Pluggable multichannel passive optical device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a pluggable multichannel passive optical device and a manufacturing method thereof.The pluggable multichannel passive optical device comprises two pluggable modules and a bridging outer tube, each pluggable module comprises a ceramic ferrule, a multi-core optical fiber, a bridging tube and a lens, the ceramic ferrule is provided with a capillary hole in a penetrating mode, the multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the capillary hole and located on the ceramic ferrule, and the bridging tube is arranged on the bridging tube. A bridging hole is formed in the bridging pipe in a penetrating mode in the light path direction, the ceramic ferrule and the lens are opposite and fixedly assembled in the bridging hole, the multi-core optical fiber and the ceramic ferrule form a butt joint end face, and the first lens and the second lens are opposite and located in the bridging outer pipe. According to the scheme, the high-precision machinability and stability of ceramic are utilized, the position of the optical fiber in the ferrule is fixed and is not affected by the external environment, the plugging convenience and durability are improved through the design of the ceramic ferrule, and the passive optical device can be more conveniently connected with other equipment in a plugging mode through the arrangement of the butt joint end faces at the two ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a pluggable multi-channel passive optical device and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In optical communication systems, with the surge in data transmission, the demand for multi-fiber structures is growing. However, the traditional industry's dual-core or quad-core capillary method of fixing optical fibers has obvious deficiencies in the precise control of the fiber core pitch, which directly limits the production and application of pluggable devices. Slight deviations in the fiber core pitch may cause problems such as signal crosstalk and increased loss, seriously affecting communication quality.

[0003] In addition, existing multi-channel optical devices generally have pigtails, which often require fiber fusion splicing when used for connection, making it impossible to achieve flexible plug-in and unplug use, and it is also impossible to flexibly insert some optical devices into the spatial optical path to improve the functionality of the device. Summary of the invention

[0004] A first object of the present invention is to provide a pluggable multi-channel passive optical device.

[0005] The second object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the above passive optical device.

[0006] In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the present invention provides a pluggable multi-channel passive optical device, including a first pluggable module, a second pluggable module and a bridging outer tube; the first pluggable module includes a first ceramic ferrule, a first multi-core optical fiber, a first bridging tube and a first lens, the first ceramic ferrule is provided with a first capillary hole along the optical path direction, the first multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the first capillary hole, the first end of the first multi-core optical fiber is located on the first end of the first ceramic ferrule, the second end of the first multi-core optical fiber is located on the second end of the first ceramic ferrule, the first bridging tube is provided with a first bridging hole along the optical path direction, the first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are opposite and fixedly assembled in the first bridging hole, and the second end of the first multi-core optical fiber and the second end of the first ceramic ferrule form a first butt end face; the second pluggable module The optical fiber comprises a second ceramic ferrule, a second multi-core optical fiber, a second bridge tube and a second lens. The second ceramic ferrule is provided with a second capillary hole along the optical path direction, the second multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the second capillary hole, the first end of the second multi-core optical fiber is located on the first end of the second ceramic ferrule, the second end of the second multi-core optical fiber is located on the second end of the second ceramic ferrule, the second bridge tube is provided with a second bridging hole along the optical path direction, the first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are opposite and fixedly assembled in the second bridging hole, the second end of the second multi-core optical fiber and the second end of the second ceramic ferrule form a second butt end face; the bridging outer tube is provided with a mounting hole along the optical path direction, the second end of the first lens is opposite to the second end of the second lens and is located in the mounting hole, the first bridge tube and the second bridge tube are fixedly assembled in the mounting hole.

[0007] A further solution is that a position mark is provided on the second end of the first ceramic ferrule and / or the second end of the second ceramic ferrule.

[0008] A further solution is that the first ceramic ferrule is provided with two or more first capillary holes, and each first capillary hole is provided with a first multi-core optical fiber.

[0009] A further solution is that the second ceramic ferrule is provided with two or more second capillary holes, and each second capillary hole is provided with a second multi-core optical fiber.

[0010] A further solution is that the first butting end face is configured as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face.

[0011] A further solution is that the second butting end face is configured as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face.

[0012] A further solution is that the first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are inclined relative to each other.

[0013] A further solution is that the first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are inclined relative to each other.

[0014] A further solution is that the passive optical device also includes a functional device, including but not limited to a dichroic plate, a filter, a splitter, a wave plate, an isolator, a circulator or a WDM device, and the functional device is located in the mounting hole, and the functional device is located between the second end of the first lens and the second end of the second lens.

[0015] In order to achieve the second objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a passive optical device as described above, the manufacturing method comprising: The first multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the first capillary hole of the first ceramic ferrule, and the second multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the second capillary hole of the second ceramic ferrule; The first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are fixedly assembled opposite to each other in the first bridging hole; The first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are fixedly assembled opposite to each other in the second bridging hole; The first bridge tube and the second bridge tube are fixedly assembled in the mounting hole, and the second end of the first lens is opposite to the second end of the second lens and is located in the mounting hole.

[0016] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that a plurality of single-mode or multi-mode fiber cores are integrated inside the multi-core optical fiber, and the cores are precisely maintained at a fixed core distance through precise processes, which fundamentally solves the problem of difficult control of the core distance, and utilizes the high-precision processability and stability of ceramic materials to fix the position of the optical fiber in the ferrule and is not affected by the external environment. The design of the ceramic ferrule also takes into account the convenience and durability of plugging and unplugging, and through the setting of the docking end faces at both ends, the passive optical device can be more conveniently plugged and unplugged with other devices. Combining the above-mentioned combination of multi-core optical fiber and precision ceramic ferrule, a pluggable device structure is designed. This structure allows the user to use different functional modules without interrupting the operation of the system, and can realize rapid function replacement or upgrade of optical fiber modules, thereby improving the flexibility and maintenance efficiency of the system. And the marks can be used to indicate the exact position of the optical fiber, as well as different end face types, so as to facilitate fast, accurate and efficient alignment during the docking process.

[0017] In addition, pluggable devices will greatly simplify the assembly of optical modules, eliminating the need for the use of a fusion splicer to weld the components in existing optical modules, as well as the need for complex wiring and fiber coiling operations for the excess optical fibers of the devices. Since pluggable devices do not have tail optical fibers, the internal structure of the optical module will be simpler and the optical path will be simpler and clearer. And because the devices are pluggable, it will bring great convenience when troubleshooting and rework and repair. Pluggable devices will greatly reduce the assembly process of optical modules, thereby realizing the automated production of optical modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a first ceramic ferrule in an embodiment of a passive optical device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the second ceramic ferrule in the passive optical device embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a first plug-in module in an embodiment of a passive optical device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a second plug-in module in an embodiment of a passive optical device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a passive optical device embodiment of the present invention The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The method for manufacturing the passive optical device of this case comprises the following steps, referring to Figure 1 First, a first ceramic ferrule 1 is manufactured. The first ceramic ferrule 1 is provided with a first capillary hole along the optical path direction X. The first multi-core optical fiber 12 is provided with four fiber cores 121. The first multi-core optical fiber 12 is arranged in the first capillary hole of the first ceramic ferrule 1. The first end of the first multi-core optical fiber 12 is located on the first end 101 of the first ceramic ferrule 1. The second end of the first multi-core optical fiber 12 is located on the second end 102 of the first ceramic ferrule 1. The second end of the first multi-core optical fiber 12 and the second end 102 of the first ceramic ferrule 1 form a first butt joint end face, and the first butt joint end face is polished to be a UPC end face.

[0024] A position mark 13 is provided on the second end 102 of the first ceramic ferrule 1. The position mark 13 can be marked by CO2 laser or other high-precision laser technology. The position mark 13 is used to indicate the exact position of the optical fiber, which is convenient for fast and accurate alignment during the docking process. The laser mark is durable and not easy to wear, which ensures the alignment accuracy in long-term use.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 Then, a second ceramic ferrule 2 is manufactured. The second ceramic ferrule 2 is provided with two second capillary holes along the optical path direction X. The second multi-core optical fiber 22 is provided with two fiber cores 221. The second multi-core optical fiber 22 is provided in the second capillary hole of the second ceramic ferrule 2. The first end of the second multi-core optical fiber 22 is located on the first end 201 of the second ceramic ferrule 2, and the second end of the second multi-core optical fiber 22 is located on the second end 202 of the second ceramic ferrule 2. The second end of the second multi-core optical fiber 22 and the second end 202 of the second ceramic ferrule 2 form a second butt end face, and the second butt end face is polished to be a UPC end face.

[0026] Reference Figure 3 , and then make a first plug-in module, the first plug-in module includes a first ceramic ferrule 1, a first multi-core optical fiber 12, a first bridge tube 31 and a first lens 32, the first bridge tube 31 is provided with a first bridge hole along the optical path direction X, the first end 101 of the first ceramic ferrule 1 and the first end 321 of the first lens 32 are opposite and fixedly assembled in the first bridge hole, the first end 101 of the first ceramic ferrule 1 and the first end 321 of the first lens 32 are opposite to each other at an angle, and the first lens 32 preferably adopts a self-focusing lens (Glens). The passive optical device also includes a functional device 41. In this embodiment, the functional device 41 adopts a two-color plate, and the two-color plate is connected to the second end 322 of the first lens 32. By adjusting the distance between the first ceramic ferrule 1 and the first lens 32, monitoring with an optical power meter, after debugging, even if the fiber core is located at the focal position of the lens, the first ceramic ferrule 1, the first bridge tube 31 and the first lens 32 are fixed together with glass solder or glue.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 Then, a second plug-in module is manufactured, which includes a second ceramic ferrule 2, a second multi-core optical fiber 22, a second bridge tube 33 and a second lens 34. The second bridge tube 33 is provided with a second bridge hole along the optical path direction X. The first end 201 of the second ceramic ferrule 2 and the first end 341 of the second lens 34 are opposite and fixedly assembled in the second bridge hole. The first end 201 of the second ceramic ferrule 2 and the first end 341 of the second lens 34 are opposite to each other at an angle. The second lens 34 can be a C lens or a self-focusing lens (Glens). By adjusting the distance between the second ceramic ferrule 2 and the second lens 34, an optical power meter is used for monitoring. After debugging, even if the fiber core is located at the focal position of the lens, the second ceramic ferrule 2, the second bridge tube 33 and the second lens 34 are fixed together with glass solder or glue.

[0028] Reference Figure 5 Finally, the passive optical device is assembled. The passive optical device includes a first plug-in module, a second plug-in module and a bridge outer tube 42. The bridge outer tube 42 is provided with a mounting hole along the optical path direction X. The second end 322 of the first lens 32 is opposite to the second end 342 of the second lens 34 and is located in the mounting hole. The first bridge tube 31, the functional device 41 and the second bridge tube 33 are fixedly assembled in the mounting hole. The functional device 41 is located between the second end 322 of the first lens 32 and the second end 342 of the second lens 34.

[0029] The light of the transmission wavelength enters from the fiber core 1 and the fiber core 2, passes through the self-focusing lens, is collimated, input to the dichroic plate, passes through the C lens, and finally input to the second multi-core optical fiber 22. By adjusting the reflection and collimation angles of the dichroic plate and monitoring with a power meter, the optical paths of 1-4, 2-3, 1-6, and 2-5 can be realized, and finally the bridge outer tube 42, the first bridge tube 31, and the second bridge tube 33 can be fixed together with glass solder or glue. The first butt end face and the second butt end face of the above-mentioned passive optical device can be plug-in connected with other optical devices, and the pluggable device structure is used. This structure allows the user to quickly replace or upgrade the optical module without interrupting the operation of the system, thereby improving the flexibility and maintenance efficiency of the system.

[0030] Of course, the above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present case. In specific applications, there may be more variations. For example, a position mark may be provided on the second end 202 of the second ceramic ferrule 2, which may also realize position calibration. The first multi-core optical fiber and the second multi-core optical fiber may be provided with two or more cores according to the actual application situation, and according to the requirements of the docking end face, the first docking end face may be provided as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face, and the second docking end face may be provided as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face. Furthermore, the functional devices may be provided according to the requirements of different optical path applications, including but not limited to filters, beam splitters, wave plates, isolators, circulators or WDM devices, and there are various ways to install the functional devices.

[0031] As can be seen from the above, a multi-core optical fiber integrates multiple single-mode or multi-mode fiber cores. Through precise processing, the fiber cores can accurately maintain a fixed core distance, fundamentally solving the problem of difficult to control the core distance. The high-precision processability and stability of ceramic materials are used to fix the position of the optical fiber in the ferrule and is not affected by the external environment. The design of the ceramic ferrule also takes into account the convenience and durability of plugging and unplugging. Through the setting of the docking end faces at both ends, passive optical devices can be more conveniently plugged and unplugged with other devices.

Claims

1. A pluggable multi-channel passive optical device, characterized in that: It includes a first plug-in module, a second plug-in module and a bridge outer tube; The first plug-in module comprises a first ceramic ferrule, a first multi-core optical fiber, a first bridge tube and a first lens, wherein the first ceramic ferrule is provided with a first capillary hole along the optical path direction, the first multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the first capillary hole, the first end of the first multi-core optical fiber is located on the first end of the first ceramic ferrule, the second end of the first multi-core optical fiber is located on the second end of the first ceramic ferrule, the first bridge tube is provided with a first bridge hole along the optical path direction, the first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are opposite and fixedly assembled in the first bridge hole, and the second end of the first multi-core optical fiber and the second end of the first ceramic ferrule form a first butt end face; The second plug-in module comprises a second ceramic ferrule, a second multi-core optical fiber, a second bridge tube and a second lens, the second ceramic ferrule is provided with a second capillary hole along the optical path, the second multi-core optical fiber is arranged in the second capillary hole, the first end of the second multi-core optical fiber is located on the first end of the second ceramic ferrule, the second end of the second multi-core optical fiber is located on the second end of the second ceramic ferrule, the second bridge tube is provided with a second bridge hole along the optical path, the first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are opposite and fixedly assembled in the second bridge hole, and the second end of the second multi-core optical fiber and the second end of the second ceramic ferrule form a second butt end face; The bridge outer tube is penetrated with a mounting hole along the optical path direction, the second end of the first lens is opposite to the second end of the second lens and is located in the mounting hole, and the first bridge tube and the second bridge tube are fixedly assembled in the mounting hole.

2. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A position mark is provided on the second end of the first ceramic ferrule and / or the second end of the second ceramic ferrule.

3. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first multi-core optical fiber is provided with two or more cores.

4. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second multi-core optical fiber is provided with two or more cores.

5. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first butt joint end face is configured as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face.

6. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second butting end face is configured as a PC end face, a UPC end face or an APC end face.

7. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are inclined relative to each other.

8. The passive optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are inclined relative to each other.

9. The passive optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The passive optical device also includes a functional device, which includes but is not limited to a dichroic plate, a filter, a beam splitter, a wave plate, an isolator, a circulator or a WDM device. The functional device is located in the mounting hole and between the second end of the first lens and the second end of the second lens.

10. The method for manufacturing a passive optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The production method comprises: Disposing the first multi-core optical fiber in the first capillary hole of the first ceramic ferrule, and disposing the second multi-core optical fiber in the second capillary hole of the second ceramic ferrule; The first end of the first ceramic ferrule and the first end of the first lens are fixedly assembled opposite to each other in the first bridging hole; The first end of the second ceramic ferrule and the first end of the second lens are opposite to and fixedly assembled in the second bridging hole; The first bridge tube and the second bridge tube are fixedly assembled in the mounting hole, and the second end of the first lens is opposite to the second end of the second lens and is located in the mounting hole.

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