Optical module and optical device

Abstract

This light module comprises, for example: a light device; a lens array member that is optically connected to the light device and that includes, integrally, a plurality of parallel lens units; and a correction optical element for correcting light passing through the lens units. The correction optical element corrects, for example, the light path and / or the beam diameter of the light passing through the lens units.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical module and an optical device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical module equipped with an array lens having a plurality of parallel lens portions is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-101848 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the array lens is composed of multiple parallel lens portions arranged integrally, there was a risk that, for example, due to manufacturing variations in the array lens, the optical path or beam diameter of at least one of the lights passing through each lens portion may deviate from the desired value.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to correct light passing through a lens portion in, for example, an optical module and an optical device that include an array lens member having a plurality of parallel lens portions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The optical module of the present invention includes, for example, an optical device, an array lens member optically connected to the optical device and integrally having a plurality of parallel lens portions, and a correction optical element that corrects light passing through the lens portions.

[0007] Also, in the optical module, for example, the correction optical element corrects at least one of the optical path and the beam diameter of light passing through the lens portion.

[0008] Moreover, the optical module includes, for example, a plurality of correction optical elements having different optical path lengths between the correction optical elements and the lens portion, as the correction optical elements.

[0009] Moreover, the optical module includes, for example, as the correction optical elements, a plurality of correction optical elements in which the difference in optical path length between the lens portion is 0.1 mm or more.

[0010] Also, in the optical module, for example, the array lens member has, as the lens portions, a first lens portion having a corresponding correction optical element, and a second lens portion having no corresponding correction optical element.

[0011] In the optical module, for example, the first lens portion and the second lens portion are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the lens portions.

[0012] In the optical module, for example, the array lens member has, as the lens portion, a plurality of lens portions having different profiles of the refractive surface.

[0013] In the optical module, for example, the pitch in the arrangement direction of the lens portions is 2 mm or less.

[0014] In the optical module, for example, the pitch in the arrangement direction of the lens portions is not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 2 mm.

[0015] In the optical module, for example, the pitch in the arrangement direction of the lens portions is not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 1 mm.

[0016] In the optical module of the present invention, for example, the array lens member has, as the lens portion, a lens portion having a refracting surface with a radius of curvature of 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0017] In the optical module, for example, the array lens member has, as the lens portions, a plurality of lens portions whose refracting surfaces have a difference in curvature radius of 0.05 mm or more or a difference in aspheric coefficient of 0.3 or more.

[0018] Also, in the optical module, for example, the array lens member has, as the lens portion, at least one of a light receiving lens portion that passes light entering the optical device and an light emitting lens portion that passes light exiting the optical device.

[0019] In the optical module, for example, the distance between the optical axis of the light-receiving lens portion and the optical axis of the light-emitting lens portion is 1.5 mm or less.

[0020] Moreover, the optical module includes, for example, at least one lens as the correction optical element.

[0021] In the optical module, for example, the radius of curvature of the refracting surface of the lens serving as the corrective optical element is 5 to 20 times the radius of curvature of the refracting surface of the lens portion.

[0022] In the optical module, for example, the radius of curvature of the refracting surface of the lens serving as the corrective optical element is 8 to 12 times the radius of curvature of the refracting surface of the lens portion.

[0023] Moreover, the optical module includes, for example, at least one prism as the correction optical element.

[0024] The optical module further includes, for example, an array correction member integrally having the plurality of correction optical elements.

[0025] Moreover, an optical device of the present invention includes, for example, the optical module. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, for example, in an optical module and an optical device including an array lens member having a plurality of parallel lens portions, it is possible to correct light passing through the lens portions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the optical module according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an illustrative schematic plan view showing an example of the direction of light in the optical module according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the optical module of the first modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the optical module according to the second modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a third modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative schematic plan view of the optical module according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to an eighth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a ninth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a tenth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to an eleventh modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a twelfth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical device including the optical module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical module according to a thirteenth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an illustrative schematic plan view of an optical device including an optical module according to a fourteenth modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of an optical device including an optical module according to a fifteenth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In each drawing, the X direction is represented by an arrow X, the Y direction is represented by an arrow Y, and the Z direction is represented by an arrow Z. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction intersect with each other and are perpendicular to each other.

[0032] [First embodiment] 1 is a plan view of an optical module 100A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical module 100A includes a substrate 10, an optical device 20, an array lens member 30, and correction optical elements 41 and 43.

[0033] The substrate 10 extends in a direction intersecting with the Z direction. In this embodiment, the substrate 10 extends in the X direction and the Y direction, and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The substrate 10 also has a base surface 10a. The base surface 10a has a planar shape and extends in a direction intersecting with the Z direction. In this embodiment, the base surface 10a extends in the X direction and the Y direction, and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The substrate 10 is, for example, a semiconductor substrate. The substrate 10 may also be referred to as a base, and the base surface 10a may also be referred to as a surface.

[0034] The optical device 20, the array lens member 30, and the corrective optical elements 41 and 43 are each mounted on the base surface 10a by adhesive bonding, soldering, or the like.

[0035] The optical device 20 has a plurality of parallel optical input / output sections 21 to 23. The input / output sections 21 to 23 are, for example, output sections of light-emitting elements such as laser light-emitting elements, or input sections of light-receiving elements such as photodiodes.

[0036] The optical device 20 may be a device having a plurality of optical input / output units 21 to 23, such as a modulator or a coherent mixer. The spot size of the laser light emitting element, modulator, coherent mixer, etc., serving as the optical device 20, is smaller than the spot size of a single mode optical fiber, and is about 3.5 μm or less. Furthermore, the optical device 20 may be an optical fiber array.

[0037] The multiple input / output units 21-23 are lined up in the Y direction. Ends 21a-23a of the multiple input / output units 21-23 in the X direction are lined up (aligned) in the Y direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the multiple input / output units 21-23 may be arranged with some deviation in the X direction.

[0038] The multiple input / output units 21 to 23 are disposed at equal intervals in the Y direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the intervals between the multiple input / output units 21 to 23 do not have to be equal distances.

[0039] Furthermore, the multiple input / output units 21-23 are disposed at the same distance from the base surface 10a in the Z direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the distances of the multiple input / output units 21-23 from the base surface 10a may be different from one another.

[0040] The light input to the multiple input / output units 21-23 and the light output from the multiple input / output units 21-23 are approximately parallel to each other. However, this is not limited thereto, and the light input to the multiple input / output units 21-23 and the light output from the multiple input / output units 21-23 do not have to be approximately parallel to each other.

[0041] The array lens member 30 is optically connected to the optical device 20. The array lens member 30 has a plurality of parallel lens portions 31 to 33. The lens portions 31 to 33 are, for example, convex lenses, and have a collimating function and a focusing function. When the lens portions 31 to 33 have a collimating function, they may also be called collimators or collimating lenses.

[0042] The lens portions 31 to 33 are arranged (aligned) in the Y direction. However, this is not limiting, and the lens portions 31 to 33 may be arranged with some deviation in the X direction.

[0043] The optical axes of the lens units 31 to 33 are disposed at equal intervals in the Y direction. However, this is not limitative, and the intervals between the optical axes of the input / output units 21 to 23 do not have to be at equal distances.

[0044] The optical axes of the lens portions 31 to 33 are disposed at the same distance from the base surface 10a in the Z direction. However, this is not limited thereto, and the distances of the optical axes of the lens portions 31 to 33 from the base surface 10a may be different from one another.

[0045] The array lens member 30 may be made entirely of a transparent material that transmits light, such as glass, a synthetic resin material, or silicon. However, without being limited thereto, at least a part of the array lens member 30 including the lens portions 31-33 may be made of a material that transmits light. Here, "transparent" means that light input to the input / output units 21-23 and light output from the input / output units 21-23 are transmitted.

[0046] The profiles of the refractive surfaces 31a to 33a of the lens units 31 to 33 may be different from each other. In this embodiment, as an example, the lens units 31 and 33 having the corresponding correction optical elements 41 and 43 have different profiles from the lens unit 32 having no corresponding correction optical element. Note that, with respect to the lens units 31 and 33, "having the corresponding correction optical elements 41 and 43" means that there are correction optical elements 41 and 43 through which light passes before or after passing through the lens units 31 and 33, and with respect to the lens unit 32, "not having the corresponding correction optical elements 41 and 43" means that there are no correction optical elements through which light passes before or after passing through the lens unit 32. The lens units 31 and 33 are an example of a first lens unit, and the lens unit 32 is an example of a second lens unit.

[0047] The correction optical elements 41 and 43 are located on the opposite side of the array lens member 30 from the optical device 20. The correction optical element 41 is provided corresponding to the lens portion 31, and the correction optical element 43 is provided corresponding to the lens portion 33. The correction optical element 41 is spaced apart from the lens portion 31 in the X direction, and the correction optical element 43 is spaced apart from the lens portion 33 in the X direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the correction optical elements 41 and 43 are lenses, for example.

[0049] The multiple correction optical elements 41, 43 are substantially aligned in the Y direction. However, this is not limiting, and the multiple correction optical elements 41, 43 may be arranged with some deviation in the X direction.

[0050] The optical path length between the lens unit 31 and the correction optical element 41 is approximately the same as the optical path length between the lens unit 33 and the correction optical element 43. However, this is not limited to this, and the optical path lengths between the multiple correction optical elements 41, 43 and the corresponding lens units 31, 33 may be different from each other.

[0051] Furthermore, the optical axes of the multiple correction optical elements 41, 43 are disposed at approximately the same distance from base surface 10a in the Z direction. However, this is not limited thereto, and the distances of the optical axes of the multiple correction optical elements 41, 43 from base surface 10a may be different from each other.

[0052] The correction optical elements 41, 43 correct light before or after passing through the corresponding lens portions 31, 33 (hereinafter simply referred to as light passing through the lens portions 31, 33). The correction optical elements 41, 43 correct, for example, the position, direction, beam diameter, etc. of the optical path. The array lens member 30 has a plurality of lens portions 31-33, and the optical device 20 has a plurality of input / output portions 21-23. If the plurality of lens portions 31-33 are separate members, the plurality of lens portions 31-33 can be arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of input / output portions 21-23 in the optical device 20. However, in this embodiment, since the lens portions 31-33 are integrated into the array lens member 30, if the arrangement of the input / output portions 21-23 in the optical device 20 is misaligned with the arrangement of the lens portions 31-33 in the array lens member 30 due to manufacturing variations or the like, the misalignment may cause the optical paths and beam diameters of the light beams passing through the lens portions 31-33 to deviate from their intended values ​​(e.g., optimal values, design values, median values ​​of tolerance ranges, etc.), and it may be difficult to suppress the misalignment individually. In this regard, in this embodiment, by providing correction optical elements 41 and 43 that correct the optical paths and beam diameters, it is possible to suppress the misalignment of the optical paths and beam diameters of the light beams passing through the lens portions 31-33 from their intended values.

[0053] Furthermore, if the pitch in the arrangement direction of the multiple lens portions 31-33, i.e., the pitch in the Y direction, is small, the hand or tool holding the correction optical elements 41, 43 is likely to interfere with peripheral components, making it difficult to mount the correction optical elements 41, 43 on the substrate 10. In this regard, in this embodiment, since there is no correction optical element corresponding to the lens portion 32, the correction optical elements 41, 43 can be disposed spaced apart from each other in the Y direction compared to the case where there is a correction optical element corresponding to the lens portion 32, and therefore, an advantage is obtained in that the correction optical elements 41, 43 can be mounted on the substrate 10 more easily or smoothly.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the profile of the refractive surfaces 31a, 33a of the lens units 31, 33 is different from the profile of the refractive surface 32a of the lens unit 32. This makes it possible to set the optical characteristics, such as the focal length, of the composite optical system including the lens unit 31 and the correction optical element 41, the lens unit 32, and the composite optical system including the lens unit 33 and the correction optical element 43 to be substantially the same.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing four configuration examples of the optical device 20 in the optical module 100A of this embodiment. The upper left of Fig. 2 is a configuration example in which all the input / output units 21 to 23 are optical output units, the upper right of Fig. 2 is a configuration example in which all the input / output units 21 to 23 are optical input units, the lower left of Fig. 2 is a configuration example in which the input / output units 21 and 23 are optical output units and the input / output unit 22 is an optical input unit, and the lower right of Fig. 2 is a configuration example in which the input / output unit 22 is an optical output unit and the input / output units 21 and 23 are optical input units. The optical device 20 of this embodiment can be applied to the optical input / output form shown in Fig. 2 or various optical input / output forms other than those of Fig. 2.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the optical module 100A includes the optical device 20, the array lens member 30, and the correction optical elements 41 and 43. The array lens member 30 has a plurality of parallel lens portions 31 to 33. The correction optical elements 41 and 43 correct the light passing through the lens portions 31 and 33.

[0057] In this embodiment, the correction optical elements 41 and 43 correct at least one of the optical path and the beam diameter of the light passing through the lens portions 31 and 33 .

[0058] According to such a configuration, for example, the corrective optical elements 41 and 43 can suppress deviations of the spatial characteristics of the light passing through the lens portions 31 and 33 from intended values, such as deviations of the optical path and beam diameter from intended values.

[0059] In this embodiment, array lens member 30 has lens portions 31, 33 (first lens portions) having corresponding correction optical elements 41, 43, and lens portion 32 (second lens portion) having no corresponding correction optical element.

[0060] According to such a configuration, the number of correction optical elements can be reduced compared to a configuration in which correction optical elements are provided corresponding to all of the lens portions 31 to 33. Therefore, for example, the number of parts of the optical module 100A can be reduced, and the effort and cost for manufacturing the optical module 100A can be suppressed.

[0061] In this embodiment, lens portions 31, 33 (first lens portions) having corresponding correction optical elements 41, 43 and lens portion 32 (second lens portion) having no corresponding correction optical element are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of lens portions 31-33.

[0062] With this configuration, for example, a space is created on the substrate 10 adjacent to the correction optical elements 41, 43 in the Y direction, making it easier to grasp the correction optical elements 41, 43 with a grasping member such as a robot hand or tweezers, and making it easier or smoother to mount the correction optical elements 41, 43 on the substrate 10.

[0063] In this embodiment, the array lens member 30 has a plurality of lens portions 31 to 33, the refractive surfaces 31a to 33a of which have different profiles.

[0064] With such a configuration, for example, the optical characteristics such as focal length of a composite optical system including lens portion 31 and correction optical element 41, lens portion 32, and a composite optical system including lens portion 32 and correction optical element 43 can be set to be approximately the same.

[0065] In this embodiment, the pitch (pitch of the optical axes) of the lens portions 31 to 33 is, for example, 2 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less. This makes it possible to prevent the array lens member 30, and therefore the optical module 100A, from becoming large in the Y direction, that is, the arrangement direction of the lens portions 31 to 33.

[0066] In this embodiment, the radius of curvature of the refractive surfaces 31a to 33a of the lens portions 31 to 33 is, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less. This is because a steep refractive index gradient is required since the collimated beam diameter is limited due to the wide angle of the emitted beam from the device and restrictions on the component layout. This makes it possible to form a desired optical path within a narrow area.

[0067] In this embodiment, for example, the difference in the radius of curvature between the refractive surfaces 31a to 33a of the lens portions 31 to 33 is 0.05 [mm] or more, or the difference in the aspheric coefficient is 0.3 or more. This means that the optical characteristics of the lens portions 31 to 33 are different from each other. This provides the effect of, for example, being able to more accurately design the corrective lenses corresponding to the lens portions 31 to 33 and being able to more flexibly select whether or not the corrective lenses are required.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the array lens member 30 may have a lens portion (light-receiving lens portion, for example, lens portion 32 in the example at the bottom left of Figure 2) that transmits light entering the optical device 20, and an light-emitting lens portion (light-emitting lens portion, for example, lens portions 31 and 33 in the example at the bottom left of Figure 2) that transmits light leaving the optical device 20, as shown in an example in Figure 2.

[0069] According to such a configuration, for example, the optical module 100A of the present embodiment can be applied to a configuration including an optical device 20 that receives light and outputs light.

[0070] In this embodiment, for example, the distance between the optical axis of a lens section (light-receiving lens section, for example, lens section 32 in the example at the lower left of FIG. 2) that passes light entering optical device 20 and the optical axis of a light-emitting lens section (light-emitting lens section, for example, lens sections 31 and 33 in the example at the lower left of FIG. 2) that passes light leaving optical device 20 is 1.5 mm or less. This makes it possible to prevent array lens member 30, and therefore optical module 100A, from becoming large in the Y direction, i.e., the arrangement direction of lens sections 31 to 33.

[0071] In this embodiment, the corrective optical elements 41 and 43 are lenses.

[0072] According to such a configuration, by adjusting the positions and orientations of the correction optical elements 41 and 43, the spatial characteristics of the light passing through the lens portions 31 and 33, such as the optical path and beam diameter, can be corrected.

[0073] In this embodiment, for example, the radius of curvature of the refractive surfaces 41a, 43a of the lenses serving as the correction optical elements 41, 43 is 5 to 20 times, preferably 8 to 12 times, of the radius of curvature of the refractive surfaces 31a to 33a of the lens portions 31 to 33. This range of values ​​is obtained by calculation and experiment. This is because, when the positional deviation of the lens portions 31 to 33 having a steep refractive index gradient is corrected by the correction optical elements 41, 43, which are lenses, if the radius of curvature is too small, the fluctuation of the optical characteristics due to the positional deviation of the correction optical elements 41, 43 themselves becomes large, and conversely, if the radius of curvature is too large, it becomes difficult to obtain a correction effect. This setting makes it possible to compensate for the coupling loss.

[0074] [First Modification] Fig. 3 is a plan view of an optical module 100B according to a first modified example. As shown in Fig. 3, in this modified example, a correction optical element 41 is provided corresponding to the lens portion 31, a correction optical element 42 is provided corresponding to the lens portion 32, and a correction optical element 43 is provided corresponding to the lens portion 33.

[0075] According to such a configuration, for example, the corrective optical elements 41-43 can suppress deviations of spatial characteristics of light passing through all of the lens portions 31-33 from intended values, such as deviations of the optical path and beam diameter from intended values.

[0076] [Second modified example] Fig. 4 is a plan view of an optical module 100C of a second modified example. As shown in Fig. 4, in this modified example, optical module 100C is provided with array correction member 40C in which correction optical elements 41 to 43 serving as lens portions are integrated.

[0077] According to such a configuration, for example, the effort and cost required for mounting the correction optical elements 41 to 43 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the correction optical elements 41 to 43 are separate bodies.

[0078] [Third Modification] Fig. 5 is a plan view of an optical module 100D of a third modified example. As shown in Fig. 5, in this modified example, the optical module 100D is provided with an array correction member 40D having integrally the correction optical elements 41-43 as a prism portion. The array correction member 40D can translate the light passing through the lens portions 31-33 in the Y direction.

[0079] According to such a configuration, for example, the effort and cost required for mounting the correction optical elements 41 to 43 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the correction optical elements 41 to 43 are separate bodies.

[0080] [Fourth Variation] Fig. 6 is a plan view of an optical module 100E of a fourth modified example. As shown in Fig. 6, in this modified example, the optical module 100E is provided with an array correction member 40E having integrally a correction optical element 41 as a lens and correction optical elements 42 and 43 as prism portions. The array correction member 40D can translate light passing through the lens portions 32 and 33 in the Y direction.

[0081] According to such a configuration, for example, each of the lights passing through the lens portions 31 to 33 can be corrected more appropriately.

[0082] [Fifth Modification] Fig. 7 is a plan view of an optical module 100F according to a fifth modified example. As shown in Fig. 7, in this modified example, correction optical elements 41-43 are provided as lenses for lens portions 31-33, respectively.

[0083] 7, optical module 100F includes a plurality of correction optical elements 41-43 having different optical path lengths between lens portions 31-33. The optical path length between lens portion 32 and correction optical element 42 is longer than the optical path lengths between lens portions 31, 33 and correction optical elements 41, 43.

[0084] With such a configuration, for example, a space is created on the substrate 10 adjacent to the correction optical element 42 in the X direction, making it easier to grasp the correction optical element 42 with a grasping member such as a robot hand or tweezers, and making it easier or smoother to mount the correction optical element 42 on the substrate 10.

[0085] From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the difference between the optical path length between lens portion 32 and correction optical element 42 and the optical path length between lens portions 31, 33 and correction optical elements 41, 43 be 0.1 mm or more.

[0086] In this modification, the profile of the refractive surfaces 31a, 33a of the lens units 31, 33 is different from the profile of the refractive surface 32a of the lens unit 32. This makes it possible to set the optical characteristics, such as the focal length, of the composite optical system including the lens unit 31 and the correction optical element 41, the composite optical system including the lens unit 32 and the correction optical element 42, and the composite optical system including the lens unit 33 and the correction optical element 43 to be approximately the same.

[0087] [Sixth Modification] Fig. 8 is a plan view of an optical module 100G according to a sixth modified example. As shown in Fig. 8, in this modified example, only the lens portion 32 is provided with a correction optical element 42 as a lens.

[0088] According to such a configuration, for example, a space is created on the substrate 10 adjacent to the correction optical element 42 in the Y direction, making it easier to grasp the correction optical element 42 with a grasping member such as a robot hand or tweezers, and making it easier or smoother to mount the correction optical element 42 on the substrate 10.

[0089] In this modification, the profile of the refractive surfaces 31a, 33a of the lens units 31, 33 is different from the profile of the refractive surface 32a of the lens unit 32. This allows the optical characteristics, such as the focal length, of the lens unit 31, the composite optical system including the lens unit 32 and the correction optical element 42, and the lens unit 33 to be set to be substantially the same.

[0090] [Seventh Variation] Fig. 9 is a plan view of an optical module 100H according to a seventh modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, in this modified example, the number of input / output sections 21-26 of the optical device 20 and the number of lens sections 31-36 of the array lens member 30 are six. In contrast, the number of corrective optical elements 41, 43, 45 as lenses is three. In this way, even with a configuration in which the number of each section is different, the same effects as those of the above embodiment and modified examples can be obtained.

[0091] [Eighth to tenth modified examples] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an optical module 100I of an eighth modified example, FIG. 11 is a plan view of an optical module 100J of a ninth modified example, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of an optical module 100K of a tenth modified example. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, in these modified examples, the number of input / output units 21 and 22 of the optical device 20 and the number of lens units 31 and 32 of the array lens member 30 are two. In contrast, the number of correction optical elements 41 and 42 as lenses is one or two. In this way, even with a configuration in which the number of each unit is different, the same effect as the above embodiment and modified examples can be obtained. Note that the number of input / output units 21 to 26 and the number of lens units 31 to 36 are not limited to two, three, or six, and may be four, five, or seven or more.

[0092] [Modifications 11 and 12] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an optical module 100L of an eleventh modified example, and Fig. 14 is a plan view of an optical module 100M of a twelfth modified example. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, these modified examples include a plurality of independent optical devices 20 that are not integrated. The optical module 100L of Fig. 13 includes three optical devices 20 each having an input / output unit 21 to 23, and the optical module 100M of Fig. 14 includes an optical device 20 having an input / output unit 21, 22, and an optical device 20 having an input / output unit 23. In this way, the configuration including a plurality of optical devices 20 can also provide the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples.

[0093] [Second embodiment] 15 is a plan view of an optical device 1 of the second embodiment including an optical module 100A. The optical module 100A has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In the optical module 100A, light is input to an input / output unit 23 of an optical device 20, and light is output from input / output units 21 and 22 of the optical device 20. The optical device 20 of the optical module 100A is a modulator.

[0094] Light (input light Li) exiting an input optical fiber (not shown) is input via the lens 101 and the lens portion 33 of the array lens member 30 to the optical device 20 acting as a modulator.

[0095] The optical device 20 is, for example, a MZ (Mach-Zehnder) type phase modulator using InP (indium phosphide) as a constituent material, and is a known optical device that is driven by a modulator driver (not shown) and functions as an IQ modulator. The optical device 20 may have a configuration similar to that disclosed in, for example, International Publication No. 2016 / 021163.

[0096] The optical device 20 modulates the input light Li and outputs modulated light Lo1, Lo2 whose polarization planes are orthogonal to each other. Both of these modulated lights Lo1, Lo2 are linearly polarized lights and are IQ modulated. The modulator driver that operates the optical device 20 is configured to include, for example, an IC. The operation of the modulator driver is controlled by a controller (not shown).

[0097] The lens unit 31 collimates the modulated light Lo1 and inputs it to the polarization combining unit 103. The lens unit 32 collimates the modulated light Lo2 and inputs it to the polarization combining unit 103. The polarization combining unit 103 rotates the polarization plane of the modulated light Lo2 and polarization combines the modulated light Lo1, Lo2, and outputs output signal light Lo including the modulated light Lo1, Lo2. The output signal light Lo output from the polarization combining unit 103 is input to an end (not shown) of an output optical fiber via a lens 104.

[0098] According to the optical device 1 having the above configuration, since it includes the optical module 100A, it is possible to obtain the effects obtained by the optical module 100A. Note that the optical module 100A can be replaced with an optical module having a suitable modified example or a similar configuration to the modified example. Also, the optical device 1 is not limited to one having a modulator.

[0099] [13th Variation] Fig. 16 is a plan view of an optical module 100N of a thirteenth modified example, which is a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the optical module 100N of this modified example has a similar configuration to that of the first embodiment. However, in this modified example, the optical device 20 and the array lens member 30 are in contact with each other in the X direction and are integrated. This modified example also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, this modified example provides the advantage that the optical module 100N can be made smaller in size in the X direction, for example.

[0100] [14th Variation] Fig. 17 is a plan view of an optical device 1P of a fourteenth modified example, which is a modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the optical device 1P of this modified example has a similar configuration to the second embodiment. However, in this modified example, the optical device 1P has an optical fiber array 105 (block) having an optical fiber 105i that transmits the input light Li and an optical fiber 105o that transmits the output signal light Lo. This modified example also provides the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0101] [15th Variation] FIG. 18 is a plan view of an optical device 1Q of a fifteenth modified example, which is a modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the optical device 1Q of this modified example has a similar configuration to the fourteenth modified example. However, in this modified example, the lenses 101, 104 and the optical fiber array 105 are in contact with each other in the X direction and integrated. This modified example also provides the same effects as the fourteenth modified example and the second embodiment. In addition, this modified example provides the advantage that the optical device 1Q can be made smaller in size in the X direction, for example.

[0102] 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. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention can be used in an optical module and an optical device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1,1P,1Q…Optical device 10...Substrate 10a…Base surface 20...Optical devices 21,22,23,24,25,26…Input / output section 21a~23a...end 30...Array lens component 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36…Lens section 31a~33a...Refractive surfaces 40C~40E…Array correction member 41, 42, 43, 45...Correction optical elements 41a, 42a, 43a, 45a...Refractive surfaces 100A~100N...Optical module 101...Lens 102...Prism 103...Polarization synthesis section 104...Lens 105...Optical fiber array 105i...Optical fiber 105o...Optical fiber Li…Input light Lo: Output signal light Lo1, Lo2...modulated light X…direction Y...Direction Z…direction

Claims

1. An optical device; an array lens member optically connected to the optical device and having a plurality of parallel lens portions integrally formed therewith; a correction optical element that corrects light passing through the lens portion; Equipped with the corrective optical element is positioned on an opposite side of the optical device with respect to the array lens member; the lens unit includes a first lens unit having a corresponding correction optical element and a second lens unit having no corresponding correction optical element, the first lens unit and the second lens unit have different refractive surface profiles, and the correction optical elements are arranged spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of the lens units, the radius of curvature of the refractive surface of the lens portion is 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less, and the difference in the radius of curvature of the refractive surface of the first lens portion and the second lens portion is 0.05 mm or more, or the difference in aspheric coefficient is 0.3 or more, The optical device is any one of a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a modulator, and a coherent mixer, and is an optical module having a plurality of parallel input sections, output sections, or input / output sections.

2. The optical module according to claim 1 , wherein the correction optical element corrects at least one of an optical path and a beam diameter of light passing through the lens portion.

3. 3. The optical module according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of correction optical elements having different optical path lengths between the correction optical elements and the lens portion.

4. 4. The optical module according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of said correction optical elements, each of which has a difference in optical path length between said lens portion and said correction optical element of 0.1 mm or more.

5. 5. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the first lens portion and the second lens portion are adjacent to each other in an arrangement direction of the lens portions.

6. 6. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the lens portions are arranged at a pitch of 2 mm or less in the direction in which they are aligned.

7. 7. The optical module according to claim 6, wherein the pitch in the arrangement direction of the lens portions is 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

8. 8. The optical module according to claim 7, wherein the pitch in the arrangement direction of the lens portions is not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 1 mm.

9. The array lens member has the following as the lens portion: a receiving lens portion that transmits light entering the optical device; and At least one of the light-emitting lens parts that transmit light emitted from the optical device.

9. The optical module according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. 10. The optical module according to claim 9, wherein a distance between an optical axis of said light receiving lens portion and an optical axis of said light emitting lens portion is 1.5 mm or less.

11. 11. The optical module according to claim 1, comprising at least one lens as the correction optical element.

12. 12. The optical module according to claim 11, wherein a radius of curvature of a refractive surface of the lens serving as the corrective optical element is 5 to 20 times the radius of curvature of the refractive surface of the lens portion.

13. 13. The optical module according to claim 12, wherein a radius of curvature of a refractive surface of the lens serving as the corrective optical element is 8 to 12 times the radius of curvature of the refractive surface of the lens portion.

14. 14. The optical module according to claim 1, comprising at least one prism as the correction optical element.

15. The optical module according to claim 3 , further comprising an array correction member having the plurality of correction optical elements integrally formed therewith.

16. An optical device comprising the optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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