Edge Incident Light Receiving Element Unit for Compact Multi-Wavelength Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light receiving element units require vertical orientation to receive optical signals from optical fiber cables, making it difficult to connect wiring and increasing the unit's size due to the need for a spectroscopic mechanism to handle different wavelength ranges.
Innovation Solution
A light receiving element unit with a first light receiving element having a wall portion and a second edge incident type light receiving element, where optical signals are reflected from the edge surface of the second light receiving element onto its receiving portion, allowing for parallel signal reception without vertical orientation and simplifying wiring connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged side by side to receive optical signals in different wavelength ranges, then the reception capability for multiple wavelengths is improved, but the area increases and a spectroscopic mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second light receiving element is positioned underneath the first light receiving element. The first light receiving element receives optical signals in a first wavelength range, while the second light receiving element receives optical signals in a second wavelength range. This nested arrangement allows both elements to share the same footprint area, eliminating the need for lateral arrangement and reducing the overall unit area while maintaining multi-wavelength reception capability.
2Area of stationary object
If optical signals are incident from the edge side of the light receiving element, then the area is reduced and spectroscopic mechanism is eliminated, but the light receiving element must be fixed in vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical signal incident direction to horizontal signal incident direction by using edge incident type light receiving elements. The optical signals are incident from the edge surface of the semiconductor substrate in the horizontal direction, allowing the light receiving element unit to be fixed horizontally on the mounting board. This dimensional change enables wiring connections to be made from the side of the mounting board rather than from above, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the light receiving element unit is fixed in vertical position to receive optical signals, then the optical signal reception is enabled, but the wiring connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the light receiving element unit from vertical to horizontal by using edge incident type elements. The optical signals are incident horizontally from the edge surface, allowing the unit to be fixed horizontally on the mounting board. This enables wiring connections to be accessed from the side of the mounting board, making the connection process much easier while maintaining reliable optical signal reception through the edge incident structure.
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
Enables efficient reception of optical signals in different wavelength ranges from the edge side, reducing the need for vertical orientation and simplifying wiring connections, thus facilitating a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting portion that reflects optical signals incident from an edge surface of the second semiconductor substrate toward the second light receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
An edge incident type light receiving element unit capable of receiving optical signals in different wavelength ranges incident from the edge side comprises a first light receiving element for receiving optical signals in a first wavelength range and a second light receiving element for receiving optical signals in a second wavelength range, and configured so that optical signals transmitted through a first light receiving portion formed vertically on a wall portion of a first semiconductor substrate incident via a reflecting portion on a second light receiving portion formed on a second semiconductor substrate fitted on the first semiconductor substrate.