Lens beam expanding assembly and related device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a lens beam expanding assembly and a related device. The lens beam expanding assembly comprises a first end face and a second end face which are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first end face is provided with a first recess, the first recess having an opening on a first surface located between the first end face and the second end face, the first recess being configured to accommodate an optical fiber end face of an optical fiber and a first glue, a first side face of the first recess being configured to receive optical signals from the optical fiber end face, the first side face being the side face of the first recess opposite the first end face, and the first glue being configured to fix the optical fiber end face to the first recess; and the second end face is provided with a lens array, lenses of the lens array being configured to collimate the optical signals received by the first side face. The optical fiber end face is fixed to the first recess by means of the first glue, such that the lens array behind the first recess corresponds to the optical fiber end face, which not only facilitates the mounting and fixing of the optical fiber, but can also reduce the probability of dust reaching the optical fiber end face, thereby reducing the probability of contamination of the optical fiber end face.

Description

A lens beam expander assembly and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510391214.4, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "A Lens Beam Expander Assembly and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication, and more particularly to a lens beam expander assembly and related devices. Background Technology

[0003] The core diameter of optical fiber is relatively small, making it susceptible to dust blockage. Dirty optical interfaces on optical modules can cause power attenuation, multipath interference (MPI), and optical feedback, leading to link interruptions and severe bit errors, significantly impacting link quality.

[0004] In traditional technology, an optical interface mainly consists of two fiber optic connectors and one fiber optic adapter. One fiber optic connector is used to secure the fiber end face within the optical module, and the other is used to secure the fiber end face of the pigtail. The two connectors are connected via the adapter. The fiber end faces secured by the two connectors use a contact connection method, which is prone to contamination of the fiber end faces and reduces the reliability of the optical port. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a lens beam expander assembly and related devices, aiming to solve the technical problems of existing optical modules' optical interfaces being susceptible to dust contamination, high coupling loss, high processing precision, and poor consistency during fiber optic connection. By adopting innovative lens beam expander assembly and fiber optic adapter design, as well as high-precision coupling alignment methods, a low-loss, dustproof optical module packaging device is achieved, while improving the reliability and mass production consistency of the optical port and simplifying the production process.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a lens beam expander assembly, which includes a first end face and a second end face, the first end face and the second end face being disposed opposite to each other; wherein, the first end face is provided with a first groove, the first groove having an opening on a first surface located between the first end face and the second end face, the first groove being used to accommodate the fiber end face of an optical fiber and a first adhesive, a first side surface of the first groove being used to receive an optical signal from the fiber end face, the first side surface being the side surface of the first groove opposite to the first end face, the first adhesive being used to fix the fiber end face to the first groove; the second end face is provided with a lens array, the lenses in the lens array being used to collimate the optical signal received by the first side surface.

[0007] In this aspect, the lens expander assembly is provided with a first groove, which can accommodate the fiber end face and the first adhesive, so that the fiber end face is fixed and corresponds to the lens of the lens array (located on the rear side of the first side of the first groove). Since the first groove is filled with the first adhesive, the probability of dust reaching the fiber end face can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of fiber end face contamination. In addition, the first groove is a bidirectional open groove. The opening on the first end face facilitates the insertion of the fiber end face, and the opening on the first surface facilitates the injection of adhesive. Therefore, it is easy to install and helps to simplify the installation and fixation.

[0008] In one possible implementation, a second groove is provided on the second end face, and the lens array is disposed at the bottom of the second groove. For example, the depth d1 of the second groove is greater than 30 μm and less than 50 μm.

[0009] In this embodiment, the lens array is disposed at the bottom of the groove on the second end face (i.e., the bottom of the second groove), rather than directly on the second end face. On the one hand, with the distance between the first end face and the second end face fixed, the size of the lens beam expander assembly in the optical path transmission direction is reduced, which helps to reduce the optical loss generated by the optical signal passing through the lens beam expander assembly; on the other hand, the flatness of the plane where the second end face is located is improved, which facilitates the combination and installation of the lens beam expander assembly with other structural components (e.g., another lens beam expander assembly).

[0010] In one possible implementation, a third groove is provided on the first surface, with the opening of the first groove located at the bottom of the third groove. The third groove is used to contain the first adhesive that overflows from the first groove. Because the first surface is provided with a third groove, even if some of the first adhesive overflows from the first groove, the first adhesive can be contained in the third groove and is less likely to overflow outside the third groove, thereby reducing the probability of the first adhesive overflowing onto the first end face and the second end face.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the included angle β between the first end face and the second end face is greater than or equal to 0 degrees or less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0012] In one implementation, the first end face and the second end face are not parallel. For example, the angle β between the first end face and the second end face is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. Optionally, the first end face can be tilted counterclockwise toward the second end face; the first end face can also be tilted clockwise toward the second end face. In this implementation, since some fiber optic connectors in conventional technology have tilted end faces (e.g., the end face of the fiber optic connector is tilted by 8 degrees), and the fiber optic connector with the tilted end face is compatible, designing the first end face to be tilted at a smaller angle toward the second end face (e.g., the first end face is tilted by 8 degrees) helps to ensure compatibility between the lens beam expander assembly and conventionally tilted end face fiber optic connectors, thus improving the compatibility of the lens beam expander assembly.

[0013] In another implementation, the first end face is parallel to the second end face, meaning the angle β between them is 0. In this implementation, designing the first and second end faces as parallel not only facilitates manufacturing but also ensures compatibility between the lens beam expander assembly and traditional parallel-end-face fiber optic connectors, thus improving the compatibility of the lens beam expander assembly.

[0014] In one possible implementation, a first region on the first side corresponds to the lens array, and the first region on the first side is used to receive optical signals from the fiber end face. That is, the optical signal from the fiber end face may mainly illuminate the first region on the first side, and the optical signal may not reach other regions on the first side besides the first region.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the cross-sectional dimension of the first groove gradually increases from the outer edge of the first region of the first groove to the opening of the first groove on the first surface. That is, the cross-sectional dimension of the first groove gradually increases from the middle of the first groove (e.g., the outer edge of the first region) to the opening.

[0016] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the first groove is designed to gradually expand in size, which not only facilitates the injection of the first glue into the first groove, but also helps to reduce the fluid resistance of the first glue and improve the fluid efficiency of the first glue, so that the first glue can transition more smoothly when flowing through the opening of the first surface of the first groove, thereby improving the convenience of injecting the first glue.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first end face and the second end face are also connected by a second surface, which is disposed opposite to the first surface. The second surface is provided with a fourth groove, which is also used to accommodate the second adhesive. Adding the second adhesive to the side of the third and fourth grooves near the first end face facilitates the connection of the lens beam expander assembly to other devices (e.g., fiber optic connectors).

[0018] In one possible implementation, the fourth groove is symmetrically arranged with respect to the third groove.

[0019] The solution in this embodiment helps to ensure that the added second adhesive is symmetrical, and thus the stress generated by the second adhesive is symmetrical, avoiding misalignment between the fiber end face and the lens, thereby reducing coupling efficiency.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the lens beam expander assembly is provided with at least one first positioning hole, which penetrates through a first end face and a second end face. The position of each first positioning hole is separate from the position of a first groove, and also separate from the position of a second groove. Since the first positioning hole and the second groove are not connected, the light signal passing through the lens array will not enter the first positioning hole, thus helping to avoid light signal leakage or the introduction of signal interference. Furthermore, an adhesive blocking structure is formed between the first positioning hole and the first groove, i.e., an adhesive blocking structure is formed on both sides of the first groove, which helps to reduce the probability of the first adhesive filling the first groove overflowing into the first positioning holes on the left and right sides of the lens beam expander assembly.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first side surface is parallel to the first end face, which not only facilitates the machining of the first groove but also facilitates the measurement of the distance between the first side surface and the first end face. For example, the distance d2 between the position of the first side surface near the bottom of the first groove and the first end face is greater than 50 μm and less than 100 μm.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the lens array surface is coated with an anti-reflection film. This improves the light transmittance of the lens array, reduces reflection loss at the lens interface, and thus improves the efficiency of optical communication.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides an optical fiber connection device, which includes an optical fiber connector and a lens beam expander assembly as described in any embodiment of the first aspect. The end face of the optical fiber connector contacts a first end face of the lens beam expander assembly, and a first groove of the lens beam expander assembly and the end face of the optical fiber connector form a receiving groove opening towards a first surface, the receiving groove being used to receive a first adhesive. At least one optical fiber is fixed to the end face of the optical fiber connector, and the end face of the optical fiber is connected to a first side of the first groove by the first adhesive, the first adhesive being a light-transmitting adhesive.

[0024] In this aspect, the first groove of the lens expander assembly and the end face of the fiber optic connector form a receiving groove opening towards the first surface. This receiving groove can accommodate the fiber end face and the first adhesive, so that the fiber end face is fixed and corresponds to the lens of the lens array. Since the first groove is filled with the first adhesive, the probability of dust reaching the fiber end face can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of fiber end face contamination.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the fiber end face extends beyond the end face of the fiber optic connector and is located within a receiving slot.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the fiber end face does not directly contact the first side of the lens beam expander assembly; the fiber end face and the first side are connected by a first adhesive, which is a light-transmitting adhesive.

[0027] In this embodiment, adhesive is injected into the opening of the first groove on the first surface so that the adhesive fills the space between the fiber end face and the first side face, ensuring that there is no air gap between them. This helps to reduce the interface reflection loss between the fiber end face and the first side face, i.e., the adhesive filling reduces the refractive index difference and the reflection between the two end faces (fiber end face and first side face); on the other hand, it can bond and fix the fiber, fiber connector, and lens expander assembly.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the refractive index of the first adhesive matches the refractive index of the lens beam expander assembly, and / or, the refractive index of the first adhesive matches the refractive index of the optical fiber. Matching the refractive index of the adhesive and the component, also known as having similar or comparable refractive indices, means that the difference between the refractive index of the adhesive material and the refractive index of the component material is less than a preset value.

[0029] In this embodiment, by filling the optical path adhesive that matches the optical fiber or lens expansion assembly to conduct the optical signal passing through the optical fiber and lens expansion assembly, it is beneficial to reduce the interface reflection loss between the end face of the optical fiber and the first side of the lens expansion assembly, thereby achieving ultra-low insertion loss, and at the same time, it is beneficial to obtain a larger coupling tolerance and good consistency.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the angle θ between the optical axis of the optical fiber and the end face of the optical fiber connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. Optionally, the angle θ between the optical axis of the optical fiber and the first region of the first side surface is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0031] In one implementation, the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber and the end face of the fiber optic connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees. If the first side is parallel to the end face of the fiber optic connector, then the first side is not perpendicular to the optical axis of the fiber, which helps to prevent light emitted from the fiber from being reflected back into the fiber via the first side. Furthermore, designing the first side to be parallel to the end face of the fiber optic connector makes it easier to determine the angle between the first side and the optical axis of the fiber, thus reducing manufacturing difficulty. Since some fiber optic connectors in conventional technologies have end faces that are tilted relative to the optical axis of the fiber, setting θ to greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees ensures that the tilted end face fiber optic connector is compatible with the tilted end face lens expander assembly, thus improving the compatibility of the lens expander assembly.

[0032] Optionally, θ is greater than or equal to 82 degrees and less than or equal to 86 degrees. Setting a smaller tilt angle helps reduce optical loss while preventing light emitted from the optical fiber from being reflected back into the fiber via the first side.

[0033] In another implementation, the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber and the end face of the fiber optic connector is equal to 90 degrees. If the first side face is parallel to the end face of the fiber optic connector, it can be deduced that the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber and the first region of the first side face is equal to 90 degrees. Since some fiber optic connectors in conventional technologies have end faces perpendicular to the optical axis of the fiber, setting θ to 90 degrees ensures that fiber optic connectors with vertical end faces are compatible with lens expansion components with vertical end faces, which is beneficial for improving the compatibility of lens expansion components.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the third groove of the lens beam expander assembly is also used to fill the second adhesive, and the fourth groove of the lens beam expander assembly is also used to fill the second adhesive. The second adhesive is used to connect the lens beam expander assembly and the fiber optic connector, which helps to further improve the connection strength between the lens beam expander assembly and the fiber optic connector.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic connector further includes at least one second positioning hole, which corresponds to at least one first positioning hole of the lens expander assembly. Alignment between the fiber optic connector and the lens expander assembly is achieved through the second positioning hole of the fiber optic connector and the first positioning hole of the lens expander assembly, which helps improve installation accuracy.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic connection device further includes at least one guide pin, each guide pin being inserted into a first positioning hole of the lens expander assembly and a second positioning hole of the fiber optic connector, so as to improve the alignment accuracy between the fiber optic connector and the lens expander assembly.

[0037] In one possible implementation, one of the two guide pins passes through the first and second end faces of the lens beam expander assembly, while the other guide pin passes through only the first end face and not the second end face.

[0038] In this embodiment, adhesive overflow may occur at the female end of the fiber optic connector during assembly. Specifically, the adhesive may overflow onto the positioning holes on both sides (e.g., the first or second positioning hole), potentially causing difficulty in inserting or removing the guide pins or displacement of the lens expander assembly during insertion or removal, thus affecting coupling efficiency. The asymmetric guide pin structure proposed in this embodiment, where one guide pin penetrates through the first positioning hole of the lens expander assembly while the other guide pin only partially enters the first positioning hole, effectively reduces the impact of adhesive overflow.

[0039] Thirdly, this application provides an optical component including an optical fiber adapter and two optical fiber connection devices as described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above. The optical fiber adapter connects the two optical fiber connection devices, and the two second end faces of the two lens beam expanders in the two optical fiber connection devices contact each other, with two second grooves on the two second end faces forming a dustproof sealed cavity.

[0040] In this aspect, since dust is less likely to enter the dustproof sealing cavity, it is beneficial to further improve dustproof performance, thereby further improving the anti-interference ability of optical signal transmission. In addition, the opening directions of the second grooves of the two lens beam expanders are opposite, which helps to ensure the coupling efficiency between the fiber optic connectors.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the lenses in the two sets of lens arrays within the two second grooves correspond one-to-one, and one lens in the lens array corresponds to the end face of at least one optical fiber.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the two fiber optic connectors in the optical assembly are asymmetrically arranged. The two connectors have fiber cores with different diameters, and the lenses in their lens arrays have different optical parameters. That is, one connector contains the same fiber core, and the other connector also contains the same fiber core, but the fiber cores of the two connectors are different. This arrangement of the lenses in the lens arrays to match the different core diameters of the fibers in the two connectors improves coupling efficiency.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the fiber end faces of two adjacent optical fibers in the optical fiber connector correspond to a lens in the lens array.

[0044] In this embodiment, when two optical fibers share a single lens, the lens size needs to cover the fiber ports of at least two optical fibers. Therefore, with the same fiber core size, the lens size increases, resulting in a larger beam spot after refraction. In conventional technologies, the standard fiber channel spacing is limited to 250µm, and the beam-expanding mode spot diameter is generally less than 250µm. To further improve dustproof performance and reuse current industry chain resources, this embodiment proposes using a multi-channel optical fiber multiplexing a single lens. For example, two adjacent optical fibers can share a single lens, with adjacent input and output fibers interleaved, further expanding the mode spot. For example, the mode spot size can be increased from less than 250µm in conventional technologies to approximately 500µm. Because the beam spot of the collimated beam increases, the proportion of dust particles on the lens surface in the beam spot decreases, thus reducing the impact of dust on optical signal transmission and providing superior dustproof performance.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic adapter has a first limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of a fiber optic connector and two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

[0046] In this implementation, since the fiber optic adapter needs to consider not only the dimensions of the two fiber optic connectors but also the dimensions of the two lens beam expanders, the length of the fiber optic adapter is greater than that of a traditional fiber optic adapter, and the limiting distance of the limiting structure is also greater than that of the traditional technology, which is beneficial to improving the connection stability of the two fiber optic connectors.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the limiting distance L1 of the first limiting structure is greater than or equal to a first length, which is the length of an optical fiber connector and two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the limiting distance L1 is greater than 8 mm and less than 15 mm.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic adapter has a second limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the limiting distance L2 of the second limiting structure is greater than or equal to the second length, which is the length of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the limiting distance L2 is greater than 1 mm and less than 10 mm.

[0052] Fourthly, this application provides an optical module whose optical interface includes an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber connection device as described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0053] Fifthly, this application provides an optical module comprising an optical signal transmitting unit, an optical signal receiving unit, a signal processing unit, an optical interface, and an electrical interface. The optical interface includes an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber connection device as described in any embodiment of the second aspect above. The optical signal transmitting unit is used to transmit optical signals to the optical fiber through the optical interface; the optical signal receiving unit is used to receive optical signals from the optical fiber through the optical interface; and the signal processing unit is used to control the optical signal transmitting unit to generate optical signals and / or process the electrical signals corresponding to the optical signals received by the optical signal receiving unit. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 shows an example of the optical interface between the optical module and the pigtail in a traditional technology;

[0055] Figure 2 is an example diagram of the optical interface between the optical module and the pigtail provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 3E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 3F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application;

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0065] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical fiber connection device provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0074] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 10E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 11A is an example diagram showing the correspondence between the lens array and the optical fiber provided in this application;

[0080] Figure 11B is another example of the correspondence between the lens array and the optical fiber provided in this application;

[0081] Figure 11C is another example of the correspondence between the lens array and the optical fiber provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 12 is an example diagram of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0084] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0085] Figure 15 is another example diagram of the fiber optic adapter provided in this application;

[0086] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application;

[0087] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical component provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0089] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0090] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0091] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0092] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions, and embodiments or designs described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0093] The lens beam expander assembly and related devices provided in this application embodiment can be applied to optical modules. To facilitate understanding of the lens beam expander assembly and related devices provided in this application embodiment, the structure of a conventional optical module will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0094] Figure 1 shows an example of an optical interface between an optical module and a pigtail in conventional technology. As shown in Figure 1, the optical interface in conventional technology mainly includes two fiber optic connectors and one fiber optic adapter (also called a flange). One fiber optic connector is used to fix the fiber end face of the optical fiber inside the optical module, and the other fiber optic connector is used to fix the fiber end face of the optical fiber outside the optical module (e.g., a pigtail). The two fiber optic connectors are connected via a contact connection, which is prone to contaminating the fiber end face and reducing the reliability of the optical interface.

[0095] To address this issue, this application proposes to solve the aforementioned problems by adding lens beam expanders. For example, Figure 2 is an example diagram of an optical interface between an optical module and a pigtail provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the fiber optic adapter 0 and two fiber optic connectors 2, the optical interface adds two lens beam expanders 1 between the two fiber optic connectors 2. The fiber end faces of the two fiber optic connectors 2 are fixed to the lens beam expanders 1 respectively, so that the two lens beam expanders 1 can transmit the optical signal transmitted through the fiber optic cable. Since the fiber end faces are fixedly connected to the lens beam expanders 1 with adhesive, rather than directly contacting the other fiber end face, it helps to reduce the probability of fiber end face contamination, thereby improving the reliability of the optical interface.

[0096] The lens beam expander assembly 1 provided in the embodiment of this application will be described below with reference to Figure 3A:

[0097] Figure 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lens beam expander assembly provided in this application. The right and left sides of Figure 3A are views obtained from the front and rear directions, respectively, of the lens beam expander assembly. As shown in Figure 3A, the lens beam expander assembly 1 is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, light-transmitting glass or light-transmitting resin; this embodiment is not limited. The lens beam expander assembly 1 includes a first end face 11 and a second end face 12, which are disposed opposite to each other. The first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be parallel or non-parallel; this embodiment is not limited.

[0098] The first end face 11 is provided with a first groove 111, and the first groove 111 has an opening on a first surface 13 located between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. This can be understood as the opening on one side of the first groove 111 connecting to the first surface 13, and the opening on the other side of the first groove 111 connecting to the first end face 11. When the lens beam expander assembly 1 is working, the first groove 111 is used to accommodate the fiber end face of the optical fiber and a first adhesive, the first adhesive being used to fix the fiber end face to the first groove 111. When an optical signal is transmitted in the optical fiber, the first side surface 112 of the first groove 111 is used to receive the optical signal from the fiber end face, or the first side surface 112 of the first groove 111 is used to transmit the optical signal that needs to be transmitted to the fiber end face, wherein the first side surface 112 is the side of the first groove 111 opposite to the first end face 11.

[0099] Furthermore, the second end face 12 is provided with a lens array 121, which includes at least one lens. The lens in the lens array 121 is used to collimate the optical signal received by the first side face 112, or the lens in the lens array 121 is used to converge the optical signal input to the optical fiber end face through the first side face 112. For example, the optical fiber end face is located near the focal point of the lens (i.e., the position of one focal length of the lens). The optical signal emitted from the optical fiber end face becomes collimated light after passing through the lens, or the collimated light converges to the optical fiber end face after passing through the lens.

[0100] In this embodiment, the lens expander assembly 1 is provided with a first groove 111, which can accommodate the fiber end face and the first adhesive, so that the fiber end face is fixed and corresponds to the lens of the lens array 121 (located on the rear side of the first side 112 of the first groove 111). Since the first groove 111 is filled with the first adhesive, the probability of dust reaching the fiber end face can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of fiber end face contamination. In addition, the first groove 111 is a bidirectional open groove. The opening on the first end face 11 facilitates the insertion of the fiber end face, and the opening on the first surface 13 facilitates the injection of adhesive. Therefore, it is easy to install and simplifies the installation and fixing process. That is to say, by fixing the fiber end face to the first groove with the first adhesive, so that the lens array behind the first groove corresponds to the fiber end face, it is not only easy to install and fix the fiber, but also reduces the probability of dust reaching the fiber end face, thereby reducing the probability of fiber end face contamination.

[0101] Furthermore, while collimating the optical signal received from the first side 112, the lens also expands the beam diameter of the optical signal, resulting in an enlarged spot, that is, shaping the small mode spot of the optical fiber into a large mode spot. Since the spot of the collimated beam becomes larger, the proportion of dust particles on the lens surface in the spot becomes smaller. Therefore, the transmission of the optical signal is less affected by dust, resulting in better dust resistance.

[0102] Optionally, the second end face 12 is provided with a second groove 122, and the lens array 121 is disposed at the bottom of the groove 122. Furthermore, the thickness of each lens in the lens array 121 is less than the depth of the second groove 122, where the depth refers to the distance d1 between the bottom of the second groove 122 and the second end face 12. Optionally, d1 is greater than 30 μm and less than 50 μm. In this embodiment, the lens array 121 is disposed at the bottom of the groove on the second end face 12 (i.e., the bottom of the second groove 122), rather than directly on the second end face 12. On the one hand, with a fixed distance between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12, the size of the lens beam expander assembly 1 in the optical path transmission direction is reduced, which helps to reduce the optical loss generated by the optical signal passing through the lens beam expander assembly 1; on the other hand, the flatness of the plane where the second end face 12 is located is improved, facilitating the combined installation of the lens beam expander assembly 1 with other structural components (e.g., another lens beam expander assembly 1).

[0103] Optionally, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be non-parallel or parallel. The following description is based on examples shown in Figures 3B and 3C, where Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a lens beam expander assembly provided in this application; and Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a lens beam expander assembly provided in this application.

[0104] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 3B or Figure 3C, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are not parallel. Optionally, the included angle β between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, the second end face 12 is perpendicular to the axis of the lens beam expander assembly 1, the first end face 11 is inclined toward the second end face 12, and the inclination angle β of the first end face 11 is optional. β is greater than or equal to 4 degrees and less than or equal to 8 degrees, that is, the first end face 11 is inclined toward the second end face 12 by 4 to 8 degrees. For example, the first end face 11 is inclined toward the second end face 12 by 8 degrees. In this implementation, since some fiber optic connectors in the traditional technology have tilted end faces (e.g., the end face of the fiber optic connector is tilted by 8 degrees), the first end face 11 is designed to tilt towards the second end face 12 at a small angle (e.g., the first end face 11 is tilted by 8 degrees). This helps to ensure that the lens beam expander assembly 1 is compatible with the traditional tilted end face fiber optic connectors and improves the compatibility of the lens beam expander assembly 1.

[0105] It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 3B, the first end face 11 can be inclined counterclockwise towards the second end face 12; as shown in Figure 3C, the first end face 11 can also be inclined clockwise towards the second end face 12, and this embodiment is not limited thereto. In subsequent embodiments, the example shown in Figure 3B will be used as the main example for description.

[0106] In another implementation, as shown in Figure 3D, the first end face 11 is parallel to the second end face 12, meaning the included angle β between them is 0. For example, when fabricating the lens expander assembly 1, the first end face 11 is fabricated with the second end face 12 as a reference to control the parallelism between them. In this implementation, designing the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 as parallel structures not only facilitates fabrication but also ensures compatibility between the lens expander assembly 1 and traditional parallel-end-face fiber optic connectors, thus improving the compatibility of the lens expander assembly 1.

[0107] Optionally, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, the first region of the first side surface 112 corresponds to the lens array 121, and the first region of the first side surface 112 is used to receive optical signals. That is, the optical signal from the fiber end face may primarily illuminate the first region of the first side surface 112, and the optical signal may not reach other regions of the first side surface 112 besides the first region. When processing the first side surface, it is necessary to ensure that the optical parameters of the first region of the first side surface 112 meet the performance requirements.

[0108] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3A, the first surface 13 is provided with a third groove 131. The opening of the first groove 111 on the first surface 13 is located at the bottom of the third groove 131, and the third groove 131 is used to accommodate the first adhesive that overflows from the first groove 111. For example, when fixing the end face of the optical fiber, adhesive is injected through the opening of the first groove 111 on the first surface 13. Since the first surface 13 is provided with the third groove 131, even if some of the first adhesive overflows from the first groove 111, the first adhesive can be accommodated in the third groove 131 and is less likely to overflow outside the third groove 131, thereby reducing the probability of the first adhesive overflowing onto the first end face 11 and the second end face 12.

[0109] Optionally, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are also connected by a second surface 14, which is disposed opposite to the first surface 13, and the second surface 14 is provided with a fourth groove 141. Optionally, the second surface 14 is parallel to the first surface 13. Optionally, the fourth groove 141 is symmetrically disposed with respect to the third groove 131. The third groove 131 and the fourth groove 141 are used to accommodate the second adhesive. For example, adding the second adhesive to the side of the third groove 131 and the fourth groove 141 near the first end face 11 facilitates the connection of the lens expander assembly 1 to other devices (e.g., fiber optic connectors). Furthermore, the symmetrical arrangement of the fourth groove 141 and the third groove 131 helps ensure that the added second adhesive is symmetrical, and thus the stress generated by the second adhesive is symmetrical, avoiding misalignment between the fiber end face and the lens, thereby reducing coupling efficiency.

[0110] Optionally, the lens beam expander assembly 1 is provided with at least one first positioning hole 15, which penetrates through the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. The position of each first positioning hole 15 is separate from the position of the first groove 111, and the position of each first positioning hole 15 is separate from the position of the second groove 122. That is, the first positioning hole 15 is not connected to the first groove 111, and the first groove 111 is not connected to the second groove 122. For example, the lens beam expander assembly 1 is provided with two first positioning holes 15, which are arranged along the arrangement direction of the lens array 121. One first positioning hole 15 is located at one end of the lens array 121, and the other first positioning hole 15 is located at the other end of the lens array 121. Since the first positioning hole 15 is not connected to the second groove 122, the light signal passing through the lens array 121 will not enter the first positioning hole 15, which helps to avoid light signal leakage or the introduction of signal interference. In addition, an adhesive blocking structure is formed between the first positioning hole 15 and the first groove 111, that is, an adhesive blocking structure is formed on both sides of the first groove 111 (for example, the left and right adhesive blocking structures shown in FIG7), which helps to reduce the probability of the first adhesive 4 filling the first groove 111 overflowing into the first positioning holes 15 on both sides of the lens beam expander assembly 1.

[0111] Optionally, as shown in Figures 3B, 3C, or 3D, the first side surface 112 is parallel to the first end surface 11. This parallelism facilitates not only the fabrication of the first groove 111 but also the measurement of the distance between the first side surface 112 and the first end surface 11. For example, the distance d2 between the first side surface 112 and the first end surface 11 is greater than 50 μm and less than 100 μm. This distance can be understood as the depth of the first groove in the fiber extension direction. It should be noted that the distance between the first side surface 112 and the first end surface 11 can also be other values, as long as they meet the requirements for dispensing with a dispensing syringe. Since the first side surface 112 is parallel to the first end surface 11, as shown in FIG3D, if the first end surface 11 is parallel to the second end surface 12, then the first side surface 112 is parallel to the second end surface; as shown in FIG3B, if the first end surface 11 is tilted counterclockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees), then the first side surface 112 is also tilted counterclockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees); as shown in FIG3C, if the first end surface 11 is tilted clockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees), then the first side surface 112 is also tilted clockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees). Therefore, when processing the first side surface 112, positioning processing can be performed with the second end surface 12 as a reference, which is beneficial to obtaining a higher precision first side surface 112, and thus obtaining a higher precision lens beam expander assembly 1.

[0112] Furthermore, the first side surface 112 and the first end face 11 may not be parallel, or they are not required to be parallel. This helps to further reduce the processing difficulty of the first groove 111. Optionally, as shown in FIG3E or FIG3F, the cross-sectional dimension of the first groove 111 gradually increases from the outer edge of the first region of the first groove 111 to the opening of the first surface 13 of the first groove 111. That is, the cross-sectional dimension of the first groove 111 gradually increases from the middle of the first groove 111 (e.g., the outer edge of the first region) to the aforementioned opening. For example, as shown in FIG3E or FIG3F, the cross-sectional dimension d3 of the opening of the first surface 13 of the first groove 111 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension d2 of the first region of the first groove 111. It can be seen that designing the cross-section of the first groove 111 with a gradually expanding shape not only facilitates the injection of the first glue into the first groove 111, but also helps to reduce the fluid resistance of the first glue, improve the fluid efficiency of the first glue, and make the first glue flow more smoothly when passing through the opening of the first surface 13, thereby improving the convenience of injecting the first glue.

[0113] At this point, it is necessary to ensure that at least the first region of the first side surface 112 is parallel to the first end surface 11. Since the first region of the first side surface 112 is parallel to the first end surface 11, as shown in Figure 3D, if the first end surface 11 is parallel to the second end surface 12, then the first region of the first side surface 112 is parallel to the second end surface; as shown in Figure 3B or Figure 3E, if the first end surface 11 is tilted counterclockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees), then the first region of the first side surface 112 is also tilted counterclockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees); as shown in Figure 3C or Figure 3F, if the first end surface 11 is tilted clockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees), then the first region of the first side surface 112 is also tilted clockwise towards the second end surface 12 by an angle β (e.g., 8 degrees). Therefore, when processing the first region of the first side surface 112, positioning processing can be performed with the second end surface 12 as a reference, which is beneficial to obtaining a higher precision first side surface 112, and thus obtaining a higher precision lens beam expander assembly 1.

[0114] Optionally, the lens array 121 may be coated with an anti-reflection film, which can improve the light transmittance of the lens array 121, reduce the reflection loss at the lens interface, and thus improve the efficiency of optical communication.

[0115] It should be noted that the lens expander assembly 1 can be used in combination with the fiber optic connector 2. For ease of explanation, the combination of the lens expander assembly 1 and the fiber optic connector 2 is referred to as a fiber optic connection device in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional example diagram of the fiber optic connection device. As shown in Figure 4, one end face of the lens expander assembly 1 contacts the end face of the fiber optic connector 2, forming the fiber optic connection device 00. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the fiber optic connection device, and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the fiber optic connection device.

[0116] As shown in Figure 5A or Figure 5B, the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector contacts the first end face 11 of the lens expander assembly 1. The first groove 111 of the lens expander assembly 1 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector form a receiving groove that opens towards the first surface 13. The receiving groove is used to receive the first adhesive 4. Since the first groove 111 has an opening only on the first surface 13 and no opening on the second surface 14, an adhesive blocking structure is formed at the bottom of the first groove 111 (e.g., the bottom adhesive blocking structure shown in Figures 5A and 5B), which can form the aforementioned receiving groove. In addition, at least one optical fiber 3 is fixed to the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector. The optical fiber end face 31 of the optical fiber 3 is connected to the first side surface 112 of the first groove 111 through the first adhesive 4 received by the receiving groove.

[0117] Optionally, the first adhesive 4 can be a translucent adhesive. For example, the first adhesive 4 is a light-path adhesive, also known as a light-path bonding adhesive, which has the characteristics of high transparency, fast curing speed, and good weather resistance.

[0118] Optionally, the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is parallel to the first end face 11 of the lens beam expander assembly 1, which is beneficial for the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector and the first end face 11 of the lens beam expander assembly 1 to fit tightly and be positioned, thereby improving the coupling efficiency.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first groove 111 of the lens expander assembly 1 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector form a receiving groove opening towards the first surface 13. This receiving groove can accommodate the fiber end face and the first adhesive, so that the fiber end face is fixed and corresponds to the lens of the lens array 121. Since the first groove 111 is filled with the first adhesive, the fiber end face 31 and the first side surface 112 of the first groove 111 are connected by the first adhesive 4 of the light-transmitting material. This not only ensures the normal transmission of optical signals from the fiber end face 31 to the first side surface 112, but also reduces the probability of dust reaching the fiber end face, thereby reducing the probability of fiber end face contamination.

[0120] Optionally, the fiber optic connector can be a mechanical transfer (MT) fiber optic connector or a multi-fiber push-on (MPO) fiber optic connector; this embodiment is not limited to either. MT fiber optic connectors are generally located within the optical module, while MPO fiber optic connectors are generally located within the pigtail.

[0121] Optionally, the fiber end face 31 of the optical fiber 3 can extend beyond the end face 21 of the optical fiber connector. In this case, the fiber end face 31 is located in the receiving groove. For example, in conventional technology, when installing an optical fiber into an optical fiber connector, the fiber end face is generally extended 1-2 μm beyond the end face of the optical fiber connector to facilitate contact connection of conventional optical fiber connectors with installed optical fibers. In this embodiment, since the size of the aforementioned receiving groove (i.e., the depth d2 of the first groove 111) is greater than the size of the fiber end face extending beyond the end face of the optical fiber connector, this embodiment can reuse optical fiber connectors with installed optical fibers in conventional technology, which is beneficial to improving the compatibility of the lens beam expander assembly 1 with conventional optical fiber connectors.

[0122] Optionally, the fiber end face 31 does not directly contact the first side surface 112 of the lens expander assembly 1. For example, the fiber end face 31 of the fiber 3 can be flush with the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector; or, the fiber end face 31 of the fiber 3 can be slightly recessed compared to the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector; or, the fiber end face 31 of the fiber 3 can extend beyond the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector but not directly contact the first side surface 112. Since the first adhesive 4 fills the receiving groove, it not only fills the receiving groove but also fills the fiber end face 31 and the first side surface 112, thus forming an air gap-free optical waveguide. This helps reduce the interface reflection loss between the fiber end face 31 and the first side surface 112, i.e., the adhesive filling reduces the refractive index difference and reduces reflection from both end faces (fiber end face and first side surface); on the other hand, it can bond and fix the fiber 3, the fiber optic connector 2, and the lens expander assembly 1.

[0123] Furthermore, when multiple optical fibers are fixed to the fiber optic connector 2, the receiving slot needs to accommodate multiple optical fibers. Since processing errors may cause some fiber end faces 31 to be of varying lengths, some fiber end faces may contact the first side surface 112, while others may not. Because the solution provided in this embodiment does not require the fiber end face 31 to be in close contact with the first side surface 112 of the lens expander assembly 1, even if different fiber end faces 31 are at different distances from the first side surface 112, they can be bonded together with the first adhesive 4 without affecting the transmission of optical signals between the optical fiber 3 and the lens expander assembly 1. Compared to conventional technologies that require the fiber end face to be in close contact with structural components, this solution avoids bending and deformation of some optical fibers, thereby reducing the coupling efficiency between the optical fiber 3 and the lens expander assembly 1 and reducing processing complexity.

[0124] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5C or Figure 5D, if the cross-sectional size of the first groove 111 gradually increases from the outer edge of the first region of the first groove 111 to the opening of the first surface 13 of the first groove 111, then the cross-sectional size of the receiving groove gradually increases from the middle of the receiving groove to the opening. In this embodiment, it is not only convenient to inject the first glue into the receiving groove, but also beneficial to reduce the fluid resistance of the first glue and improve the fluid efficiency of the first glue, so that the first glue can transition more smoothly when flowing through the opening of the first surface 13, thereby improving the convenience of injecting the first glue.

[0125] Optionally, the shape of the fiber end face 31 is related to the end face grinding angle. It can be a physical contact (PC) end face, where the ferrule surface is ground into a slightly spherical surface with the fiber core located at the highest point of the bend; it can also be an ultra-physical contact (UPC) end face, which further optimizes the end face polishing and surface finish based on PC, making the end face appear more dome-shaped; it can also be an angled physical contact (APC), where the fiber end face is typically ground into an 8° bevel; or it can be other shapes. This embodiment does not limit the specific shape of the fiber end face 31.

[0126] Optionally, the refractive index of the first adhesive 4 matches the refractive index of the lens expander assembly 1, and / or, the refractive index of the first adhesive 4 matches the refractive index of the optical fiber 3. Optionally, if the distance between the optical fiber end face 31 and the first side face 112 is very close, the first adhesive 4 filling the space between the optical fiber end face 31 and the first side face 112 may be only a few micrometers. It should be noted that the refractive index is related to the material. For example, the core material of the optical fiber 3 is generally glass, and the material of the lens expander assembly 1 can also be glass, the refractive index of which is generally 1.4. Another example is that the material of the lens expander assembly 1 can also be resin, the refractive index of which is approximately 1.6. Matching the refractive index of the adhesive and the component, also called having similar or comparable refractive indices, means that the difference between the refractive index of the adhesive material and the refractive index of the component material is less than a preset value. For example, the difference in refractive index is less than 0.1, or less than 0.2; this embodiment is not limited. Optionally, the refractive index of the first adhesive 4 is 1.3 to 1.7. In one example, if the refractive index of the glass optical fiber 3 is 1.4 and the refractive index of the glass lens expander assembly 1 is also 1.4, then an optical adhesive with a refractive index close to 1.4 can be selected as the first adhesive 4. For example, an optical adhesive with a refractive index of 1.3 to 1.5 can be used as the first adhesive 4. In another example, if the refractive index of the glass optical fiber 3 is 1.4 and the refractive index of the resin lens expander assembly 1 is 1.6, then an optical adhesive with a refractive index close to 1.5 can be selected as the first adhesive 4. For example, an optical adhesive with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.6 can be used as the first adhesive 4. In this embodiment, by filling the optical fiber 3 or the lens expander assembly 1 with an optical adhesive that matches it, the optical signal passing through the optical fiber 3 and the lens expander assembly 1 is conducted. This helps to reduce the interface reflection loss between the end face 31 of the optical fiber and the first side face 112 of the lens expander assembly 1, thereby helping to achieve ultra-low insertion loss, and also helping to obtain a larger coupling tolerance and good consistency.

[0127] Optionally, the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber 3 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0128] The optical axis refers to the central axis of the optical fiber. Examples are given below:

[0129] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 5A, the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees. That is, the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 has a certain tilt angle with the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector, rather than being perpendicular. If the first side surface 112 is parallel to the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector, it can be deduced that the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 and the first region of the first side surface 112 is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In other words, the first side surface 112 is not perpendicular to the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3, meaning the propagation direction of the optical signal is not perpendicular to the first side surface 112. According to the law of reflection, light incident perpendicularly to a plane will be reflected back to the incident direction. In this embodiment, the first side surface 112 is not perpendicular to the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3, which helps to prevent light emitted from the fiber optic cable 3 from being reflected back into the fiber optic cable via the first side surface 112. Furthermore, designing the first side surface 112 to be parallel to the end face 2 of the fiber optic connector facilitates determining the angle between the first side surface 112 and the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3, which helps to reduce processing difficulty. It should be noted that when the angle θ between the optical axis of fiber 3 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the angle β between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 of the lens expander assembly 1 combined with the fiber optic connector 2 is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees. That is, the sum of θ and β is 90 degrees. Since some fiber optic connectors in conventional technology have end faces that are tilted to the optical axis of the fiber, setting θ to be greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees ensures that the tilted end face fiber optic connector is compatible with the tilted end face lens expander assembly 1, which is beneficial to improving the compatibility of the lens expander assembly 1.

[0130] Optionally, θ is greater than or equal to 82 degrees and less than or equal to 86 degrees. That is, the first side 112 is tilted at 4 to 8 degrees. Setting a smaller tilt angle helps to reduce optical loss while preventing light emitted from the optical fiber 3 from being reflected back into the optical fiber through the first side 112.

[0131] In another implementation, as shown in Figure 5B, the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is equal to 90 degrees. If the first side face 112 is parallel to the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector, it can be deduced that the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 and the first region of the first side face 112 is equal to 90 degrees. It should be noted that when the angle θ between the optical axis of the fiber optic cable 3 and the end face 21 of the fiber optic connector is equal to 90 degrees, the angle β between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 of the lens expansion assembly 1 combined with the fiber optic connector 2 is equal to 0 degrees, that is, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are parallel, so as to ensure that the sum of θ and β is 90 degrees. Since some fiber optic connectors in the conventional technology are perpendicular to the optical axis of the fiber, setting θ to 90 degrees can ensure that the fiber optic connector with the vertical end face is compatible with the lens expansion assembly 1 with the vertical end face, which is beneficial to improving the compatibility of the lens expansion assembly 1.

[0132] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6A or Figure 6B, the third groove 131 of the lens beam expander assembly 1 is also used to fill the second adhesive 5, and the fourth groove 141 of the lens beam expander assembly 1 is also used to fill the second adhesive 5. The second adhesive 5 is used to connect the lens beam expander assembly 1 and the fiber optic connector 2, which helps to further improve the connection between the lens beam expander assembly 1 and the fiber optic connector 2.

[0133] Optionally, the second adhesive 5 is an adhesive that has a certain strength after curing (e.g., baking curing or ultraviolet curing, UV curing). For example, the second adhesive 5 can be a structural adhesive that has high strength after drying (e.g., steel-to-steel tensile bond strength > 30 MPa, or shear strength > 18 MPa). Bonding the lens expander assembly 1 and the fiber optic connector 2 with a structural adhesive of a certain strength is beneficial for further improving the bonding force.

[0134] Optionally, as shown in Figure 7, the fiber optic connector 2 further includes at least one second positioning hole 22, which corresponds to at least one first positioning hole 15 of the lens expander assembly 1. Alignment between the fiber optic connector 2 and the lens expander assembly 1 is achieved through the second positioning hole 22 and the first positioning hole 15, which helps improve installation accuracy. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first positioning hole 15 is not connected to the first groove 111, and adhesive blocking structures are formed on both sides of the first groove 111 (e.g., the left and right adhesive blocking structures shown in Figure 7). During assembly, a certain external stress can be applied to ensure tight contact between the adhesive blocking structures and the fiber optic connector 2, which helps reduce the probability of adhesive overflowing into the first positioning holes 15 on both sides of the lens expander assembly 1.

[0135] Optionally, the fiber optic connection device also includes at least one guide pin, each guide pin being inserted into the first positioning hole 15 of the lens expander assembly 1 and the second positioning hole 22 of the fiber optic connector 2, so as to improve the alignment accuracy between the fiber optic connector 2 and the lens expander assembly 1.

[0136] Optionally, the fiber optic connection device includes two guide pins. It should be noted that the guide pins can be understood as positioning pins, and the guide pins can be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or other materials; this embodiment is not limited to any of these.

[0137] In one implementation, as shown in FIG8A, the male end of the fiber optic connector (e.g., example (a)) is provided with two asymmetrically mounted guide pins, and the female end of the fiber optic connector (e.g., example (b)) is provided with two asymmetrically mounted guide pins. Specifically, one of the two guide pins passes through the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 of the lens beam expander assembly 1, while the other guide pin only passes through the first end face 11 and not through the second end face 12. As shown in FIG8B, after assembly, the guide pin protruding from the second end face 12 of one fiber optic connector mates with the positioning hole of the guide pin not protruding from the second end face 12 of the other fiber optic connector.

[0138] In this embodiment, adhesive overflow may occur during the assembly of the female fiber optic connector, meaning that the first adhesive may easily overflow into the positioning holes on both sides (e.g., the first positioning hole 15 or the second positioning hole 22), which may cause difficulty in inserting or removing the guide pin or displacement of the lens expansion assembly 1 during the insertion or removal process, thereby affecting the coupling efficiency. The asymmetric guide pin structure proposed in this embodiment, where one guide pin penetrates through the first positioning hole 15 of the lens expansion assembly 1 and the other guide pin only partially enters the first positioning hole 15 of the lens expansion assembly 1, can effectively reduce the impact of adhesive overflow. For example, after the lens expansion assembly is installed on the female fiber optic connector, the guide pin can be retained inside the lens expansion assembly and fixed without being removed. Since the male fiber optic connector has a guide pin structure that is reverse-symmetrical to the female fiber optic connector, the male fiber optic connector with the guide pin retained and the female fiber optic connector without the guide pin retained can be directly mated and positioned, thereby reducing the impact of adhesive overflow on the insertion and removal process of the guide pin.

[0139] In another implementation, as shown in Figure 8C, both guide pins are installed on the male end of the fiber optic connector. The female end has its guide pins removed after connecting the lens expander assembly 1 and the fiber optic connector 2. First positioning holes 15 penetrating the front and rear end faces are provided on both sides of the lens expander assembly 1. High-precision guide pins are used for alignment to ensure accurate coupling between the fiber optic connector 2 and the lens expander assembly 1. Specifically, the male end of the fiber optic connector uses a symmetrical guide pin structure, penetrating both first positioning holes 15 of the lens expander assembly 1. The female end of the fiber optic connector only uses guide pins for precise positioning and alignment during the adhesive bonding process; the guide pins are removed after adhesive bonding.

[0140] It should also be noted that, as shown in Figure 9, the two fiber optic connection devices 00 can be further connected through a fiber optic adapter 0. For ease of explanation, the combination of the fiber optic adapter 0 and the two fiber optic connection devices 00 in this application embodiment is referred to as an optical assembly. Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are cross-sectional views of several embodiments of the optical assembly. As shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, or 10D, the optical assembly includes a fiber optic adapter 0 and two fiber optic connection devices. The fiber optic adapter 0 is used to connect the two fiber optic connection devices. The two second end faces 12 of the two lens beam expanders 1 in the two fiber optic connection devices are in contact, and the two second grooves 122 of the two second end faces 12 form a dustproof sealing cavity 6. Since dust is not easily allowed to enter the dustproof sealing cavity 6, it is beneficial to further improve the dustproof performance, thereby further improving the anti-interference ability of optical signal transmission.

[0141] In some examples, as shown in Figures 10A, 10B, or 10C, the two lens beam expanders 1 are assembled in a centrally symmetrical manner, and the opening directions of the second grooves 122 of the two lens beam expanders 1 are opposite, which helps to ensure the coupling efficiency between the fiber optic connectors.

[0142] In other examples, as shown in Figure 10D, two lens beam expanders 1 are symmetrically assembled about the second end face 12, and the opening directions of the second grooves 122 of the two lens beam expanders 1 are the same, which helps to ensure the coupling efficiency between the fiber optic connectors.

[0143] In other examples, as shown in Figure 10E, two lens beam expanders 1 with opposite opening directions can be assembled. For example, the first surface of the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3B is the surface of the larger size, that is, the opening of the first groove of the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3B faces the surface of the larger size; the first surface of the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3C is the surface of the smaller size, that is, the opening of the first groove of the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3C faces the surface of the smaller size. Combining the fiber optic connection device containing the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3B and the fiber optic connection device containing the lens beam expander shown in Figure 3B, and assembling the first groove openings of the two lens beam expanders in the same direction, improves the assembly flexibility of the optical components.

[0144] Optionally, the lenses in the two lens arrays 121 within the two second grooves 122 correspond one-to-one, and one lens in the lens array 121 corresponds to the fiber end face 31 of at least one optical fiber 3. Examples are given below:

[0145] In one implementation, one lens in the lens array 121 corresponds to the fiber end face 31 of an optical fiber 3.

[0146] In one example, the two fiber optic connectors in the optical assembly are symmetrically arranged, with identical lens arrays and fiber core diameters. For instance, as shown in Figure 11A, the input fiber of fiber optic connector #1 and the output fiber of fiber optic connector #2 are fibers with the same core diameter, and correspondingly, lens arrays #1 and #2 are lenses with the same optical properties. When transmitting optical signals, the optical signal emitted from the input fiber 1 of fiber optic connector #1 is refracted into collimated light by lens #1. This collimated light is then refracted by lens #5 and converged onto the output fiber 1 of fiber optic connector #2. Similarly, the optical signal emitted from the input fiber 2 of fiber optic connector #1 is refracted into collimated light by lens #2. This collimated light is then refracted by lens #6 and converged onto the output fiber 2 of fiber optic connector #2. The optical signal emitted from the input fiber 3 of fiber optic connector #1 is refracted into collimated light by lens #3. This collimated light is then refracted by lens #7 and converged onto the output fiber 3 of fiber optic connector #2. Finally, the optical signal emitted from the input fiber 4 of fiber optic connector #1 is refracted into collimated light by lens #4. This collimated light is then refracted by lens #8 and converged onto the output fiber 4 of fiber optic connector #2. In this example, the lenses are arranged according to the size of the fiber core, which helps improve coupling efficiency.

[0147] Optionally, the fiber channel spacing of the fiber optic connector is related to the collimation mode diameter. The fiber channel spacing refers to the distance between the axes of two adjacent fibers, for example, the distance between the axes of input fiber 1 and input fiber 2. The collimation mode diameter refers to the diameter of the laser output beam after collimation, for example, the diameter of the cross-section of the beam when the optical signal is transmitted from lens #1 to lens #5. Optionally, the fiber channel spacing is generally larger than the collimation mode diameter. For example, if the fiber channel spacing is 250µm, the collimation mode diameter is generally smaller than 250µm, which helps to avoid the overlap of optical signals from different fiber channels and reduce interference between optical signals transmitted from different fiber channels.

[0148] In another example, the two fiber optic connectors in the optical assembly can also be asymmetrically arranged, with different fiber core diameters and different lens arrays. That is, one fiber optic connector may contain the same fiber core, and the other may also contain the same fiber core, but the fiber cores of the two connectors are different. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, the input fiber of fiber optic connector #1 and the output fiber of fiber optic connector #2 can be fibers with different core diameters. Correspondingly, lens expander assembly #1 and lens expander assembly #2 can also be lenses with different optical properties to facilitate matching of fibers with different core diameters, which is beneficial for improving coupling efficiency. The optical signal transmission process is similar to the example shown in Figure 11A above; please refer to the example shown in Figure 11A above for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0149] In another implementation, the fiber end faces 31 of two adjacent optical fibers 3 in fiber optic connector 2 correspond to one lens in lens array 121. For example, as shown in FIG11C, in fiber optic connector #1, adjacent input optical fibers 1 and 2 share lens #1, and adjacent input optical fibers 3 and 4 share lens #2; in fiber optic connector #2, adjacent output optical fibers 1 and 2 share lens #3, and adjacent output optical fibers 3 and 4 share lens #4. Lens #1 and lens #3 have the same optical characteristics, and lens #2 and lens #4 have the same optical characteristics. When transmitting optical signals, the optical signals emitted from the input fiber 1 of fiber optic connector #1 are refracted into collimated light by lens #1, and the collimated light is then refracted by lens #3 and converged to the output fiber 1 of fiber optic connector #2; the optical signals emitted from the input fiber 2 of fiber optic connector #1 are refracted into collimated light by lens #1, and the collimated light is then refracted by lens #3 and converged to the output fiber 2 of fiber optic connector #2; the optical signals emitted from the input fiber 3 of fiber optic connector #1 are refracted into collimated light by lens #2, and the collimated light is then refracted by lens #4 and converged to the output fiber 3 of fiber optic connector #2; the optical signals emitted from the input fiber 4 of fiber optic connector #1 are refracted into collimated light by lens #2, and the collimated light is then refracted by lens #4 and converged to the output fiber 4 of fiber optic connector #2.

[0150] As shown in Figure 11C, when two optical fibers share a single lens, the lens size needs to cover the fiber ports of both fibers. Therefore, with the same core size, the lens shown in the example in Figure 11C is larger than the lens shown in Figure 11B or Figure 11A. In conventional technologies, the standard fiber channel spacing is limited to 250µm, and the beam-expanding mode diameter is generally less than 250µm. To further improve dustproof performance and reuse current industry chains, this embodiment proposes using multiple channels of optical fibers to reuse a single lens. For example, two adjacent optical fibers can reuse a single lens, with adjacent input and output fibers interleaved, further expanding the mode size. For example, expanding the mode size from less than 250µm in conventional technologies to approximately 500µm.

[0151] Optionally, in practical applications, two or more fiber optic channels can be multiplexed onto a single lens to achieve a larger collimated mode spot. Because the expanded collimated beam has a larger spot size, the proportion of dust particles on the lens surface in the spot size decreases. Therefore, the transmission of optical signals is less affected by dust, resulting in superior dust resistance.

[0152] In addition, the fiber optic adapter 0 has an internal limiting structure for securing the two fiber optic connections. The dimensions of this limiting structure are related to the components being secured. Examples are given below:

[0153] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 12, the fiber optic adapter 0 has a first limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of a fiber optic connector 2 and two lens beam expanders 1 in the optical axis direction.

[0154] Optionally, the limiting distance L1 of the first limiting structure is greater than or equal to a first length, which is the length of one fiber optic connector and two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction. For example, as shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14, the two fiber optic connectors connected by lens beam expander #1 and lens beam expander #2 are an MT fiber optic connector and an MPO fiber optic connector, respectively. The MT fiber optic connector is located at the optical interface of the optical module, and the MPO fiber optic connector is a fiber optic connector in a pigtail. In this example, the first length includes the length of the MT fiber optic connector, lens beam expander #1, and lens beam expander #2 in the optical axis direction.

[0155] For example, referring to the dimensions of a conventional MT fiber optic connector and the dimensions of the lens expander assembly provided in this embodiment, the limiting distance L1 is greater than 8mm and less than 15mm, and must include the length of at least one MT connector and two lens expanders. The fiber optic adapter length is typically 20-30mm. For example, if the dimension of the lens expander assembly in the optical axis direction is 0.5mm, and the dimension of the MT connector in the optical axis direction is 8mm, the first length is approximately 0.5*2+8=9mm, and the limiting distance L1 can be 9mm or 10mm, etc.

[0156] In this implementation, since the fiber optic adapter needs to consider not only the dimensions of the two fiber optic connectors but also the dimensions of the two lens beam expanders, the length of the fiber optic adapter is greater than that of a traditional fiber optic adapter, and the limiting distance of the limiting structure is also greater than that of the traditional technology, which is beneficial to improving the connection stability of the two fiber optic connectors.

[0157] In another implementation, as shown in Figure 15, the fiber optic adapter 0 has a second limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

[0158] Optionally, the limiting distance L2 of the second limiting structure is greater than or equal to the second length, which is the length of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction. For example, as shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17, the two fiber optic connectors connected by lens beam expander #1 and lens beam expander #2 are MPO fiber optic connector #1 and MPO fiber optic connector #2, respectively. MPO fiber optic connector #1 is the fiber optic connector in pigtail #1, and MPO fiber optic connector #2 is the fiber optic connector in pigtail #2. In this example, the second length includes the length of lens beam expander #1 and lens beam expander #2 in the optical axis direction.

[0159] For example, the limiting distance L2 is greater than 1 mm and less than 10 mm. For instance, as shown in Figure 17, the fiber optic adapter has an internal limiting structure with a limiting distance of 1 to 10 mm, which must include the length of at least two lens beam expanders. The length of the fiber optic adapter is typically 20 to 30 mm. For example, the dimension of the lens beam expander in the optical axis direction is 0.5 mm, the second length is approximately 0.5 * 2 = 1 mm, and the limiting distance L2 can be 1 mm or 2 mm, etc.

[0160] In this implementation, since the fiber optic adapter needs to consider not only the dimensions of the two fiber optic connectors but also the dimensions of the two lens beam expanders, the length of the fiber optic adapter is greater than that of a traditional fiber optic adapter, and the limiting distance of the limiting structure is also greater than that of the traditional technology, which is beneficial to improving the connection stability of the two fiber optic connectors.

[0161] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides an optical module whose optical interface includes the fiber optic connection device described above. For example, the optical interface of the optical module is provided with a fiber optic connection device 00, which includes a lens beam expander assembly 1 and a fiber optic connector 2.

[0162] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the optical module further includes a fiber optic adapter 0, which is bonded to the optical module housing with adhesive. The fiber optic adapter 0 is used to connect the fiber optic connection device 00 inside the optical module (including the lens expander assembly 1 and fiber optic connector 2 inside the optical module on the right side of Figure 2) and the fiber optic connection device 00 outside the optical module (including the lens expander assembly 1 and fiber optic connector 2 inside the optical module on the left side of Figure 2).

[0163] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the optical module includes an optical signal transmitting unit (e.g., a transmit (TX) unit), an optical signal receiving unit (e.g., a receive (RX) unit), a signal processing unit (e.g., digital signal processing (DSP)), an optical interface, and an electrical interface. The optical interface includes the fiber optic connection device 00 described above. Optionally, the optical interface includes a fiber optic adapter 0. The optical signal transmitting unit is used to transmit optical signals to the optical fiber through the optical interface; the optical signal receiving unit is used to receive optical signals from the optical fiber through the optical interface; the signal processing unit is used to control the optical signal transmitting unit to generate optical signals, and / or to process the electrical signals corresponding to the optical signals received by the optical signal receiving unit. The electrical interface of the optical module is used to connect to the electrical interface of the single board to facilitate the exchange of electrical signals.

[0164] The technical solution provided in this embodiment can achieve highly stable connections and excellent dustproof performance of the fiber optic adapter, thereby improving the reliability and stability of connections between optical modules. For example, in scenarios requiring the connection of multiple optical modules, the optical component provided can effectively protect the optical modules from dust and other environmental factors, ensuring the stability and continuity of signal transmission. Compared with traditional technologies, the fiber optic connection device proposed in this embodiment achieves highly stable connections and excellent dustproof performance by using lens expander components and guide pins, and by ensuring close contact between the rear end faces of the two lens expander components to form a dustproof sealed cavity. Furthermore, the insertion limiting structure design inside the fiber optic adapter improves the stability and reliability of the optical module connection, giving it significant advantages in applications such as fiber optic distribution frames and fiber optic terminal boxes.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0166] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A lens beam expander assembly, characterized in that, include: A first end face and a second end face, wherein the first end face and the second end face are disposed opposite to each other; The first end face is provided with a first groove. The first groove has an opening on a first surface located between the first end face and the second end face. The first groove is used to accommodate the fiber end face of the optical fiber and a first adhesive. The first adhesive is used to fix the fiber end face to the first groove. The first side of the first groove is used to receive optical signals from the fiber end face. The first side is the side of the first groove opposite to the first end face. The second end face is provided with a lens array, and the lenses in the lens array are used to collimate the light signal received by the first side face.

2. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first surface is provided with a third groove, the opening of the first groove on the first surface is located at the bottom of the third groove, and the third groove is used to contain the first glue overflowing from the first groove.

3. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The included angle β between the first end face and the second end face is greater than or equal to 0 degrees or less than or equal to 10 degrees.

4. The lens beam expander assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first region of the first side corresponds to the lens array, and the first region of the first side is used to receive optical signals from the optical fiber end face.

5. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, From the outer edge of the first region of the first groove to the opening of the first groove on the first surface, the cross-sectional size of the first groove gradually increases.

6. The lens beam expander assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first end face and the second end face are also connected by a second surface, which is disposed opposite to the first surface, and the second surface is provided with a fourth groove.

7. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fourth groove is symmetrically arranged with respect to the third groove.

8. The lens beam expander assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second end face is provided with a second groove, and the lens array is disposed at the bottom of the second groove.

9. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lens beam expander assembly is provided with at least one first positioning hole, which penetrates the first end face and the second end face. The position of each first positioning hole is separated from the position of the first groove, and the position of each first positioning hole is separated from the position of the second groove.

10. The lens beam expander assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The depth d1 of the second groove is greater than 30 μm and less than 50 μm.

11. The lens beam expander assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The distance d2 between the position of the first side near the bottom of the first groove and the first end face is greater than 50um and less than 100um.

12. The lens beam expander assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The lens array surface is coated with an anti-reflective film.

13. An optical fiber connection device, characterized in that, include: Fiber optic connectors and lens beam expanders as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; The end face of the fiber optic connector contacts the first end face of the lens beam expander assembly, and the first groove of the lens beam expander assembly and the end face of the fiber optic connector form a receiving groove that opens toward the first surface. The receiving groove is used to receive the first adhesive. At least one optical fiber is fixed to the end face of the optical fiber connector. The end face of the optical fiber is connected to the first side of the first groove by the first adhesive, which is a light-transmitting adhesive.

14. The optical fiber connection device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The fiber end face extends beyond the end face of the fiber connector, and the fiber end face is located in the receiving groove.

15. The optical fiber connection device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The fiber end face is not in direct contact with the first side face of the lens beam expander assembly.

16. The optical fiber connection device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The refractive index of the first adhesive matches the refractive index of the lens beam expander assembly, and / or the refractive index of the first adhesive matches the refractive index of the optical fiber.

17. The optical fiber connection device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The angle θ between the optical axis of the optical fiber and the end face of the optical fiber connector is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

18. The optical fiber connection device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The angle θ between the optical axis of the optical fiber and the first region of the first side is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

19. The optical fiber connection device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The third groove of the lens beam expander assembly is also used to fill the second adhesive, and the fourth groove of the lens beam expander assembly is also used to fill the second adhesive, which is used to connect the lens beam expander assembly and the optical fiber connector.

20. The optical fiber connection device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector further includes at least one second positioning hole, which corresponds to at least one first positioning hole of the lens beam expander assembly.

21. The optical fiber connection device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fiber optic connection device further includes at least one guide pin, each of which is inserted into the first positioning hole of the lens beam expander assembly and the second positioning hole of the fiber optic connector.

22. The optical fiber connection device according to claim 21, characterized in that, One of the two guide pins passes through both the first and second end faces of the lens beam expander assembly, while the other guide pin passes only through the first end face and not through the second end face.

23. An optical component, characterized in that, include: Fiber optic adapter and two fiber optic connection devices as described in any one of claims 13 to 22; The fiber optic adapter is used to connect two fiber optic connection devices, wherein the two second end faces of the two lens beam expanders in the two fiber optic connection devices are in contact, and the two second grooves of the two second end faces form a dustproof and sealed cavity.

24. The optical component according to claim 23, characterized in that, The lenses in the two sets of lens arrays within the two second grooves correspond one-to-one, and one lens in the lens array corresponds to the end face of at least one optical fiber.

25. The optical component according to claim 24, characterized in that, The fiber end faces of at least two adjacent optical fibers in the optical fiber connector correspond to one of the lenses in the lens array.

26. The optical component according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The fiber optic adapter has a first limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of a fiber optic connector and two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

27. The optical component according to claim 26, characterized in that, The limiting distance L1 of the first limiting structure is greater than or equal to the first length, which is the length of an optical fiber connector and two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

28. The optical component according to claim 27, characterized in that, The limiting distance L1 is greater than 8mm and less than 15mm.

29. The optical component according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The fiber optic adapter has a second limiting structure inside, which is used to fix the relative positions of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

30. The optical component according to claim 29, characterized in that, The limiting distance L2 of the second limiting structure is greater than or equal to the second length, which is the length of the two lens beam expanders in the optical axis direction.

31. The optical component according to claim 30, characterized in that, The limiting distance L2 is greater than 1 mm and less than 10 mm.

32. An optical module, characterized in that, The optical module includes an optical fiber adapter and an optical fiber connection device as described in any one of claims 13 to 22.

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