Angled Optical Subassembly Lens Reduces Signal Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical receivers experience signal interference and data loss due to reflected light from lens and other components, which can damage components and cause errors in signal processing.

Innovation Solution

An optical subassembly with a mirror configured to reflect incoming optical signals at a specific angle and a lens positioned to focus the signal onto a target, supported by an optical mount with surfaces angled to minimize reflectance, reducing interference from reflected light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a lens is placed at a 90° angle relative to the incoming optical signal to focus the signal, then the optical signal can be focused onto the photodetector, but reflected light from the lens interferes with the incoming signal and may damage components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal focusing precisionVSAvoidreflected light interference and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful reflected light from the optical path by positioning the lens at an angled orientation (5° to 30° from orthogonal) relative to the incoming optical signal. This separates the useful focused light from the harmful reflections, directing the reflected light away from the photodetector and other sensitive components while maintaining effective signal focusing through precise angular positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies asymmetry by deviating from the conventional symmetric 90° lens positioning. The lens is intentionally positioned at an asymmetric angle (5° to 30° from the orthogonal position) to create an unequal optical path for reflected light versus focused light, thereby directing reflections away from sensitive components while maintaining focusing capability on the photodetector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If conventional optical components are used in the optical path, then the optical signal can be transmitted, but reflected light causes errors in signal processing and data loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal transmissionVSAvoiddata loss from reflected light interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of reflected light into a beneficial outcome by strategically positioning the lens at an angled orientation. The reflected light, which would normally cause interference and data loss, is redirected away from the photodetector and optical path. This transforms the potential harm into a benefit by improving signal integrity and reducing errors while maintaining transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If the lens is positioned at a 90° angle to focus the optical signal, then focusing efficiency is improved, but reflected light from the lens and other components increases interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal focusing efficiencyVSAvoidreflected light from optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by optimizing the lens positioning angle within a specific range (5° to 30° from orthogonal) rather than using a fixed 90° position. This dynamic angular positioning allows the system to balance focusing efficiency with reflection minimization, achieving optimal performance by adjusting the angle to redirect reflected light away from sensitive components while maintaining effective signal focus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces reflectance of incoming optical signals within the optical cavity, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of signal processing in optical receivers by minimizing interference from reflected light, particularly beneficial for receivers with small photodetectors.

Implementation Method 1

a mirror configured to reflect an incoming optical signal at a first predetermined angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a lens configured to receive the incoming optical signal from the mirror and focus the incoming optical signal onto a target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10168500B2Optical subassembly for an optical receiver, optical receiver and transceiver comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SOURCE PHOTONICS CHENGDU

AI summary

An optical subassembly, optical or optoelectronic receivers and transceivers including the same, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The optical subassembly includes a mirror configured to reflect an incoming optical signal at a first predetermined angle, a lens configured to receive the incoming optical signal from the mirror and focus the incoming optical signal onto a target, and an optical mount comprising at least one first surface configured to support the mirror, at least one second surface configured to support and/or secure the lens at a second predetermined angle, and a structural block configured to position and/or arrange (i) the at least one first surface at a third predetermined angle related to the first predetermined angle and (ii) the at least one second surface at the first and/or second predetermined angle. The first and/or second predetermined angle(s) are adapted to reduce a reflectance of the incoming optical signal.