Lens Array With Reflection Surfaces For Non-Intersecting Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing optical interconnection systems, the optical paths from the first lens to the second lens and from the third lens to the fourth lens intersect within the lens array, causing interference and stray lights, which hampers multi-channel optical communication with a connector having a compact configuration.
Innovation Solution
A lens array design with specific reflection surfaces that change the traveling direction of light emitted from photoelectric conversion elements and optical fibers, ensuring that the optical paths do not intersect, allowing for compact multi-channel optical communication without interference or stray lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact lens array configuration with intersecting optical paths is used, then the device size is reduced, but interference and stray lights occur between optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is segmented into four distinct lens groups (first, second, third, and fourth lenses) that are spatially separated and arranged in a non-intersecting configuration. Each lens group handles specific optical paths independently, preventing interference between channels while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions and planes within the lens array. By utilizing multi-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than planar intersection, the patent achieves compact size while eliminating optical path interference through three-dimensional positioning of the lens groups.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical paths are arranged to not intersect, then interference and stray lights are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lens groups are merged into a single integrated lens array structure that optically couples photoelectric conversion elements and optical fibers. This unified structure achieves non-intersecting optical paths without requiring separate independent components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while eliminating interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it optically couples multiple photoelectric conversion elements and optical fibers, guides light through non-intersecting paths, and prevents interference and stray lights all within a single compact configuration, reducing the need for additional separate components.
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 lens array effectively optically couples 2×n photoelectric conversion elements and optical fibers in a compact configuration, enabling multi-channel optical communication without interference or stray lights, thus enhancing signal transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from each light-emitting element (VCSEL 30) enters from a first lens (collimate lens 70), and light is emitted from a second lens (condensing lens 75) towards an end surface of each optical fiber (10)
Implementation Method 2
light emitted from each optical fiber (10) enters from a third lens (collimate lens 76) and light from a fourth lens (condensing lens 77) is emitted towards each light-receiving element (PD 32)
Implementation Method 3
a first reflection surface that changes a traveling direction of light emitted from the photoelectric conversion elements in the first row or the end surfaces of the optical fibers in the first row and passing through a first optical path between the first lens and the second lens
Implementation Method 4
a second reflection surface that changes a traveling direction of light emitted from the photoelectric conversion elements in the second row or the end surfaces of the optical fibers in the second row and passing through a second optical path between the third lens and the fourth lens
Data Source
AI summary
A complete reflection surface is formed in a notched section. A transmittance surface, a transmittance surface, and a complete reflection surface are formed in a recess section. The complete reflection surface completely reflects each laser beam emitted from first lenses. The transmittance surface and the transmittance surface transmit the incident laser beam. The complete reflection surface completely reflects each laser beam emitted from third lenses. A main body of a lens array optically couples optical fibers and photoelectric conversion elements (light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements) without an optical path of the laser light and an optical path of the laser light intersecting.