Double Mirror Light Guiding Device for LD Module Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-optical devices face challenges in adjusting the propagation directions of laser beams in output beam bundles due to uneven inclinations, leading to difficulties in converging the beams onto an optical fiber, particularly in multi-chip LD modules, where non-uniform adhesive layers and thermal changes affect the mirror row inclinations.
Innovation Solution
A light-guiding device with double mirrors, where each mirror set consists of a first mirror mounted on a flat surface and a second mirror mounted on the first, allowing independent adjustment of propagation directions and optical axis positions of output beams using rotation and sliding mechanisms, with the second mirror being a prism for total internal reflection, enabling precise alignment and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single mirror row is used to reflect laser beams from multiple LD elements, then the device structure is simplified, but the propagation directions of output beams cannot be individually adjusted when input beam inclinations vary
Solution Approach 1:
The single mirror row is divided into multiple independent mirror units, each corresponding to one LD element. Each mirror unit can be independently adjusted to correct the propagation direction of its associated beam, while maintaining an overall simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror units are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic correction of beam propagation directions. This enables the system to adapt to variations in input beam inclinations while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mirror rows are fixed in position, then the device structure is stable and simple, but propagation directions of output beams vary when adhesive layers undergo thermal expansion or curing shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror units are designed with adjustment mechanisms that allow post-assembly calibration. This enables compensation for positional shifts caused by thermal expansion or adhesive shrinkage, maintaining beam propagation precision despite structural stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of mirror unit parameters (position, angle) after assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and environmental changes. This ensures precise beam propagation directions even when the overall structure experiences thermal or mechanical variations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple independent mirror units are provided for each LD element, then propagation directions of output beams can be individually adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular mirror units, each handling one LD element. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of each beam's propagation direction while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mirror unit provides adjustment capability that may be more than minimally required for a single beam, but this excess capability allows for compensation of alignment errors and simplifies the overall alignment process, reducing total system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If non-uniform adhesive layers are used to accommodate mirror row inclinations, then the mirror rows can be positioned at required angles, but curing shrinkage causes non-uniform changes in inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bonding is segmented into multiple independent joints, each connecting one mirror unit to the base. This allows each joint to be optimized independently for its specific positioning requirements, while the overall structure remains stable because each segment can be precisely controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed mirror row inclinations determined by adhesive thickness to dynamically adjustable mirror units. This allows precise positioning without relying on non-uniform adhesive layers, eliminating the instability caused by curing shrinkage.
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 allows for precise adjustment of output beam directions and alignment, enhancing the convergence efficiency and output quality of the beam bundle onto an optical fiber, achieving higher output and efficiency in LD modules while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the first mirror having a first reflective surface reflecting a corresponding one of the input beams
Implementation Method 2
the second mirror having a second reflective surface reflecting the corresponding one of the input beams that has been reflected by the first reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
the corresponding one of the input beams reflected by the second reflective surface being totally reflected inside the prism
Data Source
AI summary
A double mirror (Mi) of a light-guiding device of the present invention is made of (i) a first mirror (Mi1) that is mounted on a top surface of a base plate (B) and has a reflective surface (S1) entering an input beam reflected by the reflective surface (S1) and (ii) a second mirror (Mi2) that is mounted on a top surface of the first mirror (Mi1) and is a prism having a reflective surface (S2) reflecting the input beam that has been reflected by the reflective surface (S1), the input beam reflected by the reflective surface (S2) being totally reflected inside the prism.