer layer is attached to the first surface of the fiber array. The Z block is attached to a side of the filter layer away from the lens layer. A prism is attached to a side of the Z-block opposite the filter layer and is optically aligned with the shared channel of the fiber array and a first partial channel of the plurality of partial channels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device, and more particularly to a multiplexing / demultiplexing (MUX / DEMUX) device. Background Art

[0002] Minimizing optical loss is crucial to improving the performance of optical devices. Many factors are related to optical loss, such as alignment, aberration, contamination, etc. Furthermore, the size of the optical device also affects the application of the optical device. Therefore, improving performance and miniaturization are important issues in this field. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention discloses an optical device, comprising an optical fiber array and an optical accessory set. The optical fiber array comprises a common channel and a plurality of split-wave channels arranged in parallel in a first direction and extending along a second direction, and the optical fiber array has a first surface when viewed from a top view. The optical accessory set is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array. When viewed from a top view, the first surface forms an angle less than 90 degrees with the common channel of the optical fiber array.

[0004] The present invention discloses an optical device, including an optical fiber array and an optical accessory set. The optical fiber array includes a common channel and a plurality of split-wave channels arranged in parallel, and the optical fiber array has a first surface when viewed from a top view. The optical accessory set is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array, and the optical accessory set includes a lens array and a filter layer arranged on the same side of the optical fiber array. The lens array is attached to the filter layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, the various structures are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of many structures may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity.

[0006] Figure 1 Optical devices according to some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0007] Figure 2a The filter layer, the lens array and the optical fiber array according to a part of some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0008] Figure 2b The filter layer, the lens array and the optical fiber array according to a part of some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0009] Figure 3 Optical devices according to other embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0010] Figure 4 Optical devices according to various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0011] Figure 5 An optical device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features in the provided subject matter are provided for the following description. Examples of components and configurations are described below to simplify the present invention. Of course, these are only examples and are not restrictive. For example, forming a first feature on or above a second feature in the following description may include an embodiment in which the first and second features are directly contacted, and may also include an embodiment in which additional features can be formed between the first and second features so that the first and second features are not directly contacted. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various examples. The purpose of this repetition is simplicity and clarity, and does not itself represent the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0013] Furthermore, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "above," "over," and the like, may be used herein to facilitate describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as illustrated in the figures. Such spatially relative terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative terms used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0014] As used herein, although words such as "first," "second," and "third" describe many elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these words. These words are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from other regions, layers, or sections. Unless the context clearly indicates, the terms such as "first," "second," and "third" used herein do not imply a sequence or order.

[0015] The present invention provides a low-loss, compact MUX / DEMUX device, in which the terminals of the common channel and the split-wavelength channel use the same set of lenses and fiber arrays on the same side. In addition, each optical fiber forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the side surface of the fiber array, which can improve the insertion loss by eliminating aberrations. Compared with the traditional method, the present invention has the design characteristics of low loss, compactness and cost-effectiveness in the field of MUX / DEMUX applications.

[0016] Figure 1An optical device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The optical device 10 is shown in a top view. In some embodiments, the optical device 10 is configured to demultiplex (DEMUX) an optical signal into a plurality of decomposed optical signals. In some embodiments, the optical device 10 is further configured to multiplex (MUX) a plurality of decomposed optical signals into one optical signal. In other words, the optical device 10 may be a MUX / DEMUX device.

[0017] In some conventional methods, the common channel and the split-wave channel are separated on different sides and are composed of lenses and optical fiber arrays of different groups. The cost of this structure is higher because more components and more time are required to assemble. In addition, the conventional MUX / DEMUX device is arranged on a substrate, and the light beam propagates in the free space (freespace) between each component. The component configuration (such as the distance between the components) of the MUX / DEMUX device must be carefully designed to achieve a smaller size. However, the substrate in the MUX / DEMUX device according to the conventional method causes difficulty in miniaturization. Compared with the above method, the optical device 10 provided in the present application is a substrate-free device with a more simplified configuration. Therefore, the optical device 10 is easier to miniaturize than the optical device according to the conventional method, and is more cost-effective.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical device 10 includes a fiber array 100 and an optical accessory group 200 attached to the fiber array 100. Because the fiber array 100 is in direct contact with the optical accessory group 200, there is no free space between the fiber array 100 and the optical accessory group 200. Therefore, the optical device 10 can avoid exposing the side surface of each element therein to contamination. In some embodiments, the optical device 10 is also referred to as a compact multi-channel MUX / DEMUX device.

[0019] The optical fiber array 100 includes common channels C arranged in parallel in the X direction. com And multiple split-wave channels C1~C4, and share channel C com The wave splitting channels C1 to C4 extend along the Y direction. It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of the split-wave channels C1 to C4 shown is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Various numbers of split-wave channels are within the consideration and scope of the present invention.

[0020] The optical fiber array 100 has a surface 100a (or a side surface referred to herein) which is attached to the optical component assembly 200. The surface 100a and the common channel C comAn angle θ1 less than 90 degrees is formed from a top view, thereby reducing the return loss of the optical signal and improving the insertion loss by eliminating aberrations. The X direction is orthogonal to the Y direction, and the surface 100a is perpendicular to the plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. In some embodiments, like all other side surfaces of the spacer layer 210, the optical fiber array 100, the lens array 220, etc., the side surface 100a is perpendicular to the common bottom of the optical device 10, rather than forming an inclined angle therebetween.

[0021] Since the optical device 10 can perform MUX and DEMUX operations, the common channel C com The transmitted optical signal is hereinafter referred to as a MUX signal, and the optical signal transmitted through the wavelength division channels C1 to C4 is hereinafter referred to as a DEMUX signal for ease of understanding.

[0022] When the optical fiber array 100 is used as a DEMUX device, it is configured to transmit the optical fiber to the optical fiber array 100 through the common channel C. com When the optical fiber array 100 is used as a MUX device, it is configured to receive the DXMUX signal through the terminals of the demultiplexing channels C1 to C4, and is configured to output the DEMUX signal from the terminals of the common channel C1 to C4. com The terminal outputs the MUX signal.

[0023] The optical component assembly 200 includes a spacer layer 210, a lens array 220, a filter layer 230, a Z-block 240, and a prism 250. One side of the spacer layer 210 is attached to the surface 100a of the optical fiber array 100; one side of the lens array 220 is attached to the spacer layer 210 and is opposite to the optical fiber array 100; one side of the filter layer 230 is attached to the lens array 220 and is opposite to the spacer layer 210; one side of the Z-block 240 is attached to the filter layer 230 and is opposite to the lens array 220; and the prism 250 is attached to the Z-block 240 and is opposite to the filter layer 230. Figure 1 As shown, the optical fiber array 100, the spacer layer 210, the lens array 220, the filter layer 230, the Z block 240 and the prism 250 are all attached together. In other words, the optical path of the MUX and / or DEMUX signals in the optical device 10 (in Figure 1 The dotted line in FIG. 4 does not pass through free space.

[0024] The spacer layer 210 includes a material that is transparent to the MUX and / or DEMUX signals, such as glass. In some embodiments, the width W of the spacer layer 210 is designed according to the focal length of the lens array 220 to balance the optical path lengths of all channels. In some embodiments, the spacer layer 210 has a uniform width W along its major dimension, such as Figure 1In some other embodiments, the width W of the spacer layer 210 may be gradually tapered along its main dimension according to the required optical path length of each channel, such as in the subsequent Figure 4 as shown in .

[0025] The lens array 220 includes a lens array corresponding to the common channel C com The filter layer 230 includes filters 231 to 235 corresponding to the lenses 221 to 225. More specifically, the filter 231 is connected to the lens 221 and the common channel C1 to C4. com The filters 232 to 235 are aligned with the lenses 222 to 225 and the demultiplexing channels C1 to C4, respectively. When used as a MUX device, the lenses 222 to 225 are configured to optically align the DEMUX signal with the filters 232 to 235, respectively. When used as a DEMUX device, the lens 221 is configured to optically align the MUX signal with the filter 231. In other words, the lens 221 is configured to collimate the MUX signal to the filter 231, and the lenses 222 to 225 are configured to collimate the DEMUX signal to the filters 232 to 235, respectively.

[0026] The filters 231 to 235 are divided into two types. The filters 232 to 235 are of the first type and have passbands corresponding to the split-wave channels C1 to C4. The passbands of the filters 232 to 235 are different from each other. The filter 231 is of the second type, and its passband covers all the passbands of the filters 232 to 235, or is just a transparent partition. In some embodiments, the filter 231 includes a polarizer. In other embodiments, the filter 231 includes a Faraday rotator.

[0027] In some embodiments, the filter 230 is called a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) film or a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) film, depending on the application scenario.

[0028] When acting as a MUX device, the Z block 240 is configured to receive the DEMUX signals from the filters 232 to 235 and combine (multiplex) the DEMUX signals into a MUX signal. When acting as a DEMUX device, the Z block 240 is configured to receive the MUX signal through the filter 231 and separate (demultiplex) the MUX signal into a DEMUX signal.

[0029] Prism 250 and common channel C com In some embodiments, the prism 250 is a right angle prism for directing the MUX signal from the filter 231 to the filter 232 , or directing the DEMUX signal from the filter 232 to the filter 231 .

[0030] See also Figure 2aand Figure 2b . Figure 2a The filter layer 230, the lens array 220 and the optical fiber array 100 are illustrated as part of some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2b The filter layer 230, the lens array 220 and the optical fiber array 100 are illustrated as part of some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the common channel C com The angle θ1 between one of the wavelength splitting channels C1-C4 and the surface 220S of the lens array 220 is approximately equal to 90 degrees. In order to achieve a specific propagation angle in the Z block 240, the optical fiber of each channel should be moved a certain distance relative to the optical axis passing through the center of curvature of each lens. This off-axis configuration results in the optical fiber from the common channel C com The light beams of the wavelength division channels C1 to C4 (ie, the MUX signals and / or the DEMUX signals) pass through the peripheral areas of the lenses 221 to 225 at a larger refraction angle, thereby causing additional spherical and coma aberrations. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The embodiment in is described as a DEMUX device, and in Figure 2a and Figure 2b Some elements are omitted (eg, baffle 210 and Z-block 240).

[0031] Compare Figure 2a and Figure 2b In order to maintain a fixed angle θ1' of the light beam leaving the lens array 220 and entering the filter layer 230 (and thus entering the Z block 240), different configurations of the angle θ1 will cause the optical fiber to be aligned to different positions relative to the lens curvature center 220c, which will then lead to different degrees of optical aberration. For example, in Figure 2a In the figure, the angle θ1 is equal to 90 degrees, corresponding to the channel (C com , C1) should be offset by a distance relative to the respective optical axis passing through the center of curvature 220c of each lens to maintain the fixed angle. com The light beams of the input common channel C and the split-wave channel C1 are refracted at a large angle through the peripheral portions of the respective lenses in the lens array 220, thereby causing additional spherical and coma aberrations. com When the optical aberration is large, the collimated light beam will become wider when propagating forward; similarly, when observing the output splitting channel C1, the collimated light beam can be focused when passing through each lens of the lens array 220, but the focused light beam width is not 100% reproducible. Under this connection setting, when the focused light beam width is wider than the mode field diameter of the optical fiber of any of the splitting channels C1 to C4, the coupling efficiency of the splitting channels C1 to C4 is reduced, thereby increasing the insertion loss.

[0032] In order to reduce optical aberrations and reduce insertion loss, Figure 2b The angle θ1 in the common channel C is designed to be substantially the same as the fixed angle θ1' of the light beam emitted from the lens, so that the light beam can pass through the center of curvature 220c of each lens of the lens array 220. com The light beams of the wavelength splitting channel C1 and the wavelength splitting channel C2 pass through the vicinity of the central portion of each lens in the lens array 220 at a smaller or minimum refraction angle, thereby minimizing spherical and coma aberrations. In some embodiments, the angle θ1 is in the range of about 75 degrees to 85 degrees. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insertion loss is at least 0.5 dB lower than that of the conventional method.

[0033] In other embodiments, the angle θ1 is substantially equal to 90 degrees, such as Figure 3 As shown. In this embodiment, the optical component assembly 200 includes a spacer layer 210, a lens array 220, a filter layer 230, a Z-block 240, and a prism 250. One side of the spacer layer 210 is attached to the surface 100a of the optical fiber array 100; one side of the lens array 220 is attached to the spacer layer 210 and is opposite to the optical fiber array 100; one side of the filter layer 230 is attached to the lens array 220 and is opposite to the spacer layer 210; one side of the Z-block 240 is attached to the filter layer 230 and is opposite to the lens array 220; and the prism 250 is attached to the Z-block 240 and is opposite to the filter layer 230. As shown Figure 3 As shown, the optical fiber array 100, the spacer layer 210, the lens array 220, the filter layer 230, the Z block 240 and the prism 250 are all attached together. In other words, the optical path of the MUX and / or DEMUX signals in the optical device 10 does not pass through free space. In addition, the optical device 10 can avoid the exposed sides of each component therein from being contaminated, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the optical device and allows the optical device 10 to not require a common substrate.

[0034] refer to Figure 4 In various embodiments, the side 210a of the spacer layer 210 attached to the optical fiber array 100 is not parallel to the side 210b of the spacer layer 210 attached to the lens array 220. The side 210a and the side 210b form an angle θ2 greater than 0 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ2 is designed to optimize the working distance of a pair of input and output collimators, that is, (1) the common channel C com and (2) a collimator consisting of the demultiplexing channels C1 to C4 and their respective lenses 222 to 225 to minimize the optical coupling misalignment and reduce the insertion loss of the MUX signal and / or DEMUX signal.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 . Figure 5An optical device 50 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Similar to the optical device 10, the optical device 50 includes a fiber array 100, a spacer layer 210, a lens array 220, a filter layer 230, a Z block 240, and a prism 250. Compared with the optical device 10, the fiber array 100 of the optical device 50 is a two-dimensional fiber array 100. The two-dimensional fiber array 100 includes a common channel C com and split-wave channels C1 to C4, including common channel C com1 And split wave channels C5~C8.

[0036] Common channel C com1 Similar to common channel C com , and the split channels C5 to C8 are similar to the split channels C1 to C4. Therefore, the common channel C is not described in detail here. com1 And the details of the split-wave channels C5 to C8.

[0037] The optical device 50 is also a substrate-less configuration, and is arranged on any optical fiber (or common channel C com , C com1 The angle θ1 between the wavelength separation channels C1-C8 and the side of the spacer layer 210 facing the optical fiber array 100 is less than 90 degrees to reduce the insertion loss.

[0038] In one embodiment, an optical device is provided. The optical device includes an optical fiber array and an optical accessory group. The optical fiber array includes a common channel and a plurality of split-wave channels arranged in parallel in a first direction and extending along a second direction, and the optical fiber array has a first surface when viewed from a top view. The optical accessory group is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array. When viewed from a top view, the first surface forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the common channel of the optical fiber array.

[0039] In another embodiment, an optical device is provided. The optical device includes an optical fiber array and an optical component group. The optical fiber array includes a common channel and a plurality of split-wave channels arranged in parallel, and the optical fiber array has a first surface when viewed from a top view. The optical component group is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array, and the optical component group includes a lens array and a filter layer arranged on the same side of the optical fiber array. The lens array is attached to the filter layer.

[0040] The above summarizes the structure of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand the various aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can easily use the present invention as a basis for designing or modifying other operations and structures to achieve the same purpose and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0041]

Explanation of symbols

[0042] 10: Optical Devices

[0043] 50: Optical Devices

[0044] 100:Fiber Array

[0045] 100a: Surface

[0046] 200: Optical accessories set

[0047] 210: Spacer layer

[0048] 210a: Side

[0049] 210b: Side

[0050] 220: Lens array

[0051] 220c: Center of curvature

[0052] 220S: Surface

[0053] 221: Lens

[0054] 222: Lens

[0055] 223: Lens

[0056] 224: Lens

[0057] 225: Lens

[0058] 230: filter layer

[0059] 231: Filter

[0060] 232: Filter

[0061] 233: Filter

[0062] 234: Filter

[0063] 235: Filter

[0064] 240:Z-block

[0065] 250: Prism

[0066] C1: Wavelength splitting channel

[0067] C2: Wavelength Channel

[0068] C3: Wavelength Channel

[0069] C4: Wavelength Channel

[0070] C5: Wavelength Channel

[0071] C6: Wavelength Channel

[0072] C7: Wavelength Channel

[0073] C8: Wavelength Channel

[0074] C com :Shared channel

[0075] C com1 :Shared channel

[0076] W: Width

[0077] θ1: Angle

[0078] θ1': Angle

[0079] θ2: Angle

Claims

1. An optical device, comprising: An optical fiber array includes a common channel and a plurality of wave splitting channels arranged in parallel, and the optical fiber array has a first surface when viewed from a top view; as well as An optical component set is coupled to the first surface of the optical fiber array, and the optical component set includes: a lens array and a filter layer, the lens array and the filter layer are disposed on the same side of the optical fiber array, wherein the lens array is attached to the filter layer; a spacer layer attached to the first surface of the optical fiber array; a Z block attached to a side of the filter layer away from the lens layer; and A prism is attached to a side of the Z block opposite to the filter layer and is optically aligned with the common channel of the optical fiber array and a first split-wave channel of the plurality of split-wave channels.

2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the shared channel and the plurality of split-wave channels are arranged along a first direction and extend along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein: From the top view, an angle formed by the first surface of the optical fiber array and the shared channel is less than 90 degrees.

3. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the first surface is perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction.

4. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the filter layer comprises: A plurality of first type filters, comprising a plurality of passbands corresponding to the plurality of wavelength separation channels, wherein the plurality of passbands are different from each other; as well as A second type of filter is disposed to align with the common channel of the optical fiber array.

5. The optical device of claim 4, wherein the second type filter comprises an isolator.

6. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber array comprises a two-dimensional optical fiber array.

7. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the first surface and the common channel of the optical fiber array is in a range between about 75 degrees and 85 degrees.

8. An optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical accessory assembly is configured to receive a multiplexed MUX signal through the shared channel of the optical fiber array, and demultiplex the MUX signal to output a plurality of demultiplexed DEMUX signals to the plurality of demultiplexed channels of the optical fiber array, or to receive a plurality of DEMUX signals from the plurality of demultiplexed channels of the optical fiber array, and multiplex the plurality of DEMUX signals to output the MUX signal to the shared channel of the optical fiber array.

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