Optical module wave division component and optical module

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical module wave division assembly and an optical module, the optical module wave division assembly comprises a shell, a fused biconical taper optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure are arranged in the shell, the fused biconical taper optical splitter comprises at least one input end optical fiber and a plurality of output end optical fibers, the output end optical fibers are fixed on the optical fiber array structure, and the optical fiber array structure is fixed on the input end optical fiber. The end part of the optical fiber array structure is provided with a turning prism for refracting an optical signal by 90 degrees, a plurality of thin film optical filters are arranged below the turning prism, the thin film optical filters and the output end optical fibers are arranged in a one-to-one mapping manner, and the wavelengths of any two thin film optical filters are different. Wavelength can be separated through independent channels to realize wave separation and wave combination functions, and due to the fact that each path of wavelength is independent and is not interfered by other paths of wavelengths, the signal transmission quality is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical modules, and in particular to an optical module wavelength division component and an optical module. Background Art

[0002] With the advent of the digital age, the Internet industry is booming, which has directly led to the continued growth in demand for network communication equipment. As an important part of network communication equipment, optical modules are also constantly innovating and developing to meet the growing market demand. At the same time, the rapid rise of new-generation information technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data has greatly increased the demand for computing power, thereby accelerating the construction of cloud computing infrastructure. This trend has led to an increasing demand for high-speed optical modules such as 200G, 400G, 800G, and even 1.6T.

[0003] With the large-scale application of data centers and AI, there is an urgent need for a stable, miniaturized, integrated optical module wavelength division component that can be quickly assembled and used. By developing a miniaturized, integrated, independent channel wavelength division component, the optical path transmission signal can be made more stable. However, there are many problems with existing wavelength division components. Some wavelength division components are composed of a single device cascaded by optical fiber fusion splicing, resulting in a large volume. Others use free space coupling technology to integrate various channels, resulting in the latter wavelength channel being affected by the previous wavelength channel, making optical path coupling difficult, and the failure of one signal offset will cause the subsequent channels to fail. There are also some methods that use waveguide gratings to achieve wavelength division functions, but their channel spacing isolation is poor, and the wavelength is easily affected by temperature to cause the center wavelength drift, causing signal distortion.

[0004] At present, there have been some attempts at related technologies. For example, the Chinese patent "A combined optical splitter and manufacturing process" discloses a combined optical splitter, including a box body, wherein a fused tapered optical splitter is provided inside the box body, and the optical splitter includes an input optical fiber, an output optical fiber, and a monitoring optical fiber, and these optical fibers intersect at a fiber melting point. The output optical fiber is connected to a first optical fiber array board, and the array board is connected to an optical planar waveguide chip, and the optical planar waveguide chip is connected to a second optical fiber array board, and a plurality of optical fiber output channels are formed on the second optical fiber array board. However, this device cannot output optical signals of different wavelengths.

[0005] In summary, the current technology still has many limitations and cannot fully meet the requirements of high-speed, stable, and miniaturized optical module wavelength division components. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a new wavelength division component that can overcome the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical module wavelength division component and an optical module in view of the technical defects existing in the prior art, which can separate the wavelengths through independent channels to realize the functions of wavelength division and wavelength combination. Since each wavelength is independent and not affected by other wavelengths, the quality of signal transmission is better. At the same time, the coupler branch layout is more flexible, and the number of input and output ports can be flexibly selected according to actual applications, which is more cost-effective.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: the present invention discloses an optical module wavelength division component, including a shell, in which a fused tapered optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure are arranged, the fused tapered optical splitter includes at least one input optical fiber and multiple output optical fibers, the output optical fibers are fixed on the optical fiber array structure, and a turning prism for refracting an optical signal by 90° is arranged at the end of the optical fiber array structure, and multiple thin film filters are arranged below the turning prism, the thin film filters are arranged in a one-to-one mapping manner with the output optical fibers, and the wavelengths of any two thin film filters are different.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shell includes a base and a cover plate, the base is provided with a first through groove penetrating along the X-axis direction, and the first through groove is provided with a fused tapered optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mounting seat is arranged in the first through-groove, a second through-groove penetrating along the X-axis direction is arranged in the mounting seat, and the fused-tapered optical splitter is arranged in the second through-groove.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second through-groove is filled with UV glue, and the fused-tapered optical splitter is fixed in the second through-groove by the UV glue.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interface shape of the first through-groove is an arc shape.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interface shape of the second through-groove is an arc shape.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of heat dissipation grooves extending along the Z-axis direction are arranged on the side wall of the base.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base includes but is not limited to a glass base, and the cover plate includes but is not limited to a glass cover plate.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, micro air channels for forming natural convection are arranged around the second through-groove in the mounting seat.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting seat includes but is not limited to a quartz stone mounting seat.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the turning prism is a triangular prism, and the cross-sectional shape of the turning prism is a right triangle.

[0018] The invention also discloses an optical module, comprising an optical module wavelength division component.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the optical module wavelength division component proposed by the present invention has multiple significant advantages. First, the component adopts an innovative combination of a fused tapered optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure, which effectively solves the problem of excessive volume in the prior art and achieves high integration and miniaturization. Secondly, by setting a turning prism at the end of the optical fiber array structure, the optical signal is cleverly refracted 90°, which not only optimizes the optical path design, but also greatly improves the space utilization.

[0020] More importantly, the present invention sets a plurality of thin film filters under the turning prism, each filter is mapped one by one to the output optical fiber, and the wavelengths are different. This design greatly enhances the functionality of the wavelength division component, enabling it to effectively separate optical signals of different wavelengths, solving the problem that the output of optical signals of different wavelengths cannot be realized in the prior art. At the same time, this structure also significantly improves the isolation between channels, reduces signal crosstalk, and ensures the stability and reliability of optical signal transmission.

[0021] In addition, several preferred embodiments of the present invention further enhance the performance and reliability of the assembly. For example, the use of a glass base and cover, and a quartz mounting base, not only improves the durability of the assembly, but also facilitates heat dissipation and temperature stability. The arc-shaped through-groove design and UV glue fixing method further optimize the optical fiber layout and fixing effect, and improve the overall stability of the assembly.

[0022] The optical module wavelength division component of the present invention not only overcomes many limitations in the prior art, but also achieves a number of technical breakthroughs such as high integration, miniaturization, multi-wavelength separation, and high stability. These advantages enable the component to better meet the needs of high-speed optical modules, and is particularly suitable for scenarios such as data centers and AI applications that require high quality of optical signal transmission. At the same time, its innovative design also lays the foundation for the development of higher-speed optical modules in the future, and has important practical value and broad market prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a heat sink of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention assembled on a module circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0024] Embodiment 1: like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an optical module wavelength division component for high-speed optical communication. The component is mainly composed of a housing, a fused taper optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure, and can achieve efficient separation and transmission of multi-wavelength optical signals.

[0025] The housing is composed of a base 5 and a cover plate 11 made of glass. This material selection not only ensures the durability of the component, but also facilitates heat dissipation and temperature stability. It should be noted that the materials of the base 5 and the cover plate 11 include but are not limited to glass. A first through groove is provided along the X-axis on the base 5, and its interface is in an arc shape. This design is conducive to the stable arrangement and protection of the optical fiber.

[0026] A plurality of heat dissipation slots 51 extending along the Z axis are arranged on the side wall of the base 5, and the heat dissipation slots 51 are arranged at equal intervals along the X axis. The design of the heat dissipation slots 51 can make it have better heat dissipation performance.

[0027] In the first through groove, a mounting seat 3 made of quartz is first placed. Quartz is selected because it has excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. A second through groove is arranged inside the mounting seat 3 along the X-axis, which is also in an arc shape and is used to accommodate the fused tapered optical splitter.

[0028] The fused taper optical splitter is one of the core components of this component. It includes an input optical fiber 2, multiple output optical fibers and a fused taper area 4. In this embodiment, the present invention adopts a 1*4 structure, that is, one input end is connected to four output ends, and the input optical fiber 2 is connected to the optical interface 1 of the optical module. During the production process, the four optical fibers are first drawn through a professional fused taper equipment to form an optical splitter with a 1*4 structure. Then, the splitter is placed in a U-shaped quartz groove 3 for packaging. In order to protect the fused taper area and fix the optical splitter, the present invention injects UV glue 10 into the second through groove and performs UV curing. This method can not only firmly fix the optical splitter, but also effectively protect the fragile fused taper area.

[0029] The present invention can draw an optical splitter of N*N (N=1, 2, 3, 4) structure according to N optical fibers 2 through a fusion taper device, encapsulate the splitter with a mounting seat 3, and then fill the capping mounting seat 3 with UV glue 10 to protect the fusion taper area; according to actual port requirements, during the manufacturing process, excess optical fiber at the input end of the taper splitter can be cut off and then encapsulated, and finally a 1*4 splitter, 2*4 splitter, 3*4 splitter, 4*4 splitter, etc. can be obtained, so that the port of the fusion taper has variable flexibility.

[0030] The present invention places an optical fiber array structure. This structure consists of a lower base 7 and an upper cover plate 6. The lower base 7 is carefully designed with positioning grooves for positioning the output optical fibers, and each output optical fiber corresponds to a positioning groove one by one. This design ensures the precise positioning of the output optical fibers, laying a foundation for subsequent optical signal processing.

[0031] At the end of the optical fiber array structure, the present invention installs a key component, a turning prism 8. This is a triangular prism with a right triangle cross section. The main function of the turning prism 8 is to refract the optical signal propagating along the X-axis by 90° and turn it to the Y-axis direction. This design cleverly solves the problem of space utilization, making the entire component more compact. The turning prism 8 is tightly combined with the end face of the optical fiber array through a precision bonding process to ensure efficient transmission of optical signals.

[0032] Below the turning prism 8, the present invention arranges four thin film filters, namely the first thin film filter 9-1, the second thin film filter 9-2, the third thin film filter 9-3 and the fourth thin film filter 9-4. These filters are arranged in sequence along the Y axis, and each filter corresponds to an output optical fiber one by one. More importantly, the wavelengths of these four filters are different, and they can selectively transmit optical signals of specific wavelengths. This design enables the wavelength division component of the present invention to effectively separate optical signals of different wavelengths, thereby improving the information transmission capacity and efficiency of the system.

[0033] Finally, the present invention uses a glass cover plate 11 to encapsulate the entire assembly to form a sealed whole, which not only protects the internal components, but also helps to maintain a stable environment inside the assembly and reduce the impact of external factors on optical signal transmission.

[0034] The optical module wavelength division component of the present invention has many advantages: first, it achieves a high degree of integration and miniaturization; second, through the carefully designed optical path and filter system, it can effectively separate and process optical signals of multiple wavelengths; third, the materials and structural design used are conducive to maintaining the temperature stability and mechanical strength of the component; finally, the entire production process is relatively simple, which is conducive to mass production and cost control. These characteristics make the component particularly suitable for use in high-speed data centers, 5G base stations and other optical communication scenarios that require high speed, high efficiency and stability.

[0035] Embodiment 2: This embodiment is optimized and expanded on the basis of Embodiment 1 to meet more complex optical signal processing requirements.

[0036] First, the present invention improves the housing. The base 5 and the cover plate 11 are still made of high-quality glass materials, but the present invention increases the thickness of the base and adds micron-level heat dissipation grooves on its surface. This design can better dissipate the heat generated during the operation of the components, help maintain the stability of the internal temperature, and thus improve the accuracy and reliability of optical signal transmission.

[0037] In the first through groove on the base 5, the present invention places a precisely machined quartz stone mounting seat 3. The shape of this mounting seat is optimized, not only including a second through groove for accommodating the fused tapered optical splitter, but also adding micro air channels around it. These air channels can form natural convection when the component is working, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

[0038] The fused taper optical splitter in this embodiment adopts a more complex 4*4 structure. During the manufacturing process, the present invention uses 4 input optical fibers 2 and draws them into a structure with 16 output ends through precise fused taper technology. This design greatly increases the processing capacity of optical signals, allowing a single component to process multiple input signals at the same time, which is very suitable for high-density, high-bandwidth communication requirements.

[0039] In the process of fusion taper, the present invention adopts more advanced taper equipment and process, so that the shape of the taper area 4 is more uniform and the insertion loss is lower. After the taper is completed, the present invention carefully puts it into the U-shaped quartz groove 3. It is worth noting that this time the present invention pre-coats a layer of special optical glue on the inner wall of the U-shaped groove. This glue can form an ultra-thin and uniform protective film after curing, further reducing the loss of optical signals during transmission.

[0040] Then, the present invention injects the UV glue 10 with optimized formula. This new UV glue not only has extremely high light transmittance, but also has good thermal stability and elasticity, can provide buffer when temperature changes, and reduce the impact of thermal stress on optical fiber. The UV curing process adopts precise temperature control to ensure uniform curing of the glue and avoid internal stress.

[0041] The present invention also upgrades the fiber array structure. The lower base 7 is made of a special ceramic material, which has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient and can remain stable when the temperature changes. The design of the positioning groove is more precise. The present invention uses laser micromachining technology to control the dimensional error of each groove to the sub-micron level. This high-precision positioning ensures that the position of each output optical fiber is extremely accurate, providing a reliable guarantee for subsequent optical signal processing.

[0042] The material selection of the turning prism 8 of the present invention has also been improved. The present invention selects a special optical glass with high refractive index and low dispersion, and performs nano-level anti-reflection coating treatment on its surface. This treatment can significantly reduce interface reflection and improve the transmittance of light signals. The angle of the prism is accurately calculated and processed to ensure that the accuracy of 90° refraction reaches ±0.01°.

[0043] Below the turning prism 8, the present invention arranges 16 high-performance thin film filters, corresponding to 16 output optical fibers respectively. These filters adopt the latest multi-layer dielectric thin film technology, not only have narrower passband and steeper edge characteristics, but also have excellent temperature stability. Each filter is precisely tuned to match a specific optical communication wavelength, such as 1310nm, 1490nm, 1550nm, etc.

[0044] In order to further improve the reliability of the system, the present invention adds micro temperature sensors at the key optical interfaces. These sensors can monitor the temperature distribution inside the components in real time and provide data support for possible active temperature control systems.

[0045] Finally, the entire assembly is encapsulated under a specially treated glass cover 11. This cover is not only highly airtight, but also has a certain anti-electromagnetic interference capability, which can provide all-round protection for the internal precision optical components.

[0046] This improved optical module wavelength division component has higher integration, stronger signal processing capability and better environmental adaptability. It can process multiple high-speed optical signals at the same time, and is suitable for scenarios such as the next generation of ultra-high-speed optical communication networks and large-scale parallel computing systems. Although the manufacturing process is relatively complex, its excellent performance and reliability make it very competitive in the high-end optical communication market. It should be understood that the size of the sequence number of each step in the above embodiment does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application.

[0047] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all these improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical module wavelength division component, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell, wherein a fused tapered optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure are arranged in the shell, wherein the fused tapered optical splitter comprises at least one input optical fiber and a plurality of output optical fibers, wherein the output optical fibers are fixed to the optical fiber array structure, and a turning prism (8) for refracting an optical signal by 90 degrees is arranged at the end of the optical fiber array structure, and a plurality of thin film filters are arranged below the turning prism (8), wherein the thin film filters are arranged in a one-to-one mapping relationship with the output optical fibers, and the wavelengths of any two thin film filters are different.

2. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing comprises a base (5) and a cover plate (11); the base (5) is provided with a first through groove penetrating along the X-axis direction; the first through groove is provided with a fused tapered optical splitter and an optical fiber array structure sequentially arranged along the X-axis direction.

3. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 2, characterized in that: A mounting seat (3) is arranged in the first through-groove, a second through-groove penetrating along the X-axis is arranged in the mounting seat (3), and the fused tapered optical splitter is arranged in the second through-groove.

4. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second through-groove is filled with UV glue (10), and the fused tapered optical splitter is fixed in the second through-groove by means of the UV glue (10).

5. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 4, characterized in that: The interface shape of the first through-groove is an arc shape; the interface shape of the second through-groove is an arc shape.

6. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of heat dissipation grooves (51) extending along the Z-axis direction are arranged on the side wall of the base (5).

7. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat dissipation grooves (51) are arranged at equal intervals along the X-axis.

8. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the mounting seat (3), a micro air channel for forming natural convection is arranged around the second through groove.

9. The optical module wavelength division component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turning prism (8) is a triangular prism, and the cross-sectional shape of the turning prism (8) is a right triangle.

10. An optical module, characterized in that: It comprises the optical module wavelength division component as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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