Optical module wavelength division integrated optical assembly optical path structure and optical module

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical module wavelength division integrated optical component optical path structure and an optical module, and the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component optical path structure comprises an optical fiber, a lens, a free space optical isolator, a rhombic prism, a lens array and a steering prism which are sequentially arranged, the end part of the optical fiber is provided with an optical interface assembly which is coaxially arranged with the optical fiber, and the optical interface assembly is in coaxial threaded connection with an optical interface adjusting ring. According to the invention, the distance between the end face of the ceramic ferrule and the lens can be conveniently adjusted, and when the end face of the ceramic ferrule is damaged, the ceramic ferrule can be repaired through repair, so that the cost is effectively saved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to an optical assembly optical path structure and belongs to the technical field of optical modules. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development of artificial intelligence large models, high-performance computing, cloud computing and other businesses, the demand for computing power infrastructure is rapidly growing. This trend directly drives the exponential growth of demand for high-speed optical modules such as 400G and 800G, and further drives the technical upgrade of optical modules to higher rates. Under this background, as one of the important solutions to improve the rate of optical modules, the integrated optical assembly of the wavelength division multiplexer greatly simplifies the assembly and coupling process of high-speed optical transceiver modules, thereby providing new possibilities for the development of optical communication technology.

[0003] However, the wavelength division assembly in the existing high-speed optical transceiver module still faces many technical challenges. First, the free-space optical isolator is fixed in the optical interface optical plug, and the tail fiber ferrule is pressed into the metal part. This design requires the depth distance inside the ferrule to be very accurate, resulting in high processing and detection difficulty. Second, the finished product with the isolator cannot detect the ferrule distance, which means that when the finished product assembly is coupled in the entire optical path, the lens often needs to be adjusted in position for a long time due to the inaccuracy of the ferrule distance, and even the lens may not be able to be mounted inside the module, ultimately causing the entire product to be scrapped.

[0004] In addition, the free-space optical isolator mounted in the optical interface can only be assembled and baked manually, which not only consumes a lot of time, but also has high cost, seriously affecting the production efficiency. More troublesome is that the end face of the ferrule is easily damaged during the pressing process, and once inserted, it cannot be reworked, which further increases the production risk and cost.

[0005] In view of the above problems, a new type of optical module wavelength division integrated optical assembly optical path structure needs to be developed to solve these technical problems and promote the progress of optical communication technology. SUMMARY

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the application is to provide an optical module wavelength division integrated optical assembly optical path structure and an optical module which can conveniently adjust the distance between the end face of the ceramic ferrule and the lens, and can repair through rework when the end face of the ceramic ferrule is damaged, thereby effectively saving costs.

[0007] The technical scheme adopted by the present application to solve its technical problems is: the present application discloses a kind of optical module wave division integrated optics assembly optical path structure, including sequentially arranged optical fiber, lens, free space optical isolator, rhombic prism and lens array and turning prism, multiple array filters are provided on the rhombic prism, the end of the optical fiber is provided with optical interface assembly coaxially arranged with it, the optical interface assembly is coaxially threaded with optical interface adjusting ring.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the optical interface assembly includes an outer metal piece, a ceramic ferrule is coaxially arranged inside the outer metal piece, the ceramic ferrule is fixedly connected with the optical fiber, and one end of the outer metal piece is provided with an external thread for connecting the optical interface adjusting ring.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a ceramic sleeve is arranged inside the outer metal piece, and the ceramic sleeve is sleeved outside the ceramic ferrule.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a crimping metal piece is arranged inside the outer metal piece to axially limit the ceramic sleeve.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a through hole is arranged coaxially on the optical interface adjusting ring, and an inner wall of the through hole is provided with an internal thread for connecting the outer metal piece.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove are arranged coaxially inside the outer metal piece, the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are in communication with each other, an outer diameter of the ceramic sleeve corresponds to an inner diameter of the second mounting groove, and an outer diameter of the ceramic ferrule corresponds to an inner diameter of the first mounting groove.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the ceramic ferrule is axially slidably arranged in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the free space optical isolator is fixedly connected to the incident end of the rhombic prism.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a temperature sensor, a micro processing unit (MCU) and a micro electric multi-axis adjustment table are further included, a moving end of the micro electric multi-axis adjustment table is connected with the optical interface assembly, the micro processing unit (MCU), the temperature sensor and the micro processing unit (MCU) are in communication connection, and the temperature sensor is arranged beside the rhombic prism.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a plurality of array filters are arranged on the exit section of the rhombic prism.

[0017] The beneficial effects generated by the present application are: the optical module wave division integrated optical assembly optical path structure proposed by the present application ingeniously solves the problems existing in the prior art, and at the same time brings significant technical progress and practical value.

[0018] Firstly, by fixing the free space optical isolator at the incident end of the Z-Block instead of the traditional optical interface optical plug, the present application greatly simplifies the assembly process and reduces the processing and testing difficulty. This design not only improves the production efficiency, but also effectively reduces the production cost. More importantly, this layout allows the use of automatic placement machines for assembly, greatly improving the consistency of production, while reducing the dependence on manual skills, further improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0019] Secondly, the present application introduces the innovative design of the optical interface adjusting ring, which is connected with the optical interface assembly through threads. This design allows accurate adjustment of the position of the fiber end face after assembly, thereby solving the problem of difficult accurate control of the ferrule depth distance in traditional design. During the optical path coupling process of the optical module, the operator can adjust the distance between the ferrule end face and the lens by rotating the adjusting ring, which greatly simplifies the optical path coupling process and improves the debugging efficiency. This not only improves the performance and reliability of the assembly, but also greatly reduces the product scrap rate caused by inaccurate ferrule distance.

[0020] In addition, the present application uses a combination of ceramic ferrules and ceramic sleeves, and limits the axial position through a press-fit metal piece. This structural design not only improves the stability of the ferrule, but also reduces the risk of damage to the end face of the ferrule during the press-fit process. More importantly, the ceramic ferrule can slide axially in the first and second mounting grooves, which makes fine adjustment and potential rework of the ferrule possible. In particular, when the ferrule end face is damaged, the exposed ferrule can be adjusted for repair and repair, which effectively saves costs and improves the repairability and production flexibility of the product.

[0021] The present application also realizes efficient wavelength separation and multiplexing function by arranging multiple arrayed filters on the Z-Block. This integrated design not only improves the optical performance, but also further simplifies the overall structure, which is conducive to improving the integration and reliability of the product. In general, the wave division integrated optical assembly of the present application greatly simplifies the assembly and coupling process of the high-speed optical transceiver module, which not only improves the production efficiency, but also reduces the production difficulty and cost.

[0022] Further, due to the heat generated inside the optical module and the change of external environment temperature, the optical path will change slightly, the beam propagation will deviate, and the signal transmission will be affected. The present application introduces an optical path temperature compensation system to effectively solve the problem of optical path deviation caused by heat generated inside the optical module and the change of external environment temperature, and improve the signal stability and reliability of the optical module under different working temperatures.

[0023] The optical module wave division integrated optical assembly optical path structure of the present application effectively solves the problems of high assembly difficulty, difficult precision control, high cost, etc. in the prior art. It not only improves the production efficiency and product performance, but also reduces the production cost and scrap rate, and improves the repairability and production flexibility of the product. These improvements provide a new technical path for the development of high-speed optical communication modules, and are expected to promote the development of optical communication technology to higher speed, higher reliability and lower cost, thereby better meeting the growing demand for high-speed data transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and examples. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 The explosion schematic diagram of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the present application and do not limit the present application.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] The present embodiment provides a wave division integrated optical assembly optical path structure suitable for an optical module. The structure includes optical fibers 1, lenses 4, free space optical isolators 5, rhomboid prisms 6, lens arrays 11 and turning prisms 12 arranged in sequence.

[0030] The optical fiber 1 is a single mode fiber, and its end is provided with an optical interface assembly 3 coaxially arranged therewith. The optical interface assembly 3 comprises an outer metal piece 31 made of stainless steel, which has good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The outer metal piece 31 is coaxially provided with a ceramic ferrule 32 inside, which is made of zirconia and has high hardness and excellent wear resistance. The ceramic ferrule 32 is fixedly connected with the optical fiber 1 by epoxy resin glue, ensuring the stability of the optical fiber 1 inside the ferrule.

[0031] One end of the outer metal piece 31 is provided with external threads for connecting the optical interface adjusting ring 2. The optical interface adjusting ring 2 is also made of stainless steel, and a through hole coaxially arranged therewith is provided on the optical interface adjusting ring 2. The inner wall of the through hole is provided with internal threads for cooperating with the external threads of the outer metal piece 31. This design allows the distance between the ferrule end face and the lens to be accurately adjusted by rotating the optical interface adjusting ring 2.

[0032] The outer metal piece 31 is also provided with a ceramic sleeve 33 inside, which is also made of zirconia and is sleeved outside the ceramic ferrule 32. This design improves the stability and alignment accuracy of the ferrule. In order to further ensure the fixation of the ceramic sleeve 33, the outer metal piece 31 is also provided with a crimping metal piece 34 for axially limiting the ceramic sleeve 33.

[0033] The inner part of the outer metal piece 31 is also designed with two coaxially arranged mounting grooves: a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove. The two mounting grooves are in communication with each other, wherein the outer diameter of the ceramic sleeve 33 corresponds to the inner diameter of the second mounting groove, and the outer diameter of the ceramic ferrule 32 corresponds to the inner diameter of the first mounting groove. This design allows the ceramic ferrule 32 to axially slide in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove, providing convenience for fine adjustment and possible rework of the ferrule.

[0034] The lens 4 is a spherical lens used to collimate the light signal emitted from the optical fiber 1. The free-space optical isolator 5 is fixedly connected to the incident end of the rhombic prism 6. This design not only simplifies the assembly process, but also allows the use of automatic patching equipment for assembly, improving production efficiency and consistency.

[0035] The rhombic prism 6 is one of the core components of the optical path structure. In this embodiment, the exit section of the rhombic prism 6 is provided with four arrayed filters, namely the first filter 7, the second filter 8, the third filter 9 and the fourth filter 10. These filters are dielectric thin film filters, which can achieve efficient wavelength separation.

[0036] The lens array 11 is composed of four microlenses, each corresponding to a wavelength channel, for focusing the separated light signals. The turning prism 12 is used to change the direction of the optical path, so that the signal light is incident to the designated detection surface.

[0037] The working principle of the optical path of the embodiment is as follows: the composite signal light first enters the optical path system through the optical interface assembly 3. During assembly, the ceramic ferrule 32 and the crimped metal piece 34 are riveted to the required size, and the optical fiber 1 is glued to the ceramic ferrule 32 with epoxy resin and cured. After end face grinding, it is sleeved into the ceramic sleeve 33, and then the whole is placed into the outer metal piece 31. The outer metal piece 31 is connected with the optical interface adjusting ring 2 by threads. This design does not need to accurately position the position of the ferrule in the metal piece, greatly simplifying the assembly process.

[0038] During the optical path coupling process of the optical module, the operator can adjust the distance between the ferrule end face and the lens by rotating the optical interface adjusting ring 2, which makes the optical path coupling easier. After coupling positioning, the outer metal piece 31 and the optical interface adjusting ring 2 are welded and fixed by laser welding to ensure long-term stability.

[0039] It is worth noting that the ceramic ferrule 32 can be separated from the outer metal piece 31, that is, the ceramic ferrule 32 can be adjusted to be exposed. The advantage of this design is that when the ferrule end face is damaged, it can be repaired by rework, effectively saving cost and improving the maintainability of the product.

[0040] The coupled signal light enters the Z-Block composed of a rhombic prism 6 and four filters (7, 8, 9, 10) after passing through the free space optical isolator 5. In this embodiment, the four filters correspond to the center wavelengths of 1271 nm, 1291 nm, 1311 nm and 1331 nm respectively, realizing the separation of the four wavelength channels. The four-channel signal light after separation is converged by the lens array 11 and is turned by the turning prism 12, so that the signal light is incident on the specified detection surface, completing the entire optical path process.

[0041] The wavelength division integrated optical assembly of the embodiment greatly optimizes the assembly and coupling process of the high-speed optical transceiver module. The design of attaching the free space optical isolator to the Z-Block makes it possible to use an automatic patch machine for assembly, which not only improves the consistency of production, but also reduces the requirement for manual skills. At the same time, through the design of the optical interface adjusting ring, the optical path coupling process becomes easier and more accurate. The characteristic of adjustable exposure of the ferrule improves the maintainability of the product and effectively reduces the maintenance cost. In general, the design of the embodiment greatly simplifies the assembly and coupling process of the high-speed optical transceiver module, and lays a foundation for the large-scale production and application of 400G optical modules.

[0042] Embodiment 2:

[0043] The embodiment provides a wavelength division integrated optical assembly optical path structure of an optical module. The structure also comprises optical fibers 1, a lens 4, a free space optical isolator 5, a rhomboid prism 6, a lens array 11 and a turning prism 12 arranged in sequence, but some key components are optimized in design to adapt to higher speed requirements.

[0044] In the embodiment, the optical fibers 1 adopt low dispersion single-mode optical fibers to reduce the dispersion of signals in the transmission process. The basic structure of the optical interface assembly 3 is similar to that in embodiment 1, but the material selection and machining precision are improved. The outer metal part 31 adopts titanium alloy material, which has higher strength and better thermal stability. The ceramic ferrule 32 and the ceramic sleeve 33 adopt alumina material, which has better thermal conductivity than zirconia, which helps heat dissipation.

[0045] The optical interface adjusting ring 2 adopts a fine adjustment mechanism in the embodiment, which can realize 1 micrometer accurate adjustment per rotation. The machining precision of the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove in the outer metal part 31 is improved to ±1 micrometer, which ensures the stability and accuracy of the ceramic ferrule 32 when sliding in the axial direction.

[0046] The lens 4 adopts an aspheric lens in the embodiment, which has better focusing performance and lower aberration than a spherical lens, and can better adapt to the transmission requirements of 800G high-speed signals. The free space optical isolator 5 adopts a new type of magneto-optical material, which has lower insertion loss and higher isolation.

[0047] The rhomboid prism 6 is an important improvement point of the embodiment. In order to adapt to the high speed requirement of 800G, the exit section of the rhomboid prism 6 is provided with 8 arrayed filters corresponding to 8 wavelength channels. The 8 filters adopt nanometer precision dielectric film technology, which can realize more accurate wavelength separation. Specifically, the 8 filters correspond to the center wavelengths of 1273.55nm, 1277.89nm, 1282.26nm, 1286.66nm, 1291.10nm, 1295.56nm, 1300.05nm and 1304.58nm respectively.

[0048] The lens array 11 is correspondingly composed of 8 microlenses, each microlens corresponding to a wavelength channel. These microlenses adopt diffractive optical element (DOE) technology, which can realize efficient beam focusing in a very small space. The turning prism 12 adopts high-precision optical glass material, and the surface is coated with high-reflectivity dielectric film to minimize the loss of optical signals.

[0049] The optical path working principle of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 1, but some key steps are optimized. First, during the assembly process of the optical interface assembly 3, a precision-controlled automated device is used for riveting the ceramic ferrule 32 and the crimped metal piece 34, ensuring that the dimensional error is controlled within ±0.5 microns. The bonding of the optical fiber 1 and the ceramic ferrule 32 uses ultraviolet curing glue, which has faster curing speed and higher bonding strength.

[0050] During the optical module optical path coupling process, the operator can use the fine adjustment mechanism of the optical interface adjustment ring 2 to make precise adjustments. This embodiment also introduces an innovation: during the adjustment process, a real-time optical power monitoring system is used to achieve automatic precise coupling through feedback control. This greatly improves the coupling efficiency and precision, while reducing human error.

[0051] After coupling and positioning, this embodiment uses laser spot welding technology to fix the outer metal piece 31 and the optical interface adjustment ring 2. Compared with traditional continuous welding, this technology can minimize thermal stress and ensure long-term stability of the optical path.

[0052] In terms of signal processing, the 8-channel design of this embodiment provides more bandwidth for 800G high-speed transmission. After passing through the free-space optical isolator 5, the signal light is divided by the rhomboid prism 6 and 8 precision filters. The 8-channel signal light after division is precisely focused by the DOE lens array 11, then turned by the high-precision turning prism 12, and finally incident to the high-speed photodetector array.

[0053] The design of this embodiment not only meets the technical needs of 800G high-speed optical modules, but also realizes innovation in many aspects. First, the 8-channel design leaves room for future upgrades to higher speeds. Second, the introduction of the fine adjustment mechanism and the automated coupling system greatly improves production efficiency and product consistency. Third, the application of new materials and new technologies (such as DOE technology, laser spot welding, etc.) improves the performance and reliability of the entire optical path system.

[0054] Embodiment 3

[0055] The application also comprises an optical path temperature compensation system, which comprises a temperature sensor 13, a micro processing unit MCU and a micro electric multi-axis adjusting platform 14, the moving end of the micro electric multi-axis adjusting platform 14 is connected with the optical interface assembly 3, the micro processing unit MCU, the temperature sensor 13 and the micro processing unit MCU are in communication connection, and the temperature sensor 13 is arranged beside the rhombic prism 6. When the temperature in the optical module changes due to external or internal factors, the temperature of the assembly is detected by the temperature sensor and fed back to the micro processing unit MCU in the optical module; since the wavelength division assembly of the optical module belongs to a passive assembly, the corresponding position and offset at each temperature are fixed, thus, the compensation displacement of the adjusting platform at different temperatures can be determined through temperature test in advance, and then the temperature compensation table of the wavelength division assembly of the optical module is made and applied to the micro processing unit MCU in the optical module; when the optical module is actually used, after the temperature sensor feeds back the temperature to the micro processing unit MCU, the MCU adjusts the micro electric five-dimensional adjusting platform to perform displacement compensation adjustment according to the temperature compensation table imported in advance. Thus, the optical path offset caused by the temperature change is compensated, the optical path is kept stable, and the stable transmission of the optical signal is ensured.

[0056] By introducing the optical path temperature compensation system, the application effectively solves the problem of optical path offset caused by the heat generated inside the optical module and the change of external environmental temperature, improves the signal stability and reliability of the optical module at different working temperatures. Meanwhile, by importing the temperature compensation table prepared after the test in advance into the MCU, the application greatly reduces the response time of the optical module to the temperature change, and ensures the performance stability of the optical module when the temperature changes sharply.

[0057] It should be understood that, for those skilled in the art, improvements or changes can be made according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the appended claims of the application.

Claims

1. An optical path structure for a wavelength division integrated optical module, characterized in that: It includes an optical fiber (1), a lens (4), a free-space optical isolator (5), an orthorhombic prism (6), a lens array (11), and a steering prism (12) arranged in sequence. The orthorhombic prism (6) is provided with multiple arrayed filters. The end of the optical fiber (1) is provided with an optical interface assembly (3) arranged coaxially with it. The optical interface assembly (3) is coaxially threaded with an optical interface adjustment ring (2).

2. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical interface assembly (3) includes an outer metal part (31), a ceramic ferrule (32) is coaxially disposed inside the outer metal part (31), the ceramic ferrule (32) is fixedly connected to the optical fiber (1), and one end of the outer metal part (31) is provided with an external thread for connecting the optical interface adjustment ring (2).

3. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 2, characterized in that, A ceramic sleeve (33) is provided inside the outer metal part (31), and the ceramic sleeve (33) is fitted onto the outside of the ceramic insert (32).

4. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer metal part (31) is provided with a pressing metal part (34) that axially limits the ceramic sleeve (33).

5. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optical interface adjustment ring (2) is provided with a through hole arranged coaxially therewith, and the inner wall of the through hole is provided with an internal thread for connecting the outer metal part (31).

6. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer metal part (31) is provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove arranged coaxially therewith. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are connected to each other. The outer diameter of the ceramic sleeve (33) corresponds to the inner diameter of the second mounting groove, and the outer diameter of the ceramic insert (32) corresponds to the inner diameter of the first mounting groove.

7. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ceramic insert (32) is axially slidably disposed in the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove.

8. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free-space optical isolator (5) is fixed to the incident end of the rhomboid prism (6).

9. The optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (13), a microprocessor unit (MCU) and a miniature electric multi-axis adjustment stage (14). The moving end of the miniature electric multi-axis adjustment stage (14) is connected to the optical interface component (3). The microprocessor unit (MCU), the temperature sensor (13) and the microprocessor unit (MCU) are communicatively connected. The temperature sensor (13) is located next to the rhomboid prism (6).

10. An optical module, characterized in that, Includes the optical path structure of the optical module wavelength division integrated optical component as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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