Optical assembly and optical module

Abstract

The optical module comprises an optical fiber, a lens, a rhombic prism, a lens array and a steering prism which are sequentially arranged, the incident end of the rhombic prism is provided with a polarization splitting prism and two lambda / 4 wave plates, and the emergent end of the rhombic prism is provided with a plurality of filter discs which are arranged in an array mode. 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 light 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 promotes the exponential growth of demand for high-speed optical modules such as 400G and 800G, and further drives the technical upgrading 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 invention requires a very precise distance inside the ferrule, 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 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 assembly 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 assembly and an optical module which can conveniently adjust the distance between the end face of the ceramic ferrule and the lens, and when the end face of the ceramic ferrule is damaged, it can be repaired through rework, effectively saving costs.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: The present invention discloses an optical component, including an optical fiber, a lens, an orthographic prism, a lens array, and a steering prism arranged in sequence. The incident end of the orthographic prism is provided with a polarizing beam splitter and two λ / 4 waveplates. The exit end of the orthographic prism is provided with a plurality of arrayed filters. The end of the optical fiber is provided with an optical interface assembly arranged coaxially therewith. The optical interface assembly is coaxially threadedly connected to an optical interface adjustment ring.

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

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ceramic sleeve is provided inside the outer metal part, and the ceramic sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the ceramic insert.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a press-fit metal part is provided inside the outer metal part to axially limit the ceramic sleeve.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical interface adjustment ring 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.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer metal part 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 interconnected, the outer diameter of the ceramic sleeve corresponds to the inner diameter of the second mounting groove, and the outer diameter of the ceramic insert corresponds to the inner diameter of the first mounting groove.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ceramic ferrule is axially slidably disposed within the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each λ / 4 waveplate is a right-angled triangular prism.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inclined surfaces of two λ / 4 waveplates are arranged opposite each other.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a temperature sensor, a microprocessor unit (MCU), and a miniature electric multi-axis adjustment stage. The movable end of the miniature electric multi-axis adjustment stage is connected to the optical interface component. The MCU, the temperature sensor, and the microprocessor unit are communicatively connected. The temperature sensor is located next to the rhomboid prism.

[0017] The application has the beneficial effects that the optical assembly ingeniously solves the problems existing in the prior art, and 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 application greatly simplifies the assembly process, reduces the processing and testing difficulty. This invention 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 application introduces the innovative invention of optical interface adjusting ring, which is connected with the optical interface assembly through threads. This invention 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 inventions. During the optical module optical path coupling process, 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 application uses a combination of ceramic ferrules and ceramic sleeves, and limits the axial position through a press-fit metal piece. This structural invention 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] Further, due to the generation of heat 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 application introduces an optical path temperature compensation system to effectively solve the problem of optical path deviation due to the generation of heat 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.

[0022] The application replaces the isolator by introducing a polarization beam splitter and two lambda / 4 wave plates, and the light that is not totally transmitted by the beam splitter (the reflected component is 0) is incident on the measured surface through the lambda / 4 wave plate. The return light in the optical path passes through the lambda / 4 wave plate again, and the polarization direction of the light is turned by pi / 2 through the two lambda / 4 wave plates, that is, the polarization direction is perpendicular to the incident light, and the light is totally reflected after passing through the beam splitter, effectively isolating the return light in the optical path. At the same time, the polarization beam splitter, the two lambda / 4 wave plates and the rhombic prism port are pasted, and automatic pasting equipment can be used to realize automatic assembly, improve consistency, and reduce the requirement for manual work.

[0023] The application also realizes efficient wavelength separation and multiplexing function by arranging a plurality of filter sheets in an array on the rhombic prism. This integrated application 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 wavelength division integrated optical assembly of the 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.

[0024] The optical assembly of the application effectively solves the problems of high assembly difficulty, difficult precision control and high cost in the prior art through a series of innovative inventions. 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 a higher speed, higher reliability and lower cost, so as to better meet the growing demand for high-speed data transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The application will be further described below in combination with the drawings and examples, and the drawings are as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the application;

[0027] Figure 2 The explosion schematic diagram of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the application more clear and explicit, the application will be further described in combination with the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the application, and are not used to limit the application.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] In the field of modern high-speed optical communication, the invention and optimization of optical components play a crucial role. This embodiment introduces an innovative wave division integrated optical component optical path structure, which not only significantly optimizes the assembly and coupling process of high-speed optical transceiver modules, but also greatly reduces production costs and assembly difficulty through ingenious invention. The core of this invention lies in its unique optical interface structure and innovative optical isolator scheme, laying a solid foundation for the mass production and application of high-speed optical modules.

[0031] The optical fiber 1 is used as the input end of the signal in the present invention, and it is connected to the optical interface component 3. This optical interface component is composed of several key parts: outer metal part 31, ceramic ferrule 32, ceramic sleeve 33, and crimping metal part 34. Among them, the outer metal part 31 is made of stainless steel material, which has excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance; the ceramic ferrule 32 and the ceramic sleeve 33 are made of zirconia material, which ensures high hardness and excellent wear resistance. The careful selection of these materials not only improves the durability of the component, but also ensures the stability and accuracy of optical signal transmission.

[0032] Following the optical interface component is an innovative optical interface adjustment mechanism. The core of this mechanism is the optical interface adjustment ring 2, which is connected to the outer metal part 31 through a threaded connection, achieving precise adjustment of the distance between the ferrule end face and the lens. The ingenious part of this invention is that it can achieve precise coupling of the optical path without the need for precise positioning of the ferrule position inside the metal part. This not only greatly simplifies the assembly process, but also improves the flexibility and efficiency of debugging.

[0033] In terms of optical path invention, this embodiment adopts an innovative free-space optical isolator (FSI) 5 structure. The traditional FSI is replaced by a combination of a polarization beam splitter (PBS) and a λ / 4 wave plate (QWP). This invention not only effectively reduces production costs, but also simplifies the assembly process. When the incident signal light passes through this structure, its polarization direction is parallel to the incident plane, so it can pass through the beam splitter completely. Subsequently, the optical signal is incident on the measured surface after passing through the λ / 4 wave plate. If any optical signal is reflected back, it will pass through the λ / 4 wave plate again, at which time the polarization direction of the light will change to be perpendicular to the incident light direction. In this way, the returned light will be completely reflected by the beam splitter, effectively isolating the return light in the optical path and ensuring the purity of the signal.

[0034] In terms of wavelength separation, the present invention adopts a Z-Block structure composed of a rhombic prism 6 and four filters (7, 8, 9, 10). These four filters correspond to different center wavelengths and can efficiently separate multiple wavelength channels. The separated signal light is converged by the lens array 11, and finally changes direction through the turning prism 12, accurately incident on the designated detection surface.

[0035] Another big highlight of the invention is its flexible assembly and adjustment process. During assembly, the operator first rivets the ceramic ferrule 32 and the crimped metal piece 34 to the desired size, then bonds the optical fiber 1 with the ceramic ferrule 32 with epoxy resin glue and cures it. After end face grinding, it is sleeved into the ceramic sleeve 33, and then the whole is put into the outer metal piece 31. Next, the distance between the ferrule end face and the lens is adjusted by rotating the optical interface adjustment ring 2, which greatly simplifies the optical coupling process. Once the optimal position is reached, the outer metal piece 31 and the optical interface adjustment ring 2 are fixed using laser welding to ensure long-term stability. It is worth mentioning that this invention also allows the ferrule to be adjusted externally, which means that when the ferrule end face is damaged, it can be repaired through rework, effectively saving maintenance costs.

[0036] In addition, the invention also makes innovations in production efficiency. The FSI isolator 5 combined with PBS+QWP can be directly pasted with the wave combining port of the Z-Block, and this process can be completed using automatic patching equipment, which not only improves production efficiency, but also enhances product consistency and reduces the requirement for manual skills.

[0037] The wave division integrated optical assembly invention of the invention realizes breakthroughs and optimizations in multiple aspects. It not only simplifies the assembly and coupling process of high-speed optical transceiver modules, but also improves the performance and reliability of the product through intelligent structural invention and material selection. The use of PBS+QWP instead of traditional FSI isolators, as well as the adjustable optical interface invention, all reflect the great potential of this optical assembly in reducing production costs and improving production efficiency. These innovations pave the way for the mass production and application of high-speed optical communication modules, and are expected to play an important role in the future of optical communication, driving the entire industry forward.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] This embodiment provides a wave division integrated optical assembly optical path structure of an optical module. The structure also includes optical fiber 1, lens 4, rhombic prism 6, lens array 11 and turning prism 12 arranged in sequence, but some key components are optimized to meet the demand for higher speed.

[0040] In this embodiment, the optical fiber 1 uses a low-dispersion single-mode optical fiber to reduce signal dispersion during transmission. The basic structure of the optical interface assembly 3 is similar to that of Example 1, but the material selection and processing precision are improved. The outer metal piece 31 is made of titanium alloy material, which has higher strength and better thermal stability. The ceramic ferrule 32 and the ceramic sleeve 33 are made of alumina material, which has better thermal conductivity than zirconia, which helps to dissipate heat.

[0041] The optical interface adjusting ring 2 in this embodiment adopts a fine adjustment mechanism, which can achieve 1 micrometer of accurate adjustment per rotation. This invention provides more precise optical path adjustment capability for 800G high-speed optical modules. The machining precision of the first and second installation grooves inside the outer metal part 31 is improved to ±1 micrometer, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the ceramic ferrule 32 when sliding in the axial direction.

[0042] The lens 4 in this embodiment adopts an aspherical lens, 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 uses a new type of magneto-optical material, which has lower insertion loss and higher isolation.

[0043] The rhombic prism 6 is an important improvement point of this embodiment. In order to adapt to the high-speed requirement of 800G, the exit section of the rhombic prism 6 is provided with 8 arrayed filters, respectively corresponding to 8 wavelength channels. These 8 filters use nanometer-level precision dielectric film technology to achieve more accurate wavelength separation. Specifically, these 8 filters correspond to center wavelengths of 1273.55nm, 1277.89nm, 1282.26nm, 1286.66nm, 1291.10nm, 1295.56nm, 1300.05nm and 1304.58nm.

[0044] The lens array 11 is correspondingly composed of 8 microlenses, each microlens corresponding to a wavelength channel. These microlenses use diffractive optical element (DOE) technology to achieve efficient beam focusing in a very small space. The turning prism 12 uses high-precision optical glass material, and the surface is coated with high-reflectivity dielectric film to minimize the loss of optical signals.

[0045] 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 to rivet the ceramic ferrule 32 and the crimped metal part 34, ensuring that the dimensional error is controlled within ±0.5 micrometers. 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.

[0046] During the optical module optical path coupling process, the operator can use the fine adjustment mechanism of the optical interface adjusting ring 2 for accurate adjustment. This embodiment also introduces an innovation: during the adjustment process, a real-time optical power monitoring system is used to achieve automatic accurate coupling through feedback control. This greatly improves the coupling efficiency and precision, while reducing human error.

[0047] After coupling positioning, the embodiment adopts laser spot welding technology to fix the outer metal part 31 and the optical interface adjusting ring 2. Compared with traditional continuous welding, this technology can minimize thermal stress and ensure the long-term stability of the optical path.

[0048] In terms of signal processing, the 8-channel invention of the embodiment provides greater 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. After being divided into 8 channels, the 8-channel signal light is precisely focused by the DOE lens array 11, and then turned by the high-precision turning prism 12, and finally incident to the high-speed photodetector array.

[0049] The invention of the embodiment not only meets the technical needs of 800G high-speed optical modules, but also realizes innovation in many aspects. First, the 8-channel invention reserves space for future upgrades to higher speeds. Second, the introduction of the fine-tuning 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.

[0050] Embodiment 3

[0051] The invention also includes an optical path temperature compensation system, which includes a temperature sensor 13, a micro processing unit MCU, and a micro electric multi-axis adjusting table 14. The moving end of the micro electric multi-axis adjusting table 14 is connected to 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 rhomboid prism 6. When the temperature in the optical module changes due to external or internal factors, the temperature of the component is detected by the temperature sensor and fed back to the micro processing unit MCU in the optical module. Since the wavelength division component in the optical module is a passive component, the corresponding position and offset at each temperature are fixed. Therefore, the compensation displacement of the adjusting table at different temperatures can be determined through temperature testing in advance, and a temperature compensation table of the wavelength division component of the optical module can be prepared and applied to the micro processing unit MCU in the optical module. When the optical module is actually used, the temperature sensor feeds back the temperature to the micro processing unit MCU, and the MCU adjusts the micro electric five-dimensional adjusting table to compensate for the displacement according to the pre-imported temperature compensation table. Thus, the optical path offset caused by temperature changes is compensated for, the optical path is kept stable, and the stable transmission of optical signals is ensured.

[0052] The application effectively solves the problem of the light path deviation due to the heat generated inside the optical module and the change of the external environment temperature by introducing the light path temperature compensation system, and improves the signal stability and reliability of the optical module under different working temperatures. Meanwhile, the application greatly reduces the response time of the optical module to the temperature change by introducing the temperature compensation table prepared in advance after the test into the MCU, and ensures the performance stability of the optical module when the temperature changes dramatically.

[0053] It should be understood that the above description can be improved or changed by those skilled in the art, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the appended claims of the application.

Claims

1. An optical component, characterized in that: The optical fiber (1), lens (4), rhomboid prism (6), lens array (11), and steering prism (12) are arranged in sequence. The incident end of the rhomboid prism (6) is provided with a polarizing beam splitter (5) and two λ / 4 waveplates (13). The exit end of the rhomboid 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each λ / 4 waveplate (13) is a right-angled triangular prism; the inclined surfaces of two λ / 4 waveplates (13) are arranged opposite each other.

9. The 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 components as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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