Optical devices and light source devices

Abstract

To achieve an optical device and light source device that include a more improved and novel configuration, enabling suppression of a bad impact by, for example, stray light.SOLUTION: An optical device comprises: a base; a light-emitting element that is provided on the base, and outputs laser light; a plurality of optical components that is provided on the base, transmits the laser light emitted from the light-emitting element to an optical fiber, and couples to the optical fiber; a first optical component as the optical component; a second optical component as the optical component for the laser light via the first optical component to be via; and a shield part that shields stray light of the laser light from the first optical component from running toward the second optical component. Also, in the optical device, the second optical component is anchored to the base via adhesive, and the shield part may shield the stray light from running toward the adhesive.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device and a light source device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an optical device including a processing unit that processes stray light (leakage light), which is light deviated from a predetermined optical path, is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an optical device of this kind, like the optical device of Patent Document 1, it is important to suppress the adverse effects of stray light.

[0005] Therefore, one of the problems of the present invention is to obtain an optical device and a light source device having a novel configuration that is more improved and capable of suppressing the adverse effects of stray light.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The optical device of the present invention includes, for example, a base, a light emitting element provided on the base and outputting laser light, a plurality of optical components provided on the base, transmitting the laser light output from the light emitting element to an optical fiber, and coupling to the optical fiber, a first optical component as the optical component, a second optical component as the optical component through which the laser light passing through the first optical component passes, and a shielding portion that blocks the stray light of the laser light from the first optical component from going toward the second optical component.

[0007] In the optical device, the second optical component is fixed to the base via an adhesive, and the shielding portion may prevent stray light from being directed toward the adhesive.

[0008] In the optical apparatus described above, the optical axis of the original laser light, which is not stray light, traveling from the first optical component to the second optical component is aligned in the first direction, and the second optical component may be fixed to the first surface of the base which is substantially aligned in the first direction via an adhesive.

[0009] In the optical device, the light-emitting element may output laser light with a wavelength of 550 nm or less.

[0010] In the optical device, the light-emitting element may output laser light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

[0011] In the optical device described above, the first optical component may be a first collimating lens.

[0012] In the optical device described above, the first collimating lens may collimate the laser light in the direction of the speed axis.

[0013] In the optical device described above, the second optical component may be a second collimating lens.

[0014] In the optical device described above, the second collimating lens may collimate the laser light in the slow axis direction.

[0015] In the optical device described above, the second optical component may be a mirror that reflects the laser light that has passed through the second collimating lens.

[0016] The optical device may include a projection on the base as the shielding portion.

[0017] In the optical device, the projection may have a reflective surface that reflects the stray light in a direction away from the base or the optical component.

[0018] In the optical device, the second optical component is provided on the bottom of the concave portion provided in the base, and the optical device may include, as the shielding portion, a step that is located closer to the first optical component than the bottom and is higher than the bottom.

[0019] The optical device may include a plurality of second optical components as the second optical component, and may include shielding portions provided corresponding to each of the second optical components as the shielding portion.

[0020] The optical device may include a plurality of second optical components as the second optical component, and may include shielding portions provided corresponding to the plurality of second optical components as the shielding portion.

[0021] The light source device of the present invention includes, for example, the above optical device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to obtain an optical device and a light source device having a novel configuration with further improvement that can suppress the adverse effects of stray light.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic plan view of the optical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of the base included in the optical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic side view of the sub-unit included in the optical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic side view of a part including the shielding portion of the optical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic side view of a part including the shielding portion of the optical device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary and schematic side view of a part including the shielding portion of the optical device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial, exemplary, and schematic side view of the optical device of the fourth embodiment, including the shielding portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exemplary and schematic plan view of the optical device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partial, exemplary, and schematic side view of the optical device of the fifth embodiment, including the shielding portion. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exemplary and schematic plan view of the optical device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an illustrative configuration diagram of the light source device according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Illustrative embodiments and modifications of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the functions and results (effects) brought about by such configurations, are examples only. The present invention can also 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 derived effects) that can be obtained by the configuration.

[0025] The multiple embodiments and modifications shown below have similar configurations. Therefore, the configurations of each embodiment and modification yield similar functions and effects based on those similar configurations. In the following, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0026] In this specification, ordinal numbers are assigned for convenience to distinguish parts, components, directions, etc., and do not indicate priority or order.

[0027] In each figure, the X1 direction is represented by arrow X1, the X2 direction by arrow X2, the Y direction by arrow Y, and the Z direction by arrow Z. The X1, Y, and Z directions intersect and are also orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the X1 and X2 directions are opposite to each other.

[0028] In Figures 1, 3, 8, and 10, the optical path of the laser beam L is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0029] [First Embodiment] [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the optical device 100A(100) of the first embodiment, and is a plan view of the inside of the optical device 100A as seen in the opposite direction to the Z direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the optical device 100A comprises a base 101, a plurality of subunits 100a, a photosynthesis unit 108, focusing lenses 104 and 105, and an optical fiber 107. Laser light output from the light-emitting module 10A of each subunit 100a is transmitted to the end (not shown) of the optical fiber 107 via the mirror 103, photosynthesis unit 108, and focusing lenses 104 and 105 of each subunit 100a, and is optically coupled with the optical fiber 107. The optical device 100A may also be referred to as a light-emitting device.

[0031] The base 101 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material. The base 101 may consist of one part or multiple parts. The base 101 is also covered by a cover (not shown). Multiple subunits 100a, multiple mirrors 103, photosynthesis section 108, focusing lenses 104, 105, and the ends of the optical fibers 107 are all mounted on the base 101 and housed in a housing chamber (not shown) formed between the base 101 and the cover. The housing chamber is hermetically sealed.

[0032] The optical fiber 107 is an output optical fiber and is fixed to the base 101 via a fiber support portion 106a that supports its end.

[0033] The fiber support portion 106a may be integrally formed with the base 101 as part of the base 101, or the fiber support portion 106a may be formed as a separate component from the base 101 and attached to the base 101 via a fastener such as a screw.

[0034] Each subunit 100a includes a light-emitting module 10A that outputs laser light, a plurality of lenses 41A to 43A, and a mirror 103. Lenses 41A to 43A and the mirror 103 are examples of optical components. Lenses 42A and 43A collimate the laser light in the fast axis and the slow axis.

[0035] Furthermore, the optical device 100A includes two arrays A1 and A2, each consisting of multiple subunits 100a arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. In subunit 100a1(100a) of array A1, the light-emitting module 10A outputs laser light in the X1 direction, lenses 41A to 43A transmit the laser light from the light-emitting module 10A in the X1 direction, and mirror 103 reflects the laser light traveling in the X1 direction in the Y direction. In subunit 100a1(100a) of array A2, the light-emitting module 10A outputs laser light in the X2 direction, lenses 41A to 43A transmit the laser light from the light-emitting module 10A in the X2 direction, and mirror 103 reflects the laser light traveling in the X2 direction in the Y direction. Subunit 100a1 is an example of the first subunit, and subunit 100a2 is an example of the second subunit. Also, the X1 direction and X2 direction are examples of the first direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, subunit 100a1 of array A1 and subunit 100a2 of array A2 are aligned in the X1 direction (X2 direction). When subunits 100a1 and 100a2 are aligned in the X1 direction, an advantage is obtained, for example, that the size of the optical device 100A in the Y direction becomes smaller. However, this is not limited to this, and subunits 100a1 and 100a2 may be offset from each other. For example, each subunit 100a2 may be aligned in the X1 direction with respect to the gap between two adjacent subunits 100a1 in the Y direction.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base 101. Note that in Figure 2, the illustration of fine irregularities on the step 101b1 is omitted. As shown in Figure 2, the surface 101b of the base 101 is provided with multiple steps 101b1 (step surfaces) in which the position of the subunit 100a shifts in the opposite direction to the Z direction as it moves toward the Y direction. For each of the arrays A1 and A2 in which multiple subunits 100a are arranged at predetermined intervals (e.g., constant intervals) in the Y direction, the subunits 100a are placed on each step 101b1. As a result, the position of the subunits 100a in the Z direction included in array A1 shifts in the opposite direction to the Z direction as it moves toward the Y direction, and the position of the subunits 100a in the Z direction included in array A2 also shifts in the opposite direction to the Z direction as it moves toward the Y direction. With this configuration, in each array A1 and A2, multiple mirrors 103 can input mutually parallel laser light aligned in the Z direction and moving toward the Y direction to the photosynthesis section 108. The step 101b1 may be offset in a direction inclined to the Y direction or the opposite direction to the Y direction with respect to the Z direction, and the laser beam may be configured to travel from each mirror 103 in a direction with a predetermined elevation angle with respect to the Y direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the laser light from each mirror 103 is input to the photosynthesis unit 108 and synthesized in the photosynthesis unit 108.

[0039] The photosynthetic section 108 includes a combiner 108a, a mirror 108b, and a half-wave plate 108c. The combiner 108a, mirror 108b, and half-wave plate 108c are examples of optical components.

[0040] Mirror 108b directs the laser beam from subunit 100a of array A1 towards combiner 108a via half-wave plate 108c. The half-wave plate 108c rotates the polarization plane of the light from array A1.

[0041] The laser beam from subunit 100a of array A2 is directly input to combiner 108a.

[0042] The combiner 108a combines laser light from two arrays A1 and A2. The combiner 108a can also be called a polarization combining element.

[0043] The laser beam from the combiner 108a is focused by the focusing lenses 104 and 105 toward the end (not shown) of the optical fiber 107, optically coupled with the optical fiber 107, and transmitted through the optical fiber 107. The focusing lenses 104 and 105 are examples of optical components.

[0044] Furthermore, the base 101 is provided with a refrigerant passage 109 for cooling the subunit 100a (light-emitting module 10A), fiber support section 106a, focusing lenses 104, 105, combiner 108a, shielding wall 101d (described later), etc. A refrigerant, such as a cooling liquid, flows through the refrigerant passage 109. The refrigerant passage 109 passes, for example, near the mounting surface of each component on the base 101, for example, directly below or in its vicinity, and the inner surface of the refrigerant passage 109 and the refrigerant (not shown) within the refrigerant passage 109 are thermally connected to the components or parts to be cooled, i.e., the subunit 100a (light-emitting module 10A), fiber support section 106a, focusing lenses 104, 105, combiner 108a, etc. Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the components or parts via the base 101, and the components are cooled. In addition, the inlet 109a and outlet 109b of the refrigerant passage 109 are provided, for example, at the ends of the base 101 opposite in the Y direction, but they may be provided at other locations.

[0045] [Subunit] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of subunit 100a1 (100a) of array A1. Subunit 100a2 of array A2 has a similar configuration to subunit 100a1, although the arrangement of optical components and the direction of laser light transmission are reversed.

[0046] The light-emitting module 10A comprises a chip-on submount 30 and a case 20 that houses the chip-on submount 30. In Figure 3, the light-emitting module 10A is depicted with the inside of the case 20 visible through the glass.

[0047] Case 20 is a rectangular box that houses the chip-on submount 30. Case 20 has wall members 21 and window members 22. The wall members 21 are made of, for example, a metal material.

[0048] Case 20 also has a base 21a. The base 21a has a plate-like shape that intersects the Z direction. The base 21a is, for example, a part (bottom wall) of the wall member 21. The base 21a is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as oxygen-free copper. Oxygen-free copper is an example of a copper-based material. Note that the base 21a may be provided separately from the wall member 21.

[0049] An opening 21b is provided at the X1 end of the wall member 21. A window member 22 that transmits laser light L is attached to the opening 21b. The window member 22 intersects and is perpendicular to the X1 direction. Laser light L emitted from the chip-on submount 30 in the X1 direction passes through the window member 22 and exits the light-emitting module 10A. Laser light L is emitted from the light-emitting module 10A in the X1 direction.

[0050] The boundaries between the multiple components (not shown) that make up the wall member 21 (case 20), as well as the boundary between the wall member 21 and the window member 22, are sealed to prevent gas from passing through. In other words, the case 20 is airtight. The window member 22 is also part of the wall member 21.

[0051] The chip-on-submount 30 includes a submount 31 and a light-emitting element 32. The chip-on-submount 30 may also be referred to as a semiconductor laser module.

[0052] The submount 31 has, for example, a plate-like shape that intersects and is perpendicular to the Z direction. The submount 31 can be made of an insulating material with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum nitride, ceramic, or glass. A metallized layer 31a is formed on the submount 31 as an electrode that supplies power to the light-emitting element 32.

[0053] The submount 31 is mounted on the base 21a. The light-emitting element 32 is mounted on the top surface of the submount 31. That is, the light-emitting element 32 is mounted on the base 21a via the submount 31, and is also mounted on the base 101 via the submount 31 and the case 20.

[0054] The light-emitting element 32 is, for example, a semiconductor laser element having a speed axis (FA) and a slow axis (SA). The light-emitting element 32 has an elongated shape extending in the X1 direction. The light-emitting element 32 emits laser light L in the X1 direction from an emission aperture (not shown) provided at the end in the X1 direction. The chip-on submount 30 is mounted such that the speed axis of the light-emitting element 32 is along the Z direction and the slow axis is along the Y direction. The Z direction is an example of the speed axis direction, and the Y direction is an example of the slow axis direction.

[0055] The laser light L emitted from the light-emitting element 32 passes through lenses 41A, 42A, and 43A in that order, and is collimated in at least the Z and Y directions. Lenses 41A, 42A, and 43A are all located outside the case 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, lenses 41A, 42A, and 43A are arranged in this order in the X1 direction. The laser beam L emitted from the light-emitting element 32 passes through lenses 41A, 42A, and 43A in this order. Furthermore, the optical axis of the laser beam L is linear and aligns with either the X1 or X2 direction from the moment it leaves the light-emitting element 32, through lenses 41A, 42A, and 43A, until it reaches the mirror 103. During this time, the speed axis direction of the laser beam L is along the Z direction, and the slow axis direction of the laser beam L is along the Y direction.

[0057] The lens 41A is either slightly separated from the window member 22 in the X1 direction, or in contact with the window member 22 in the X1 direction.

[0058] Laser light L, having passed through the window member 22, enters the lens 41A. The optical functional portion of the lens 41A has, for example, an axisymmetric shape with respect to the central axis Ax along the optical axis, as well as a revolutionary shape about the central axis Ax. The lens 41A is positioned so that the central axis Ax is along the X1 direction and coincides with the optical axis of the laser light L. The incident surface 41a and the exit surface 41b of the lens 41A each have a revolutionary surface about the central axis Ax that extends in the X1 direction. The exit surface 41b is a convex curved surface that is convex in the X1 direction. The exit surface 41b protrudes more than the incident surface 41a. The lens 41A is a so-called convex lens and can also be called a focusing lens.

[0059] The beam width of the laser beam L exiting lens 41A narrows as it travels in the X1 direction. The beam width is the width of the region in the laser beam profile where the light intensity exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, 1 / e of the peak light intensity. 2 Lens 41A focuses the laser beam L in the Z direction, the Y direction, and the direction between the Z and Y directions, thereby reducing the aberration of the laser beam L.

[0060] The lens 42A has a plane-symmetric shape with respect to a virtual central plane Vc2, which is a plane intersecting and perpendicular to the Z direction. The incident surface 42a and the exit surface 42b of the lens 42A have generatrixes along the Y direction and prismatic surfaces extending in the Y direction. The incident surface 42a is a convex surface that is convex in the opposite direction to the X1 direction. The exit surface 42b is a concave surface that is concave in the X1 direction. The lens 42A is fixed to a post 101g protruding from the surface 101b0 of the base 101 via adhesive 50. The adhesive 50 is interposed between the lens 42A and the post 101g in the X1 direction (X2 direction).

[0061] Lens 42A collimates the laser beam L in the Z direction, i.e., in the velocity axis, such that the beam width Wzc in the Z direction is smaller than the beam width Wza in the Z direction at the incident surface 41a to lens 41A. Lens 42A is a concave lens in a cross-section perpendicular to the Y direction. Lens 42A may also be called a collimating lens.

[0062] Furthermore, lens 42A is positioned closer to lens 41A than the Z-direction focal point Pcz of the laser beam L formed by lens 41A. If lens 42A were positioned further away from lens 41A than the Z-direction focal point Pcz, the Z-direction focal point Pcz would appear in the optical path of the laser beam L between lens 41A and lens 42A. In this case, there is a risk of problems such as dust accumulating at the Z-direction focal point Pcz, where the energy density is high. In this embodiment, however, since lens 42A is positioned closer to lens 41A than the Z-direction focal point Pcz, the laser beam L is collimated by lens 42A before reaching the focal point Pcz. That is, according to this embodiment, the Z-direction focal point Pcz does not appear in the optical path of the laser beam L, thus avoiding problems caused by the focal point Pcz.

[0063] Although the focal point (not shown) of the laser beam L in the Y direction appears between lens 41A and lens 42A, the energy density at the focal point in the Y direction is not very high, so problems such as dust accumulation do not occur.

[0064] The beam width in the Y direction of the laser light L emitted from the light-emitting element 32 and passing through lenses 41A and 42A widens as it travels in the X1 direction. The laser light L, which has widened in the Y direction via lens 42A, is incident on lens 43A.

[0065] The optical functional portion of lens 43A has a plane-symmetric shape with respect to a virtual central plane, which is a plane intersecting and perpendicular to the Y direction. The incident surface 43a and the exit surface 43b of lens 43A have generatrixes along the Z direction and prismatic surfaces extending in the Z direction. The incident surface 43a is a plane perpendicular to the X1 direction. The exit surface 43b is a convex surface that is convex in the X1 direction.

[0066] Lens 43A collimates the laser beam L in the Y direction, i.e., in the slow axis. Lens 43A is a convex lens in a cross-section perpendicular to the Z direction. Lens 43A may also be called a collimating lens.

[0067] [Reducing the effects of stray light] Figure 4 is a side view of one subunit 100a1 (100a) included in the optical device 100A. As shown in Figure 4, the lens 43A and mirror 103 are fixed to the surfaces 101b0 of each step 101b1 (see Figure 2) of the base 101 via adhesive 50. Surface 101b0 is oriented in the Z direction and extends substantially along the X1 and X2 directions, i.e., the optical axis direction of the laser beam L (see Figure 3). Surface 101b0 also extends substantially along the Y direction. Surface 101b0 is an example of a first surface.

[0068] Adhesive 50 can be, for example, a photocurable (electromagnetic wave curable) adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, or a humidity curing adhesive.

[0069] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, if stray light that deviates from the intended optical path of the laser beam in lenses 41A and 42A is irradiated onto the adhesive 50 that fixes lens 43A and mirror 103, there is a risk that the adhesive 50 will deteriorate. In that case, lens 43A and mirror 103 may shift from their intended position or tilt from their intended orientation, which may cause the laser beam passing through lens 43A and mirror 103 to deviate from its intended optical path, and consequently, the coupling efficiency of the light to the optical fiber 107 may decrease.

[0070] Furthermore, the absorption rate of laser light L by the adhesive 50 tends to be higher as the wavelength decreases. Therefore, when the wavelength of the laser light L output by the light-emitting module 10A is 550 nm or less, and especially when it is between 400 nm and 500 nm, the adhesive 50 becomes more likely to absorb the energy of stray light, and degradation of the adhesive 50 due to stray light becomes more likely.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, a projection 101c1 is provided that protrudes in the Z direction from the surface 101b0 at a position away from lens 43A, behind lens 43A and mirror 103 in the X1 direction (forward in the X2 direction). The projection 101c1 can block stray light from the laser beam from lens 41A and lens 42A from heading towards the adhesive 50 that fixes lens 43A and mirror 103, and towards the parts of lens 43A and mirror 103 that are close to the adhesive 50. The projection 101c1 is an example of a shielding part. Lens 41A is an example of a first optical component. Lens 42A is an example of a first optical component and is an example of a first collimating lens. Lens 43A is an example of a second optical component and is an example of a second collimating lens. Mirror 103 is an example of a second optical component.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reflective surface 101c2 is provided on the projection 101c1 on the side opposite to the lens 43A and mirror 103, which reflects stray light from the lens 41A and lens 42A in a direction away from the base 101 and optical components such as the lens 42A. The reflective surface 101c2 is the end face of the projection 101c1 in the direction opposite to the X1 direction (X2 direction), facing a direction between the X2 direction and the Z direction, and is an inclined surface tilted in the X1 direction with respect to the Z direction. The reflective surface 101c2 can suppress undesirable events such as stray light being reflected by the projection 101c1 and degrading the adhesive 50 of the lens 42A, or the reflected light of the stray light returning to the lens 42A and subsequently to the light-emitting module 10A. The normal direction of the reflective surface 101c2 is appropriately set according to the arrangement of each optical component, etc., so that such undesirable events do not occur.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a shielding wall 101d is provided between array A1 and array A2 to block stray light. The shielding wall 101d blocks stray light in the X1 direction from the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a1 to the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a2, and reflects the stray light in a direction away from the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a1. In addition, the shielding wall 101d blocks stray light in the X2 direction from the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a2 to the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a1, and reflects the stray light in a direction away from the lenses 41A~43A and mirror 103 of subunit 100a2.

[0074] As described above, in this embodiment, the projection 101c1 can block stray light that has deviated from the original optical path of the laser beam at lens 41A and lens 42A (first optical component) from heading towards lens 43A and mirror 103 (second optical component), and the adhesive 50 that fixes them to the base 101. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress undesirable events caused by stray light, such as damage to the adhesive 50 caused by stray light or suppression of interference between the stray light and the original laser beam.

[0075] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a side view of subunit 100a1(100a) included in the optical device 100B(100) of the second embodiment. Except for the fact that subunit 100a shown in Figure 5 is provided in place of subunit 100a shown in Figures 1 and 4, the optical device 100B has the same configuration as the optical device 100A of the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the same effects based on the same configuration as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0076] However, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the projection 101c1 is provided on the mirror 103 in the opposite direction to the X1 direction. In the first embodiment described above, the projection 101c1 was provided corresponding to both the lens 43A and the mirror 103 (second optical component), but as in this embodiment, the projection 101c1 may be provided corresponding to each of the second optical components.

[0077] [Third Embodiment] Figure 6 is a side view of subunit 100a1(100a) included in the optical device 100C(100) of the third embodiment. Except for the fact that subunit 100a shown in Figure 6 is provided in place of subunit 100a shown in Figures 1 and 4, the optical device 100C has the same configuration as the optical device 100A of the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the same effects based on the same configuration as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0078] However, as shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the base 101 is provided with a recess 101e instead of a projection 101c1, and the lens 43A and mirror 103 are fixed to the bottom surface 101e1 of the recess 101e via adhesive 50. The bottom surface 101e1 is substantially parallel to the surface 101b0. That is, the bottom surface 101e1 faces the Z direction and extends substantially along the X1 and X2 directions, i.e., the optical axis direction of the laser beam L (see Figure 3). The bottom surface 101e1 also extends substantially along the Y direction. The bottom surface 101e1 is an example of a first surface and is also an example of a bottom.

[0079] By forming such a recess 101e, a step 101f is formed on the base 101, which protrudes higher in the Z direction than the bottom surface 101e1, with surface 101b0 as its apex, at the rear in the X1 direction (front in the X2 direction) relative to the lens 43A and the mirror 103.

[0080] In this embodiment, the step 101f functions as a shielding portion that blocks stray light from lenses 41A and 42A to the lens 43A and mirror 103. Therefore, this embodiment also makes it possible to suppress undesirable events caused by stray light, such as damage to the adhesive 50 due to stray light or interference between the stray light and the original laser light.

[0081] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 7 is a side view of subunit 100a1(100a) included in the optical device 100D(100) of the fourth embodiment. Except for the fact that subunit 100a shown in Figure 6 is provided in place of subunit 100a shown in Figures 1 and 4, the optical device 100D has the same configuration as the optical device 100A of the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the same effects based on the same configuration as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] However, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the base 101 is provided with protrusions 101c1 on the step 101f and on the bottom surface 101e1. The protrusion 101c1 on the step 101f blocks stray light from heading towards the lens 42B and the adhesive 50 that fixes the lens 42B to the base 101, and the protrusion on the bottom surface 101e1 blocks stray light from heading towards the mirror 103 and the adhesive 50 that fixes the mirror 103 to the base 101. Note that if the protrusion 101c1 on the step 101f can block stray light from heading towards the mirror 103 and the adhesive 50 that fixes the mirror 103 to the base 101, the protrusion 101c1 on the bottom surface 101e1 becomes unnecessary.

[0083] In this embodiment, the step 101f and projection 101c1 function as shielding parts that block stray light from lenses 41A and 42A to the lens 43A and mirror 103. Therefore, this embodiment also makes it possible to suppress undesirable events caused by stray light, such as damage to the adhesive 50 due to stray light or interference between the stray light and the actual laser light. The step 101f, recess 101e, and projection 101c1 can be arranged in various layouts and combinations, not limited to this example. For example, the step 101f may be provided between the mirror 103 and the lens 43A.

[0084] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 8 is a plan view of the optical device 100E(100) of the fifth embodiment. The optical device 100E has the same configuration as the optical device 100A(100) of the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the optical components of the subunit 100a is different.

[0085] In this embodiment, the subunit 100a includes a light-emitting module 10E, a lens 42B, a lens 43B, and a mirror 103. The light-emitting module 10E does not have a case 20 (see Figure 3) as in the first embodiment, but has a chip-on submount 30. The chip-on submount 30 is exposed in the housing chamber of the optical device 100D. Lens 42B collimates the laser light from the light-emitting element 32 in the Z direction, i.e., the velocity axis. Lens 43B also collimates the laser light from lens 42B in the Y direction, i.e., the slow axis.

[0086] Figure 9 is a side view of the subunit 100a1(100a) included in the optical device 100E(100). As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment as well, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, the same effects as in the first to fourth embodiments are obtained by providing a step 101f, a recess 101e, and a projection 101c1 corresponding to the lens 43B and mirror 103.

[0087] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 10 is a plan view of the optical device 100F(100) of the sixth embodiment. The optical device 100F has the same configuration as the optical device 100E of the fifth embodiment, except that the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 output laser light of different wavelengths (λ1, λ2, ..., λn-1, λn) and does not have a half-wave plate 108c. The interval between the plurality of wavelengths is, for example, 5 [nm] to 20 [nm] between the center wavelengths. In addition, the light synthesized here may include blue laser light.

[0088] In the optical device 100F of the sixth embodiment, the same effects as in the first to fifth embodiments can be obtained by providing steps 101f, recesses 101e, and protrusions 101c1 corresponding to the lens 43B and mirror 103.

[0089] [Seventh Embodiment] [Light source device] Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of a light source device 110 of the seventh embodiment, in which an optical device 100 (light-emitting device) of any of the first to sixth embodiments described above is implemented. The light source device 110 includes a plurality of optical devices 100 as excitation light sources. Laser light output from the plurality of optical devices 100 is transmitted via optical fiber 107 to a combiner 90 which acts as an optical coupling unit. The output end of the optical fiber 107 is coupled to a plurality of input ports of the combiner 90 which has multiple inputs and one output. Note that the light source device 110 is not limited to having a plurality of optical devices 100, but may have at least one optical device 100.

[0090] According to the light source device 110 of this embodiment, by including the optical device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments described above, the same effects as those of the first to sixth embodiments can be obtained.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration, shape, and other specifications (structure, type, orientation, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate.

[0092] For example, the optical components are not limited to those disclosed in the embodiments, and may be other optical elements that reflect, refract, or diffract light, such as prisms or diffractive optical elements. A diffractive optical element, for example, is formed by combining multiple diffraction gratings with different periods into a single unit.

[0093] Furthermore, the first optical component may be an optical component other than a collimating lens, and the second optical component may be an optical component other than a collimating lens or a mirror.

[0094] Furthermore, the configuration, arrangement, and combination of subunits, light-emitting modules, optical components, protrusions, shielding parts, etc., are not limited to the embodiments described above. Also, the direction of stray light propagation is not limited to the direction described above.

[0095] Furthermore, although the reflective surface has a planar shape in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this, and the reflective surface can have various shapes, such as a shape that includes a convex curved portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10A, 10E… Light-emitting modules 20... cases 21...Wall components 21a... Bass 21b...Opening 22... Window components 30…Chip-on-submount 31…Submount 31a...Metalized layer 32…Light-emitting element 41A…Lens (optical component, first optical component) 41a...Incidence surface 41b...Emission surface 42A, 42B... Lenses (optical components, first optical components, first collimating lenses) 42a...Incidence surface 42b...Emission surface 43A, 43B... Lenses (optical components, second optical components, second collimating lenses) 43a...Incidence surface 43b...Emission surface 50…Adhesive 90... Combiner 100,100A~100F…Optical device 100a, 100a1, 100a2… Subunits 101...bass 101b…Surface 101b1... Step (shielding area) 101b0…plane 101c1...Protrusion (shielding part) 101c2…Reflective surface 101d…shielding wall 101e…recess 101e1…Bottom surface (first surface, bottom) 101f... step 101g...Post 103…Mirror (optical component, second optical component) 104, 105… Focusing lenses (optical components) 106a... Fiber support section 107… Fiber optic 108...Photosynthesis section 108a... Combiner (optical component) 108b... Mirror (optical component) 10⁸c…Half-wave plate (optical component) 109... Refrigerant passage 109a...Entrance 109b…Exit 110...Light source device Ax…center axis A1, A2… Array L... Laser light Pcz…Focus point Vc2...Virtual central plane Wza…(Beam width in the Z direction) Wzc…(Collimated beam width in the Z direction) X1…direction (first direction) X2…direction (first direction) Y... Direction Z…direction

Claims

1. Bass and, A light-emitting element provided on the base that outputs laser light, A plurality of optical components provided on the base, which transmit laser light output from the light-emitting element to an optical fiber and couple to the optical fiber, The first optical component is a first collimating lens provided on the first surface of the base, which collimates the input laser light into a laser light parallel to a first direction along the first surface. A second optical component, which is fixed to the first surface via an adhesive, and through which laser light output from the light-emitting element and passing through the first optical component passes, A shielding portion is provided which is formed as a projection extending from the first surface to a height equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the adhesive, and which prevents stray light emitted from the light-emitting element from the first optical component from heading toward the adhesive that fixes the second optical component, An optical device equipped with an optical system.

2. The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element outputs laser light with a wavelength of 550 nm or less.

3. The optical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light-emitting element outputs laser light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

4. The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first collimating lens collimates the laser light in the speed axis direction.

5. The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second optical component is a second collimating lens.

6. The optical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second collimating lens collimates the laser light in the slow axis direction.

7. The optical apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second optical component is a mirror that reflects laser light that has passed through the second collimating lens.

8. The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the projection has a reflective surface that reflects the stray light in a direction away from the base or the optical component.

9. The second optical component is provided on the bottom of a recess provided in the base, The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shielding portion is located closer to the first optical component than the bottom and has a step that is higher than the bottom.

10. The aforementioned second optical component comprises a plurality of second optical components, The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the shielding portion comprises a shielding portion provided corresponding to each of the second optical components.

11. The aforementioned second optical component comprises a plurality of second optical components, The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shielding portion comprises shielding portions provided corresponding to the plurality of second optical components.

12. A light source device comprising the optical device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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