Support member, wavelength combining module, and light emitting device

Abstract

This support member (10A) is, for example, a support member that supports a peeled end part (20a), in which a covering (22) is removed and a core wire (21) is exposed, at a longitudinal end portion of an optical fiber (20) having the core wire (21) including a core (21a) and a cladding (21b) and the covering (22) surrounding said core wire (21). The support member (10A) comprises a first member (11) and a second member (12) fixed to the first member (11), wherein: an accommodation part (S) extending along the peeled end part (20a) and accommodating said peeled end part (20a) is provided between the first member (11) and the second member (12); and a processing material (15) is accommodated in the accommodation part (S), is provided around the peeled end part (20a), and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end part (20a).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member, a wavelength combining module, and a light emitting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a configuration for coupling laser light to an optical fiber, a configuration is known in which a glass capillary for fixing the optical fiber is provided on the outer periphery of the optical fiber, and a light absorber for fixing the glass capillary via an adhesive is provided on the outer periphery of the glass capillary (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 037725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, as the power of the laser light increases, the power of the laser light propagating in the cladding mode becomes larger, and there is a risk that the laser light propagating in the cladding mode will leak from the cladding and cause damage to the adhesive, etc.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a support member for an optical fiber, a wavelength combining module, and a light emitting device having a novel configuration with higher reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The support member of the present invention is, for example, a support member that supports a stripped end portion at an end portion in a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction, of an optical fiber having a core wire including a core and a cladding and a coating surrounding the core wire, where the coating has been removed to expose the core wire, and the support member comprises a first member and a second member fixed to the first member, and a storage section that extends along the stripped end portion and stores the stripped end portion is provided between the first member and the second member, and a treatment material that is stored in the storage section and exists around the stripped end portion, and that transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion.

[0007] In the support member, the first member may be provided with a first groove that accommodates the peeling end portion, and the second member may cover the first groove and the peeling end portion.

[0008] In the support member, the first groove may be a V-shaped groove.

[0009] In the support member, the first member and the second member may support the peeled end portion in a state in which a section of a predetermined length from a first end of the peeled end portion in the first direction is exposed from the accommodating portion.

[0010] The supporting member may include a fixing portion that fixes at least one of the first member and the second member to the optical fiber.

[0011] In the support member, the fixing portion may be located away from a second end portion in the first direction of at least one of the first member and the second member in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0012] In the supporting member, at least one of the first member and the second member may be provided with a second groove that accommodates a portion of the optical fiber that is fixed by the fixing portion.

[0013] In the support member, at least one of the first member and the second member may be provided with a recess that accommodates the fixing portion.

[0014] In the support member, the recess may be located away from a second end in the first direction of at least one of the first member and the second member in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0015] In the support member, the fixing portion fixes one of the first member and the second member to the optical fiber, and the other of the first member and the second member may be provided with an opening that exposes the fixing portion.

[0016] In the support member, the opening may be located away from a third end in the first direction of the other member in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0017] In the support member, the fixing portion may be located on an opposite side to a first end of the peeling end portion in the first direction with respect to the treatment material.

[0018] In the support member, the fixing portion may be an inorganic adhesive.

[0019] The support member may be provided facing the longitudinal end of the peeled end, and may include a mitigation member positioned opposite the longitudinal end, having an end face wider than the longitudinal end, and propagating light incident from the end face to the longitudinal end of the peeled end.

[0020] The support member may include a reflective surface that faces the damping member and reflects light from the damping member in a direction away from the damping member.

[0021] In the support member, at least one of the first member and the second member may be made of a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

[0022] Moreover, the wavelength combining module of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of optical fibers each having a core wire including a core and a cladding, a coating surrounding the core wire, and a stripped end at a longitudinal end where the coating has been removed to expose the core wire, the plurality of optical fibers including a plurality of input optical fibers that input light of different wavelengths and an output optical fiber that outputs light, a plurality of supporting parts that support the stripped end of each of the plurality of optical fibers, and a light combining part that combines light of different wavelengths from each of the input optical fibers and sends the light to the output optical fiber, wherein at least one of the plurality of supporting parts has a first member and a second member fixed to the first member, and a storage part that extends along the stripped end and stores the stripped end is provided between the first member and the second member, and has a treatment material that is stored in the storage part and exists around the stripped end, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end.

[0023] In the wavelength combining module, the input optical fibers may include a first input optical fiber that inputs light of a first wavelength in a first input direction and a second input optical fiber that inputs light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength in a second input direction, and the light combining unit may include a filter that transmits light of the first wavelength and reflects light of the second wavelength, the filter having a first surface on which the light of the first wavelength is incident in the first input direction and a second surface that is approximately parallel to the first surface and through which the light of the first wavelength exits and through which the light of the second wavelength is incident in the second input direction and exits approximately parallel to the exit direction of the light of the first wavelength, and an incident angle of the light of the second wavelength with respect to the second surface is greater than 0° and is not greater than 20°.

[0024] In the wavelength multiplexing module, the light input from at least one of the input optical fibers may include a plurality of lights having different orientations of polarization planes.

[0025] In the wavelength synthesizing module, the plurality of input optical fibers may be polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

[0026] In the wavelength combining module, the light input from at least one of the plurality of input optical fibers may include a plurality of lights having different wavelengths.

[0027] Furthermore, the light emitting device of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements, a light combining unit that combines light from the plurality of light emitting elements, an output optical fiber that outputs the light combined in the light combining unit and has a core wire including a core and a cladding, a coating surrounding the core wire, and a peeled end where the coating has been removed to expose the core wire, and a support unit that supports the peeled end, the support unit having a first member and a second member fixed to the first member, and a storage unit that extends along the peeled end and stores the peeled end is provided between the first member and the second member, and has a treatment material that is stored in the storage unit and exists around the peeled end, and that transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end.

[0028] The light emitting device may further include a housing having a cooling passage through which a coolant can flow, the housing being capable of cooling the plurality of light emitting elements and the support by flowing the coolant through the cooling passage.

[0029] In the light emitting device, the plurality of light emitting elements may each emit light of a different wavelength, and light having a longer wavelength may be cooled first by the coolant passing through the cooling passage. Effect of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to obtain a support member, a wavelength combining module, and a light emitting device having a novel configuration with higher reliability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a support member according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of the support member of the first embodiment with the holding member removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a support member according to a first modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the wavelength combining module of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing transmission and reflection of light in a filter provided in the wavelength combining module of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a wavelength combining module according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of input light output from the wavelength combining module of the second modified example and input to an end face of an optical fiber, and reflected light from a processing surface when a laser beam is irradiated onto the processing object. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a wavelength combining module according to a third modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a wavelength combining module according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a light emitting device according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a support member of a sixth modified example taken at the same position as in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a base of a support member according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the base of the support member of the seventh modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a base of a support member according to an eighth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a support member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a base of a support member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a support member according to a ninth modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a support member according to a tenth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a support member according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of the base of the support member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a support member according to a sixth embodiment at a position equivalent to that in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a cover of a support member according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a cover of a support member according to an eleventh modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by the configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configurations.

[0033] The embodiments and modifications shown below have similar configurations. Therefore, according to the configurations of the embodiments and modifications, similar actions and effects based on the similar configurations can be obtained. In the following, the similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0034] In this specification, ordinal numbers are given for the sake of convenience to distinguish between parts, portions, etc., and do not indicate a priority order or sequence.

[0035] In each drawing, the direction X is represented by an arrow X, the direction Y is represented by an arrow Y, and the direction Z is represented by an arrow Z. The directions X, Y, and Z intersect with each other and are perpendicular to each other. The X direction may also be referred to as the extension direction of the peeled end portion 20a of the optical fiber 20A.

[0036] [First embodiment] 1 is a perspective view of a support member 10A according to a first embodiment. The support member 10A is mainly used to support an end of an optical fiber 20A as an output optical fiber that outputs laser light in various optical devices. The support member 10A may also be referred to as an end support structure or a support portion.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the support member 10A includes a base 11, a cover 12, an end cap 13, and a holder .

[0038] The base 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction, and supports the optical fiber 20A extending in the X direction.

[0039] The base 11 has a surface 11a positioned at an end on the opposite side in the Z direction, and a surface 11b positioned at an end in the Z direction.

[0040] The surface 11a faces the opposite direction to the Z direction and intersects with and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The surface 11a is a rectangular flat surface.

[0041] The surface 11b faces the Z direction, intersects with the Z direction, and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The surface 11b has three surfaces 11b1, 11b2, and 11b3 that are shifted in the Z direction. The surfaces 11b1, 11b2, and 11b3 all face the Z direction, intersect with the Z direction, and are perpendicular to the Z direction. The surfaces 11b1, 11b2, and 11b3 are all flat surfaces. The surface 11b2 is shifted from the surface 11b1 in the opposite direction to the Z direction, and the surface 11b3 is shifted from the surface 11b2 in the opposite direction to the Z direction. The surfaces 11b1, 11b2, and 11b3 form a step. The surfaces 11a, 11b1, 11b2, and 11b3 are parallel to each other.

[0042] The cover 12 intersects and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The cover 12 has a rectangular shape extending in the X direction.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 12 has a surface 12a located at an end opposite to the Z direction and a surface 12b located at an end in the Z direction. The cover 12 covers the surface 11b1. The surface 12b faces and contacts the surface 11b1. The surface 11b1 of the base 11 is provided with a groove 11c recessed in the opposite direction to the Z direction and extending in the X direction. The groove 11c is a so-called V-groove that forms a V-shaped cross section in a cross section intersecting with the X direction. The groove 11c is provided between two surfaces 11c1 and 11c2. The surface 11c1 extends in a direction opposite to the Z direction as it approaches the Y direction, and also extends in the X direction. The surface 11c2 extends in a direction toward the Z direction as it approaches the Y direction, and also extends in the X direction.

[0044] A space S surrounded by the surfaces 11c1 and 11c2 of the recessed groove 11c and the surface 12a of the cover 12 extends in the X direction. The optical fiber 20A extending in the X direction is accommodated in the space S. The space S is an example of a housing portion.

[0045] The optical fiber 20A has a core 21 including a core 21a and a cladding 21b, and a coating 22 surrounding the core 21. The core 21 can be made of, for example, a silica-based glass material. The coating 22 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0046] In the section accommodated in the space S, the coating 22 of the optical fiber 20A is removed and the core wire 21 is exposed. That is, the space S accommodates a stripped end 20a at the end of the optical fiber 20A where the coating 22 has been removed to expose the core wire 21. The cover 12 covers the recessed groove 11c and also covers the stripped end 20a. The support member 10A supports the stripped end 20a accommodated in the space S. The base 11 is an example of a first member, and the cover 12 is an example of a second member.

[0047] Furthermore, the surfaces 11c1, 11c2, and 12a suppress the positional deviation of the peeled end portion 20a in a direction perpendicular to the X-direction. The surfaces 11c1, 11c2, and 12a may also be referred to as a positioning portion or a deviation prevention portion.

[0048] The treatment material 15 is accommodated in the space S except for the optical fiber 20A. That is, the support member 10A is provided with the treatment material 15. The treatment material 15 is in contact with the peeled end 20a and exists around the peeled end 20a. The treatment material 15 transmits or scatters light leaking from the cladding 21b of the peeled end 20a. This makes it possible to suppress the propagation of light from the cladding 21b to the coating 22.

[0049] The treatment material 15 can be made of, for example, an inorganic adhesive having the property of transmitting or scattering light. The inorganic adhesive is, for example, a silicon-based or alumina-based adhesive. In this case, the inorganic adhesive is applied in an uncured state and then cured to form a ceramic film. The inorganic adhesive can transmit or scatter light. In addition, if the inorganic adhesive uses an organic solvent, the organic solvent volatilizes during curing. The inorganic adhesive has high heat resistance and is therefore suitable as the treatment material 15.

[0050] The treatment material 15 may be made of a resin material that transmits or scatters light. The resin material may be, for example, a silicone-based, epoxy-based, or urethane acrylate-based material. The resin material may contain, for example, boron nitride, talc, aluminum nitride (AlN), or the like, as a filler. In this case, the light is also scattered by the filler. It is also desirable that the refractive index of the filler is higher than that of the cladding 21b. The resin material and the filler are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0051] Both the base 11 and the cover 12 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as, for example, a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

[0052] The cover 12 is fixed to the base 11 by a fastener 16 such as a screw. By integrating the base 11 and the cover 12 with the peeled end 20a of the optical fiber 20A and the treatment material 15 accommodated in the space S, a configuration in which the peeled end 20a and the treatment material 15 are accommodated in the space S can be realized with a relatively simple configuration. Note that the base 11 and the cover 12 may be integrated by a joining method other than the joining by the fastener 16.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support member 10A with the holder 14 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip 20a1 in the X direction of the peeled end 20a of the optical fiber 20A and a section 20a2 of a predetermined length from the tip 20a1 adjacent to the tip 20a1 are exposed to the outside of the space S. That is, the support member 10A supports the peeled end 20a with the section 20a2 exposed. When the optical fiber 20A is an output optical fiber of an optical module such as a wavelength multiplexing module, in other words, when light is input to the tip 20a1 of the optical fiber 20A, the power of the input light may be relatively strong in the vicinity of the tip 20a1. In such a case, if the periphery of the peeled end 20a is covered with the base 11, the cover 12, the treatment material 15, or the like in the vicinity of the tip 20a1, there is a risk that the temperature of the covered portion may rise excessively. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a and the section 20a2 adjacent to the tip 20a1 are exposed instead of being covered, thereby preventing the structure surrounding the peeled end 20a from being damaged by an excessive temperature rise. The tip 20a1 is an example of an end in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the length of the exposed section 20a2 is 5 mm or more and 25 mm or less. If the length of the section 20a2 is too long, the light propagating in the cladding mode may be trapped in the cladding 21b due to the refractive index difference between the cladding 21b and the air. The X direction is an example of a first direction, and the tip 20a1, the peeled end 20a, is an example of a first end.

[0054] The end cap 13 faces the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a in the X direction. The end cap 13 has a cylindrical portion 13a and a protruding portion 13b. The cylindrical portion 13a has a cylindrical shape, has a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter of the peeled end 20a, and extends in the X direction. The end face 13a1 of the cylindrical portion 13a in the X direction is wider than the tip 20a1. The protruding portion 13b protrudes in the opposite direction to the X direction from the cylindrical portion 13a so as to approach the tip 20a1. The protruding portion 13b is, for example, fusion-spliced ​​to the peeled end 20a.

[0055] The end cap 13 may be made of a material having a refractive index similar to that of the core 21a of the optical fiber 20A. As an example, the end cap 13 may be made of the same silica-based glass material as the core 21a of the optical fiber 20A.

[0056] In a configuration in which the end cap 13 is not provided, if the laser light focused by a focusing lens (not shown) or the like arrives toward the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a, the beam diameter becomes small at the interface of the tip 20a1 and the power density becomes excessively large, causing an excessive temperature rise at the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a, which may result in damage to the tip 20a1. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the laser light reaches the end face 13a1 of the end cap 13 with a larger beam diameter and a smaller power density, so that the excessive temperature rise at the end face 13a1 of the end cap 13 and damage to the tip 20a1 can be suppressed. The end cap 13 is an example of a mitigating member.

[0057] An anti-reflection (AR) coating is applied to an end face 13a1 of the end cap 13 opposite to the protruding portion 13b, thereby suppressing light reflection at the end face 13a1.

[0058] The end cap 13 is surrounded by the base 11 and a holder 14 located on the opposite side of the end cap 13 from the base 11. The holder 14 is fixed to the base 11 by a fastener 16 such as a screw. The end cap 13 may be held by the base 11 and the holder 14, or may be held by the base 11 only.

[0059] A reflecting portion 11d is provided at a position away from the end cap 13 in the X direction. The reflecting portion 11d faces the end cap 13. The reflecting portion 11d is provided on a step surface extending in the Z direction between the surface 11b1 and the surface 11b2 in the base 11. The reflecting portion 11d can be formed, for example, by processing a part of the base 11 and performing a plating process, or a separately prepared reflecting portion 11d may be attached to the base 11. The reflecting portion 11d has two reflecting surfaces 11d1 and 11d2 extending in the Z direction. The two reflecting surfaces 11d1 and 11d2 intersect at a tip 11d3 located near the peeled end 20a. The reflecting surface 11d1 extends from the tip 11d3 in the opposite direction to the X direction and then in the opposite direction to the Y direction. On the other hand, the reflecting surface 11d2 extends from the tip 11d3 in the opposite direction to the X direction and then in the Y direction. With this configuration, the reflecting section 11d reflects the light that has come from the end cap 13 and has not been coupled to the core 21a of the optical fiber 20A in a direction away from the end cap 13, for example, in the Y direction or in the direction opposite to the Y direction in this embodiment. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which light leaking from the end cap 13 is reflected by the base 11 or the like and returns to the end cap 13, causing an increase in the temperature of the end cap 13. The reflecting section 11d is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. Also, a scattering section having a scattering surface that scatters light may be provided instead of the reflecting section 11d.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, a space S extending along the peeling end 20a and accommodating the peeling end 20a is provided between the base 11 (first member) and the cover 12 (second member), and the treatment material 15 is accommodated within the space S and exists around the peeling end 20a, transmitting or scattering light leaking from the peeling end 20a.

[0061] According to this configuration, a configuration can be realized that can suppress the temperature rise of the peeled end 20a by transmitting or scattering light leaking from the peeled end 20a using the treatment material 15 arranged around the peeled end 20a, with a relatively simple configuration.

[0062] In this embodiment, for example, the base 11 is provided with a recessed groove 11c that accommodates the peeling end portion 20a, and the cover 12 covers the recessed groove 11c and the peeling end portion 20a.

[0063] In this embodiment, for example, the recessed groove 11c is a V-shaped groove.

[0064] According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to prevent the peeled end 20a from shifting relative to the support member 10A and to position the peeled end 20a at a predetermined position on the support member 10A with a relatively simple configuration.

[0065] In this embodiment, for example, the base 11 and the cover 12 support the peeled end 20a in a state in which a section 20a2 of a predetermined length from the tip 20a1 (longitudinal end) is exposed from the space S to the outside of the support member 10A.

[0066] With such a configuration, for example, the influence of a temperature rise in the vicinity of the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a on the support member 10A can be reduced.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, for example, the end cap 13 faces the tip 20a1 of the peeled end 20a, has an end face 13a1 positioned opposite the tip 20a1 and wider than the tip 20a1, and propagates light incident on the end face 13a1 to the tip 20a1.

[0068] According to such a configuration, for example, compared to a case where there is no end cap 13 and light is directly input to the tip 20a1, the beam diameter of the light can be made larger and the power density of the light can be made smaller, thereby suppressing the temperature rise at the interface (end face 13a1).

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, for example, at least one of the base 11 and the cover 12 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

[0070] According to such a configuration, for example, heat generated at the peeled end portion 20a can be dissipated via the base 11 or the cover 12, so that an excessive increase in temperature at the peeled end portion 20a can be suppressed.

[0071] [First Modification] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support member 10A1 of a first modified example, which is a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the support member 10A1 is shorter in the X direction than the support member 10A of the first embodiment, and the end face 11e of the base 11, the end face 14a of the holder 14, and the end face 13a1 of the end cap 13 all intersect with and are perpendicular to the X direction and are aligned on the same plane.

[0072] With this configuration as well, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this modification, it is possible to prevent unnecessary light from being reflected by the surface 11b3 and input to the end surface 13a1.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Fig. 5 is a plan view of a wavelength combining module 100A of the second embodiment. The wavelength combining module 100A includes a housing 101 and a plurality of optical fibers 20 fixed to the housing 101. The optical fibers 20 are connected to the housing 101 via supports 10a and 10b that support peeled ends 20a (see Figs. 1 to 4, not shown in Fig. 5).

[0074] The housing 101 has, for example, a case and a lid (not shown) and is sealed. The housing 101 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

[0075] The wavelength combining module 100A includes, as the optical fiber 20, an optical fiber 20B that inputs light to the wavelength combining module 100A and an optical fiber 20A that outputs light from the wavelength combining module 100A. The optical fiber 20B is an example of an input optical fiber, and the optical fiber 20A is an example of an output optical fiber. The optical fibers 20A and 20B are, for example, multimode optical fibers, but may be single-mode optical fibers. In the case of a multimode optical fiber, the core diameter is, for example, 100 to 110 [μm], the cladding diameter is, for example, 125 to 500 [μm], and the numerical aperture is, for example, 0.15 to 0.22.

[0076] The support part 10a that supports the optical fiber 20A has a configuration similar to that of the support member 10A of the first embodiment. A part of the support part 10a (for example, the base 11) may be configured in the housing 101 as a part of the housing 101, or the support member 10A of the first embodiment may be attached to the housing 101.

[0077] The support portion 10b that supports the optical fiber 20B may have a configuration similar to that of the support member 10A, or may have a simpler configuration without the reflecting portion 11d.

[0078] The optical fibers 20B input light of different wavelengths. The light input from the multiple optical fibers 20B is combined by the wavelength combining unit 110. The wavelength combining unit 110 has a collimating lens 111, a filter 112, and a condensing lens 113. The filter 112 can be made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film. The collimating lens 111 converts the light from each optical fiber 20B into parallel light. The condensing lens 113 condenses the input light toward the end of the optical fiber 20A and optically couples it to the optical fiber 20A. The collimating lens 111 and the condensing lens 113 may be coated with an anti-reflection coating. The wavelength combining unit 110 may also be called a light combining unit.

[0079] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing transmission and reflection of light in the filter 112. As shown in Fig. 6, the filter 112 transmits light from one optical fiber 20B1 (hereinafter referred to as a first light) and reflects light from another optical fiber 20B2 (hereinafter referred to as a second light).

[0080] In the configuration of FIG. 6, when the wavelength λ1 of the light from the optical fiber 20B1 is longer than the wavelength λ2 of the light from the optical fiber 20B2, i.e., when the frequency f1 of the light from the optical fiber 20B1 is lower than the frequency f2 of the light from the optical fiber 20B2, the filter 112 is a low-pass filter.

[0081] On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 6, when the wavelength λ1 of the light from the optical fiber 20B1 is shorter than the wavelength λ2 of the light from the optical fiber 20B2, i.e., when the frequency f1 of the light from the optical fiber 20B1 is higher than the frequency f2 of the light from the optical fiber 20B2, the filter 112 is a high-pass filter.

[0082] The filter 112 has a first surface 112a and a second surface 112b. The first surface 112a and the second surface 112b are parallel to each other.

[0083] The first surface 112a is an incident surface for the first light, and the second surface 112b is an exit surface for the first light and a reflecting surface for the second light.

[0084] The first light travels in a direction D1, enters the first surface 112a, and exits from the second surface 112b and travels in a direction D1. On the other hand, the second light travels in a direction D2, reaches the second surface 112b, and is reflected by the second surface 112b and travels in a direction D1. That is, the filter 112 is set so that when the absolute value of the incident angle (= exit angle) of the second light is θ, the absolute value of the angle difference between the direction D1 and the opposite direction of the direction D2 is 2θ. In this configuration, the first light and the second light can be combined by arranging each part so that the exit point of the first light on the second surface 112b and the reflection point of the second light on the second surface 112b approximately coincide with each other at least in the line of sight of FIGS. 5 and 6. The direction D1 is an example of a first input direction, and the direction D2 is an example of a second input direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, the direction D1 is also the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 20B1 and the supporting portion 10b1 (10b), and the direction D2 is also the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 20B2 and the supporting portion 10b2 (10b).

[0086] In this embodiment, the incident angle θ of the second light incident on the second surface 112b is set to be 20° or less. The reason for this will be explained. In this specification, a filter that passes light with a wavelength longer than the boundary band is called a high-pass filter, and a filter that passes light with a wavelength shorter than the boundary band is called a low-pass filter.

[0087] It is known that, as a characteristic of this type of filter, when a filter designed for one polarization is mixed with another polarization, the larger the incident angle θ, the larger the wavelength band between the wavelength λmin where the reflectance is 100% and the transmittance is 0% and the wavelength λmax where the reflectance is 0% and the transmittance is 100% (hereinafter, this is referred to as the boundary band) becomes, and the cutoff characteristics of the filter deteriorate. In particular, when p-waves and s-waves are polarization-combined, the cutoff characteristics are most likely to deteriorate.

[0088] In the case where p-waves and s-waves are polarization-combined, and the cutoff characteristic of the filter is further deteriorated and the boundary area is large, it is necessary to set the difference in wavelength between the first light and the second light to be large, so that the wavelength interval (frequency interval) of the multiple lights with different wavelengths to be combined must be made larger, and it becomes impossible to combine more wavelengths of light. In this respect, in this embodiment, by setting the incident angle θ to 20° or less, it is possible to set the difference in wavelength between the first light and the second light to be smaller, and the wavelength interval of the multiple lights with different wavelengths to be combined can be made smaller, making it possible to combine more wavelengths of light. Through intensive studies by the inventors, it has been found that the incident angle θ is preferably greater than 0° and less than 20°, and more preferably greater than 0° and less than 15°.

[0089] In the configuration of Figure 5, filter 112-1 emits a composite light of light of wavelength λ1 from optical fiber 20B1 and light of wavelength λ2 from optical fiber 20B2, and filter 112-2 emits a composite light of light of wavelength λ1, light of wavelength λ2, and light of wavelength λ3 from optical fiber 20B3. In this manner, multiple lights of different wavelengths are sequentially combined by each filter 112, and the composite light of multiple lights of different wavelengths (λ1, λ2, ... , λn is the number of optical fibers 20B) from multiple optical fibers 20B is input to optical fiber 20A via focusing lens 113.

[0090] 5, when the multiple filters 112 are high-pass filters, light with shorter wavelengths, i.e., light with higher frequencies, is sequentially combined with the light output from the optical fiber 20B each time the light passes through a filter 112. In this case, for wavelengths λ1, λ2, . . . , λn, λ1>λ2> . . . >λn holds.

[0091] 5, when the multiple filters 112 are low-pass filters, light with longer wavelengths, i.e., light with lower frequencies, is sequentially combined with the light output from the optical fiber 20B each time the light passes through a filter 112. In this case, for wavelengths λ1, λ2, . . . , λn, λ1<λ2< . . . <λn holds.

[0092] As described above, in the wavelength combining module 100A of this embodiment, the support portion 10a of the peeled end portion 20a of the optical fiber 20A (output optical fiber) has the same configuration as the support member 10A of the first embodiment.

[0093] According to this configuration, for example, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, in filter 112 that transmits a first light having a wavelength λ1 (first wavelength) and reflects a second light having a wavelength λ2 (second wavelength) at second surface 112b, the incident angle θ of the second light with respect to second surface 112b is greater than 0° and less than 20°.

[0095] According to such a configuration, for example, when multiple light beams with different wavelengths are combined and the multiple light beams include light beams with different polarization planes, the interval between the wavelengths (frequencies) of the multiple light beams with different wavelengths can be made smaller, and light beams with more wavelengths (frequencies) can be combined. In addition, since the combined light beams can include light beams with different polarization planes, the power of the light beams at each wavelength can be increased compared to the case where the combined light beams include only light beams with the same polarization plane.

[0096] [Second modified example] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a wavelength combining module 100B according to a second modification example which is a modification example of the second embodiment.

[0097] 7, the wavelength combining module 100B includes a sensor 114 that detects reflected light from the support portion 10a on the opposite side to the support portion 10a with respect to the condenser lens 113 that faces the support portion 10a. The sensor 114 is, for example, a photodiode.

[0098] Here, an example will be described in which the wavelength synthesis module 100B is used for laser processing of a processing object. FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing input light (output light of the wavelength synthesis module 100B, hereinafter referred to as input light) input to the tip 20a1 of the optical fiber 20A, and reflected light (hereinafter simply referred to as reflected light at the processing surface) that returns from the input light going back and forth through the optical fiber 20A via the processing surface (not shown) of the processing object. In FIG. 8, Po is the optical path of the input light, and Pe is the optical path of the reflected light. As shown in FIG. 8, the input light does not usually use the entire numerical aperture (NA) of the optical fiber 20A. As an example, when the numerical aperture of the optical fiber 20A is 0.22, the numerical aperture of the input light is about 0.18. This is because if the numerical aperture corresponding to the angle of the input light becomes larger than that, the coupling loss increases. In contrast, the reflected light at the processing surface has a spread angle corresponding to the numerical aperture of the optical fiber 20A, and also passes through the outside farther from the optical axis Ax than the optical path Po of the output light.

[0099] Therefore, in this modification, the sensor 114 is provided at a position where the reflected light from the processing surface can reach the sensor 114 via the condenser lens 113 after passing through the optical path Pe that is outer than the optical path Po of the output light.

[0100] This provides the advantage that reflected light can be detected without interfering with the propagation of light.

[0101] [Third Modification] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a wavelength combining module 100C according to a third modified example which is a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0102] In the wavelength synthesis module 100C shown in FIG. 9, the optical fibers 20A and 20B are all polarization-maintaining fibers, and linearly polarized light having the same polarization plane is input from all the optical fibers 20B. The polarization plane is set so that the light input to the first surface 112a and the second surface 112b of each filter 112 is an s-wave with respect to the first surface 112a and the second surface 112b. Therefore, in the filter 112, the cutoff characteristic is not deteriorated due to the polarization plane direction, so that the incident angle of the second light can be set to 45°, and the optical fiber 20B can be arranged in a form in which the direction D1 and the direction D2 are orthogonal to each other. The optical fibers 20A and 20B may be multimode optical fibers or single-mode optical fibers.

[0103] Furthermore, a reflected light cut filter 115 is provided on the opposite side of the support portion 10a with respect to the condenser lens 113. The reflected light cut filter 115 prevents light from returning from the optical fiber 20A.

[0104] As will be apparent from a comparison of FIG. 9 with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, according to the arrangement of the optical fiber 20B and the support portion 10a of this modified example, for example, the wavelength combining module 100C can be configured more compactly in the X direction in FIG. 9.

[0105] [Fourth Variation] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a wavelength combining module 100D according to a fourth modified example which is a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0106] The wavelength combining module 100D shown in FIG. 10 includes a wavelength combining unit 110 having a configuration similar to that of the wavelength combining module 100C of the third modified example. In the wavelength combining module 100D, all the optical fibers 20B are polarization-maintaining fibers, and linearly polarized light having the same polarization plane is input from all the optical fibers 20B. The polarization plane is set so that the light input to the first surface 112a and the second surface 112b of each filter 112 is an s-wave with respect to the first surface 112a and the second surface 112b. Therefore, this modified example also provides the same effects and advantages as the third modified example. The wavelength combining module 100D may include a combination of an optical fiber 20B that is not a polarization-maintaining fiber as shown in FIG. 5 and a filter 112 that reflects the optical fiber 20B and has an incident angle of 20° or less, instead of the combination of the optical fiber 20B as a polarization-maintaining fiber and the filter 112 that reflects the light from the optical fiber 20B.

[0107] However, in this modification, the light emitting device 30A that outputs light to each optical fiber 20B outputs light obtained by combining light of multiple wavelengths. The configuration of the light emitting device 30A will be described in the third embodiment. According to this modification, when compared with a configuration in which the same number of light beams with different wavelengths are combined, for example, the number of optical fibers 20B connected to the wavelength combining module 100D can be reduced compared to the third modification because the light emitting device 30A can combine light of multiple wavelengths, and thus the wavelength combining module 100D can be configured more compactly in the X direction in FIG. 10.

[0108] [Third embodiment] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a light emitting device 30A of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the light emitting device 30A has a housing 31, an optical fiber 20A fixed to the housing 31, a plurality of light emitting elements 32, and a light combining section 33A that combines light from the plurality of light emitting elements 32. The optical fiber 20A is an output optical fiber, and is fixed to the housing 31 via a support section 10a that supports a peeled end section 20a (see Figs. 1 to 4, not shown in Fig. 11) of the optical fiber 20A.

[0109] The support portion 10a supporting the optical fiber 20A has a configuration similar to that of the support member 10A of the first embodiment. A part of the support portion 10a (for example, the base 11) may be configured in the housing 31 as a part of the housing 31, or the support member 10A of the first embodiment may be attached to the housing 31. The optical fiber 20A (output optical fiber) in the light emitting device 30A is the optical fiber 20B (input optical fiber) in the wavelength multiplexing modules 100A to 100D.

[0110] The housing 31 has, for example, a case and a lid (not shown) and is sealed. The housing 31 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

[0111] The light emitting elements 32 each output light of a different wavelength. The light emitting elements 32 are, for example, semiconductor laser modules.

[0112] The light output from the multiple light-emitting elements 32 is combined by the light combining unit 33A. The light combining unit 33A has optical components such as collimator lenses 33a and 33b, a filter 112, a mirror 33d, a combiner 33e, and condenser lenses 33f and 33g. The combiner 33e is a combiner that combines light of different wavelengths.

[0113] In the light emitting device 30A, two arrays in which a plurality of light emitting elements 32 are arranged at a predetermined interval (for example, a constant interval) in the X direction are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The plurality of light emitting elements 32 each output light of a different wavelength (λ1, λ2, . . . , λn). The interval between the plurality of wavelengths is, for example, 5 [nm] to 20 [nm] between the center wavelengths. The light synthesized here may also include blue laser light.

[0114] In the light combining unit 33A, the collimating lens 33a collimates the light in the Z direction (fast axis direction), and the collimating lens 33b collimates the light in the X direction (slow axis direction). The filter 112 is similar to the filter in the second embodiment. The combiner 33e combines the light from the two arrays and outputs it toward the condenser lens 33f. The condenser lens 33f condenses the light in the Z direction (fast axis direction), and the condenser lens 33g condenses the light in the Y direction (slow axis direction). The light combining unit 33A may also be referred to as a wavelength combining unit.

[0115] The housing 31 is also provided with a cooling passage 31a for cooling the light emitting elements 32, the support 10a, the condenser lenses 33f and 33g, the combiner 33e, and the like. A coolant such as a cooling liquid flows through the cooling passage 31a. The cooling passage 31a passes, for example, near (directly below) the mounting surface of each component of the housing 31, and the inner surface of the cooling passage 31a is thermally connected to the components and parts to be cooled, i.e., the light emitting elements 32, the support 10a, the condenser lenses 33f and 33g, and the combiner 33e. The cooling passage 31a is also arranged so as to overlap with the highest temperature position of the components and parts to be cooled when viewed in the Z direction.

[0116] The cooling passage 31a is provided so that the multiple light emitting elements 32 are cooled by the refrigerant in the order of wavelength, in other words, the cooling position of the light emitting element 32 that outputs light with a longer wavelength is located upstream of the cooling position of the light emitting element 32 that outputs light with a shorter wavelength. As a result, the light emitting element 32 that outputs light with a longer wavelength among the multiple light emitting elements 32 is cooled earlier by the refrigerant with a lower temperature, and the light emitting element 32 that outputs light with a shorter wavelength is cooled later by the refrigerant with a higher temperature. The wavelength λ1 of the light output by the light emitting element 32-1 located closest to the inlet 31a1 of the refrigerant of the cooling passage 31a is the longest, and the wavelength λn of the light output by the light emitting element 32-n located closest to the outlet 31a2 of the refrigerant of the cooling passage 31a is the shortest. For the wavelengths λ1, . . . , λn, λ1>λ2>. . . >λn holds true.

[0117] As described above, in the light emitting device 30A of this embodiment, the support member 10a of the peeled end portion 20a of the optical fiber 20A (output optical fiber) has the same configuration as the support member 10A of the first embodiment.

[0118] Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0119] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, the refrigerant passing through the cooling passage 31a can cool both the plurality of light emitting elements 32 and the support 10a. Therefore, for example, the configuration of the light emitting device 30A can be simplified compared to a configuration in which a cooling passage is provided for each of the plurality of light emitting elements 32 and the support 10a.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, the longer the wavelength of the light output from the multiple light-emitting elements 32, the earlier they are cooled by the refrigerant passing through the cooling passage 31a. The longer the wavelength, the higher the temperature of the light-emitting elements 32 tends to become. Therefore, with this configuration, the multiple light-emitting elements 32 can be cooled more efficiently by the refrigerant. This also makes it possible to suppress variation in wavelength.

[0121] [Fifth Modification] Fig. 12 is a plan view of a light emitting device 30B of a fifth modified example as a modified example of the third embodiment. The light emitting device 30B combines and outputs light of the same wavelength λ1 (single wavelength λ1). The light emitting device 30B has a housing 31, an optical fiber 20A fixed to the housing 31, a plurality of light emitting elements 32, and a light combining section 33B that combines light from the plurality of light emitting elements 32. As in the third embodiment, the optical fiber 20A is an output optical fiber, and is fixed to the housing 31 via a support section 10a that supports its peeled end section 20a (see Figs. 1 to 4, not shown in Fig. 11).

[0122] The housing 31 is provided with a stepped surface (not shown) such that the positions of the light-emitting elements 32 in each array, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements 32 are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, constant intervals) in the X direction, shift in the Z direction as they move in the opposite direction to the X direction. The light-emitting elements 32 are each placed on the stepped surface.

[0123] Each of the light emitting elements 32 outputs light of the same wavelength λ1. The light emitting elements 32 are, for example, semiconductor laser modules.

[0124] The light output from the multiple light emitting elements 32 is combined by the light combining unit 33B. The light combining unit 33B has optical components such as collimator lenses 33a and 33b, mirrors 33c and 33d, a combiner 33e, and condenser lenses 33f and 33g.

[0125] Like the light-emitting elements 32, the mirrors 33c are each placed on a stepped surface of the housing 31. The mirrors 33c each reflect light from the optically coupled light-emitting elements 32 toward the mirror 33d or the combiner 33e. The position of the stepped surface in the Z direction and the size of the mirror 33c are set so as not to interfere with light from other mirrors 33c.

[0126] The combiner 33e includes a half-wave plate 33e1 that rotates the polarization plane of the light from one of the arrays. The combiner 33e may also be referred to as a polarization combining element.

[0127] In this modified example as well, it is possible to cool both the plurality of light emitting elements 32 and the support portion 10a by the coolant passing through the cooling passages 31a.

[0128] [Sixth Modification] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 10B of the sixth modified example as a modified example of the first embodiment, taken at the same position as in FIG. 2. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the base 11B. In this modified example, the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the base 11B and the cover 12 is large. The base 11B and the cover 12B are bonded together by the adhesive 17. In this configuration, if the bonding area (bonding area) of the adhesive 17 becomes too wide (large), the stress generated in the cover 12B increases due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the adhesive 17 and the cover 12B, and the cover 12B may crack or the adhesive 17 bonding the base 11B and the cover 12B may crack or peel off. Therefore, in this modified example, a recess 11f recessed in the opposite direction to the Z direction and extending in the X direction is provided on the surface 11b1 (11b), thereby reducing the amount of adhesive 17. This makes it possible to suppress cracking of the cover 12B. The recess 11f is a so-called recessed groove. The adhesive 17 may be made of the same synthetic resin material as the treatment material 15, but is not required to be made of the same material as the treatment material 15. The type and components of the adhesive 17 applied to the area of ​​the surface 11b1 between the recess 11f close to the optical fiber 20A and the recessed groove 11c may be different from the area of ​​the surface 11b1 between the recess 11f far from the optical fiber 20A and the recess 11f close to the optical fiber 20A. That is, the type and components of the adhesive 17 may be different depending on the location on the surface 11b1.

[0129] [Seventh Variation] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the base 11B1 of the seventh modified example as a modified example of the first embodiment. This base 11B1 can be replaced with the base 11B of the sixth modified example. As shown in FIG. 15, in this modified example, a plurality of recesses 11f having a different shape from that of the sixth modified example are provided. The recesses 11f are recessed in the opposite direction to the Z direction from the surface 11b1 (11b), and are so-called cavities. The shape of the cross section of the recesses 11f intersecting with the Z direction is a quadrangle. Note that the recesses 11f do not penetrate the base 11B1 in the Z direction, similar to the recesses 11f of the sixth modified example. In addition, the recesses 11f are arranged in a matrix in the X direction and the Y direction, but may or may not be arranged in other directions. This modified example also provides the same effect as the sixth modified example.

[0130] [Eighth Modification] 16 is a plan view of a base 11B2 of an eighth modified example as a modification of the first embodiment. This base 11B2 can be substituted for the base 11B of the sixth modified example. The base 11B2 of this modified example is the same as the base 11B1 of the seventh modified example, except that the cross-sectional shape is circular. This modified example also provides the same effects as the sixth modified example.

[0131] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a support member 10C of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, in this embodiment, an opening 12d is provided in an end 12c in the X direction of a cover 12C as a notch recessed in the opposite direction to the X direction. The opening 12d penetrates the cover 12C in the Z direction, in other words, in the thickness direction of the cover 12C. This opening 12d partially exposes the surface 11b of the base 11C, the groove 11c provided in the surface 11b, and the peeling end 20a accommodated in the groove 11c in the Z direction and the X direction.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 17, the surface 11b and the concave groove 11c are fixed to the peeling end 20a by the fixing portion 18 at the portion exposed by the opening 12d. The fixing portion 18 is, for example, an adhesive such as an inorganic adhesive. The fixing portion 18 is applied in a fluid state and then solidified. The fixing portion 18 may be, for example, an electromagnetic wave curable adhesive that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light or visible light, or a thermosetting adhesive that is cured by heating. In this case, the fixing portion 18 can be solidified by applying electromagnetic waves or heat to the fixing portion 18 in a fluid state. In addition, when the fixing portion 18 is an electromagnetic wave curable adhesive, electromagnetic waves for curing may be irradiated to the fixing portion 18 through the opening 12d.

[0133] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the base 11C. As shown in Fig. 18, the groove 11c provided on the surface 11b of the base 11C extends in the X direction and has a section 11c3 that accommodates the peeled end 20a of the optical fiber 20A and a section 11c4 that accommodates the part of the optical fiber 20A that is covered with the coating 22. As will be clear from Fig. 18 and Fig. 17, in this embodiment, the section 11c3 located on the end 11h side of the groove 11c is partially exposed by the opening 12d.

[0134] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX of Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 19, the fixing portion 18 is accommodated in the V-shaped groove 11c together with the peeled end portion 20a in the section 11c3, and surrounds the peeled end portion 20a. In this manner, the fixing portion 18 joins and fixes the base 11C and the peeled end portion 20a. The section 11c3 is an example of a second groove.

[0135] The portion of the cover 12C opposite the end 12c in the X direction with respect to the opening 12d, and the base 11C have the same configuration as that of FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

[0136] As described above, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 18 fixes the peeled end portion 20a, which is a part of the optical fiber 20A, to the base 11C (first member). With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the relative positional deviation between the optical fiber 20A and the base 11C, and therefore the supporting member 10C.

[0137] In this embodiment, the cover 12C (second member) is provided with an opening 12d that exposes the fixing portion 18. In this configuration, the opening 12d functions as a clearance for the fixing portion 18. If the amount of application of the fixing portion 18 is too large in a configuration without the opening 12d, the fixing portion 18 may enter between the surface 11b of the base 11C and the surface 12a of the cover 12C, which may cause the base 11C and the cover 12C to be unable to be in close contact with each other. Therefore, in the absence of the opening 12d, it becomes necessary to more strictly control the amount of application of the fixing portion 18. In this regard, according to this embodiment, since the opening 12d functions as a clearance for the fixing portion 18, it becomes unnecessary to strictly control the amount of application of the fixing portion 18 as in the case where the opening 12d does not exist, and thus the assembly of the support member 10C can be performed more easily or quickly.

[0138] 17, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 18 is located away from the tip 20a1 (first end) of the peeling end 20a, the end 11h in the X direction of the base 11C, and the end 12c in the X direction of the cover 12C in the opposite direction of the X direction. With this configuration, the laser light that arrives in the opposite direction of the X direction toward the tip 20a1 and is not coupled to the tip 20a1 is less likely to reach the fixing portion 18, and even if the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1 reaches the fixing portion 18, the energy density of the laser light can be made smaller. Therefore, with this configuration, overheating or damage to the fixing portion 18 due to irradiation of the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1 can be suppressed. The end 11h and the end 12c are examples of the second end.

[0139] In this embodiment, the base 11C is provided with a section 11c3 (second groove) of the groove 11c. The section 11c3 accommodates the portion of the peeling end 20a that is fixed to the base 11C by the fixing portion 18. With this configuration, the fixing portion 18 can be more reliably arranged around the peeling end 20a than when, for example, the peeling end 20a is placed on the surface 11b without providing the section 11c3 of the groove 11c and the fixing portion 18 is applied around the peeling end 20a in a pile. That is, by providing the section 11c3 of the groove 11c that accommodates the peeling end 20a and the fixing portion 18, the peeling end 20a and the base 11C can be more firmly fixed by the fixing portion 18.

[0140] Although the support member 10C of this embodiment does not include the end caps 13, the configuration of this embodiment is also applicable to a configuration including the end caps 13.

[0141] [Ninth Variation] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a support member 10C1 of a ninth modified example as a modified example of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, in this modified example, the opening 12d is a through hole that penetrates the cover 12C1 in the Z direction at a position away from the end 12c in the opposite direction to the X direction, and exposes the fixing portion 18 in the Z direction. Except for this point, the support member 10C1 of this modified example has a similar configuration to the support member 10C of the fourth embodiment.

[0142] In this modification, since the opening 12d is separated from the end 12c, the portion of the cover 12C1 between the end 12c and the opening 12d serves as a barrier that blocks the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1 from reaching the fixed portion 18. Thus, with this configuration, it is possible to further prevent the fixed portion 18 from being overheated or damaged by the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1. The end 12c is an example of a third end.

[0143] It should be noted that the opening 12d is not limited to a through hole, and may be, for example, a notch provided at an end of the cover 12C1 in the Y direction or in the opposite direction to the Y direction.

[0144] [Tenth Modification] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a support member 10C2 of a tenth modified example as a modified example of the fourth embodiment. Note that the illustration of the fixing device 16 is omitted in Fig. 21. A bolt as the fixing device 16 passes through a through hole 12e provided in the cover 12C2 and is coupled to a female screw hole 11g provided in the base 11C.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 21, in this modification, as in the ninth modification, the opening 12d is a through hole penetrating the cover 12C2 in the Z direction at a position away from the end 12c in the opposite direction of the X direction, and exposes the fixing portion 18 in the Z direction. However, in this modification, the opening 12d is located closer to the end 12f in the opposite direction of the X direction than the end 12c in the X direction of the cover 12C2. The part of the cover 12C2 between the end 12c and the opening 12d and the base 11C have the same configuration as FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. That is, the fixing portion 18 is located on the opposite side of the tip 20a1 of the peeling end 20a with respect to the treatment material 15, and the relative positional relationship (disposition) in the X direction between the fixing portion 18 and the treatment material 15 is reversed to those of the fourth embodiment and the ninth modification. Except for these points, the support member 10C2 of this modification has the same configuration as the support members 10C and 10C1 of the fourth embodiment and the ninth modification.

[0146] In this modification, the opening 12d is also away from the end 12c, so that the portion of the cover 12C2 between the end 12c and the opening 12d acts as a barrier that blocks the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1 from being irradiated onto the fixed portion 18. In addition, the length between the opening 12d and the end 12c is longer than in the ninth modification. Therefore, according to this modification, overheating or damage to the fixed portion 18 caused by the laser light that is not coupled to the tip 20a1 can be further suppressed.

[0147] In this modification, the fixing portion 18 is housed in the V-shaped groove 11c together with the portion of the optical fiber 20A covered with the coating 22 in the section 11c4, and surrounds the periphery of the portion covered with the coating 22. In this configuration, the fixing portion 18 joins and fixes the base 11C and the portion covered with the coating 22. In this case, the section 11c4 is an example of a second groove.

[0148] In this modified example, the opening 12d is not limited to a through hole, but may be, for example, a notch provided in the end of the cover 12C2 in the Y direction or the opposite direction to the Y direction, or the end 12f in the opposite direction to the X direction.

[0149] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a support member 10D of the fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 22, in this embodiment, the cover 12 is not provided with an opening 12d. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a base 11D. As shown in Fig. 23, the base 11D is provided with a recess 11c5 in a section 11c3 of the recessed groove 11c.

[0150] 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 22, showing the support member 10D at the position where the recess 11c5 is provided. As shown in FIG. 24, the recess 11c5 has, for example, a V-shaped cross section intersecting with the X direction, forming a groove deeper in the opposite direction to the Z direction than the section 11c3. The fixing portion 18 is housed in the recess 11c5 together with the peeling end 20a, and the recess 11c5 surrounds the peeling end 20a. Except for these points, the support member 10D of this embodiment has the same configuration as the support member 10C of the fourth embodiment.

[0151] In this embodiment, the recess 11c5 is provided in the base 11D, so that the volume in which the fixing portion 18 can exist is increased compared to the case where the recess 11c5 is not provided. Therefore, the peeling end 20a and the recess 11c5 can be fixed more firmly by the larger number of fixing portions 18. In addition, since the recess 11c5 can have a larger margin of volume relative to the required volume of the fixing portion 18, the recess 11c5 functions as a clearance for the fixing portion 18, and it is not necessary to strictly control the amount of application of the fixing portion 18 as in the case where the recess 11c5 is not provided, and thus the assembly of the support member 10D can be performed more easily or quickly.

[0152] 23, by providing the recess 11c5, compared to a case where the recess 11c5 is not provided, it is easier for an operator, a robot camera, or the like to recognize the position where the fixing portion 18 in a fluid state is applied to the base 11D, and thus the positional accuracy of the fixing portion 18 can be improved. Furthermore, the side surface (end surface) of the recess 11c5 in the X direction and the opposite direction to the X direction can prevent the applied fixing portion 18 in a fluid state from flowing out in the X direction and the opposite direction to the X direction. That is, the recess 11c5 can function as a positioning portion for the fixing portion 18 or a portion for preventing misalignment.

[0153] [Sixth embodiment] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 10E of the sixth embodiment at the same position as FIG. 19. FIG. 26 is a perspective view in which the surface 12a of the cover 12E is seen. As is clear from FIGS. 25 and 26, in this embodiment, a recess 12g is provided in the cover 12E. The recess 12g is provided at a position overlapping the section 11c3 of the groove 11c in the Z direction. The fixing portion 18 is accommodated in the section 11c3 and the recess 12g, and surrounds the peeling end 20a in the space formed by the section 11c3 and the recess 12g. Except for this point, the support member 10E of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the support member 10D of the fifth embodiment.

[0154] The recess 12g is formed as a recessed groove that is connected to the end 12c extending in the X direction. As shown in Fig. 25, the recess 12g has, for example, a V-shaped cross section that intersects with the X direction.

[0155] In this embodiment, by providing the recess 12g in the cover 12E, the volume in which the fixing portion 18 can exist is increased compared to a case in which the recess 12g is not present. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same effects as the fifth embodiment.

[0156] [Eleventh Modification] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a cover 12E1 of a support member 10E1 of an eleventh modified example as a modified example of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 27, in this modified example, the recess 12g is shorter than that of the sixth embodiment and does not reach the end 12c. Except for this point, the support member 10E1 of this modified example has the same configuration as the support member 10E of the sixth embodiment.

[0157] The configuration of this embodiment also provides the same effect as the sixth embodiment. In addition, the side surfaces of the recess 12g in the X direction and the opposite direction to the X direction have the advantage of preventing the applied fixing part 18 in a fluid state from flowing out in the X direction and the opposite direction to the X direction. In other words, the recess 12g can also function as a positioning part for the fixing part 18 or a part for preventing misalignment.

[0158] Although the embodiment and the modified examples of the present invention have been illustrated above, the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the specifications of each configuration, shape, and the like (structure, type, direction, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately changed and implemented.

[0159] For example, the support part of the optical fiber in a wavelength synthesis module or a light emitting device does not necessarily have to have a structure similar to that of the support member of the first embodiment. As an example, the structure disclosed in WO2015 / 037725A1 can be adopted, and as another example, the peeled end part and the glass capillary may be integrated in at least a portion of the section.

[0160] Furthermore, a wavelength locking function may be provided by, for example, having a volume bragg grating (VBG) in the light emitting device, or providing a fiber bragg grating (FBG) in the middle of the optical fiber between the light emitting device and the wavelength combining module.

[0161] The light emitting device can be configured so that at least one light emitting element outputs visible light and the other light emitting elements output light of near-infrared wavelengths. In this case, the visible light can be used as guide light for determining the irradiation position of the light output from the light emitting device to the outside via the optical fiber.

[0162] Furthermore, the specifications of the recesses and the cross-sectional shapes of the grooves are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment and modified examples. [Industrial Applicability]

[0163] The present invention can be used in a support member, a wavelength combining module, and a light emitting device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 10A, 10A1, 10B, 10C, 10C1, 10C2, 10D, 10E, 10E1...Support member 10a...Support part 10b,10b1,10b2…Support part 11, 11B, 11B1, 11B2, 11C, 11D...Base (first member) 11a…side 11b...side 11b1,11b2,11b3...plane 11c...Concave groove (first concave groove) 11c1,11c2...plane 11c3...Section (second groove) 11c4...Section (Second groove) 11c5…recess 11d…Reflection part 11d1,11d2…reflective surface 11d3…Tip 11e...End face 11f…Recess 11g…Female thread hole 11h…End (second end) 12, 12B, 12C, 12C1, 12C2, 12E, 12E1...Cover (second member) 12a…side 12b...side 12c...End (second end, third end) 12d…Aperture 12e...Through hole 12f...end 12g…Concave 13…End cap 13a…Cylindrical part 13a1...end face 13b...Protruding part 14…Holder 14a...end face 15...Treatment material 16…Fixing tool 17…Glue 18…Fixed part 20, 20A, 20B, 20B1, 20B2, 20B3...Optical fiber 20a...Peeled end 20a1...Tip (first end) 20a2...Section 21…Core wire 21a…Core 21b…Clad 22…Covering 30A…Light emitting device 30B…Light emitting device 31. Housing 31a...Cooling passage 31a1…Entrance 31a2…exit 32, 32-1, 32-n...Light emitting element 33A,33B…Photosynthesis part 33a…Collimating lens 33b…Collimating lens 33c…Mirror 33d…Mirror 33e…Combiner 33e1…1 / 2 wavelength plate 33f…Condenser lens 33g…Condenser lens 100A~100D...Wavelength synthesis module 101…Housing 110...Wavelength synthesis section (photosynthesis section) 111...Collimating lens 112, 112-1, 112-2... Filter 112a...front page 112b…Second side 113...Condenser lens 114…Sensor 115...Reflected light cut filter Ax…Optical axis f1, f2...frequency D1…Direction (first input direction) D2…Direction (second input direction) Po, Pe…light path S…Space (container) X…direction (first direction) Y...Direction Z…direction θ…Incidence angle λ1~λn, λmin, λmax…Wavelength

Claims

1. A support member for supporting a stripped end portion of an optical fiber having a core wire including a core and a cladding and a coating surrounding the core wire, the stripped end portion being at an end portion in a first direction, which is a longitudinal direction, of the optical fiber, the coating being removed to expose the core wire, A first member; A second member fixed to the first member; a fixing portion that fixes the first member and the optical fiber; Equipped with a receiving portion extending along the peeling end portion and receiving the peeling end portion is provided between the first member and the second member; a treatment material that is accommodated in the accommodation portion and exists around the peeled end portion, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion; the fixing portion is located away from a second end of the first member in the first direction in a direction opposite to the first direction, The first member is provided with a recess that accommodates the fixing portion, The second member covers the first member from the second end portion to an end portion of the first member in a direction opposite to the first direction, A support member, the support member having an opening at a portion of an end of the second member in the first direction, the opening exposing the fixing portion.

2. The first member is provided with a first groove that accommodates the peeling end portion, The support member according to claim 1 , wherein the second member covers the first groove and the peeling end portion.

3. The support member according to claim 2 , wherein the first groove is a V-groove.

4. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first member and the second member support the peeled end portion in a state in which a section of a predetermined length from a first end of the peeled end portion in the first direction is exposed from the storage portion.

5. 5. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the first member is provided with a second groove for accommodating a portion of the optical fiber that is fixed by the fixing portion.

6. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recess is located in the first member away from the second end in a direction opposite to the first direction.

7. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing portion is located on an opposite side of the treatment material to a first end portion of the peeled end portion in the first direction.

8. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing portion is an inorganic adhesive.

9. A support member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a buffer member provided facing a first end of the peeling end in the first direction, positioned opposite the first end, having an end face wider than the first end, and transmitting light incident from the end face to the first end.

10. The support member of claim 9 , further comprising a reflective surface facing the dampening member and configured to reflect light from the dampening member in a direction away from the dampening member.

11. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member is made of a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material.

12. A support member for supporting a stripped end portion of an optical fiber having a core wire including a core and a cladding and a coating surrounding the core wire, the stripped end portion being at an end portion in a first direction, which is a longitudinal direction, of the optical fiber, the coating being removed to expose the core wire, A first member; A second member fixed to the first member; Equipped with a receiving portion extending along the peeling end portion and receiving the peeling end portion is provided between the first member and the second member; a treatment material that is accommodated in the accommodation portion and exists around the peeled end portion, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion; A support member provided with a buffer member disposed facing a first end of the peeled end in the first direction, positioned opposite the first end, having an end face wider than the first end, and transmitting light incident from the end face to the first end.

13. The support member of claim 12 , further comprising a reflective surface facing the dampening member to reflect light from the dampening member in a direction away from the dampening member.

14. a plurality of optical fibers each having a core wire including a core and a cladding, a coating surrounding the core wire, and a stripped end portion at an end portion in a first direction which is a longitudinal direction, where the coating is removed to expose the core wire, the plurality of optical fibers including a plurality of input optical fibers for inputting light of different wavelengths and an output optical fiber for outputting light; a plurality of support portions for supporting the peeled ends of the plurality of optical fibers; an optical combiner that combines light of different wavelengths from each of the input optical fibers and sends the combined light to the output optical fiber; Equipped with At least one of the plurality of support portions is A first member; A second member fixed to the first member; a fixing portion that fixes the first member and the optical fiber; having a receiving portion extending along the peeling end portion and receiving the peeling end portion is provided between the first member and the second member; a treatment material that is accommodated in the accommodation portion and exists around the peeled end portion, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion; the fixing portion is located away from a second end of the first member in the first direction in a direction opposite to the first direction, The first member is provided with a recess that accommodates the fixing portion, The second member covers the first member from the second end portion to an end portion of the first member in a direction opposite to the first direction, a wavelength combining module, the second member having an opening at a portion of an end thereof in the first direction, the opening exposing the fixing portion;

15. The input optical fibers include a first input optical fiber that inputs light of a first wavelength in a first input direction, and a second input optical fiber that inputs light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength in a second input direction. The photosynthetic unit includes:

15. The wavelength combining module according to claim 14, comprising: a filter that transmits light of the first wavelength and reflects light of the second wavelength, the filter having a first surface through which the light of the first wavelength is incident in the first input direction, and a second surface that is approximately parallel to the first surface and through which the light of the first wavelength exits and through which light of the second wavelength is incident in the second input direction and exits approximately parallel to the exit direction of the light of the first wavelength, wherein an incident angle of the light of the second wavelength with respect to the second surface is greater than 0° and is equal to or smaller than 20°.

16. 16. The wavelength multiplexing module according to claim 14, wherein the light input from at least one of the input optical fibers includes a plurality of lights having different orientations of planes of polarization.

17. 17. The wavelength combining module according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of input optical fibers are polarization-maintaining optical fibers.

18. 20. The wavelength combining module according to claim 17, wherein the light input from at least one of the plurality of input optical fibers includes a plurality of lights having different wavelengths.

19. A plurality of light emitting elements; a light combining unit that combines light from the plurality of light emitting elements; an output optical fiber that outputs the light combined in the light combining unit, the output optical fiber having a core wire including a core and a clad, a coating surrounding the core wire, and a stripped end portion at an end portion in a first direction that is a longitudinal direction, where the coating is removed to expose the core wire; A support portion that supports the peeled end portion; Equipped with The support portion is A first member; A second member fixed to the first member; a fixing portion that fixes the first member and the output optical fiber; having a receiving portion extending along the peeling end portion and receiving the peeling end portion is provided between the first member and the second member; a treatment material that is accommodated in the accommodation portion and exists around the peeled end portion, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion; the fixing portion is located away from a second end of the first member in the first direction in a direction opposite to the first direction, The first member is provided with a recess that accommodates the fixing portion, The second member covers the first member from the second end portion to an end portion of the first member in a direction opposite to the first direction, a light emitting device, wherein an opening exposing the fixing portion is provided in a part of an end portion of the second member in the first direction.

20. 20. The light emitting device according to claim 19, further comprising a housing provided with a cooling passage through which a coolant can flow, the housing being capable of cooling the plurality of light emitting elements and the support by flowing the coolant through the cooling passage.

21. 21. The light emitting device according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements emit light of different wavelengths, and light having a longer wavelength is cooled first by the coolant passing through the cooling passage.

22. A plurality of light emitting elements; a light combining unit that combines light from the plurality of light emitting elements; an output optical fiber that outputs the light combined in the light combining unit, the output optical fiber having a core wire including a core and a clad, a coating surrounding the core wire, and a stripped end portion at an end portion in a first direction that is a longitudinal direction, where the coating is removed to expose the core wire; A support portion that supports the peeled end portion; Equipped with The support portion is A first member; A second member fixed to the first member; having a receiving portion extending along the peeling end portion and receiving the peeling end portion is provided between the first member and the second member; a treatment material that is accommodated in the accommodation portion and exists around the peeled end portion, and transmits or scatters light leaking from the peeled end portion; A light emitting device comprising a buffer member disposed facing a first end of the peeled end in the first direction, positioned opposite the first end, having an end face wider than the first end, and transmitting light incident from the end face to the first end.

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