Optical Module with Monolithic Modulator for Compact DP-QPSK Packaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modules with dual polarization quadrature phase-shift keying (DP-QPSK) functionality face challenges in compact packaging due to the wide area requirements and complex optical alignment of the optical coupling systems, making it difficult to form a compact optical module with intricate functions.

Innovation Solution

The optical module incorporates a semiconductor modulator with symmetrically disposed output ports and monitor ports, along with input and output lens systems, and monitor photodiodes, which allows for a compact design and simplified alignment by using a housing with specific optical and electrical components, including a thermo-electric cooler, polarizer, and driver, to manage the optical beams effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical coupling systems are arranged in respective sides of the modulator element, then optical functionality is achieved, but the area required increases and packaging becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling functionalityVSAvoidpackage area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical coupling systems by arranging both first and second optical coupling systems in the same side of the modulator element rather than distributing them to opposite sides. This consolidation reduces the total area required for optical components and simplifies the packaging structure while maintaining the necessary optical coupling functionality for DP-QPSK operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If optical coupling systems are arranged in respective sides of the modulator element, then optical functionality is achieved, but optical alignment becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling functionalityVSAvoidoptical alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical coupling systems by arranging both first and second optical coupling systems in the same side of the modulator element rather than distributing them to opposite sides. This consolidation reduces the total area required for optical components and simplifies the packaging structure while maintaining the necessary optical coupling functionality for DP-QPSK operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If DP-QPSK function is implemented, then information transmission capacity increases, but package compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transmission capacityVSAvoidpackage area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical coupling systems by arranging both first and second optical coupling systems in the same side of the modulator element rather than distributing them to opposite sides. This consolidation reduces the total area required for optical components and simplifies the packaging structure while maintaining the necessary optical coupling functionality for DP-QPSK operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables the optical module to transmit four bits of information concurrently while maintaining a compact form factor and simplifying the optical alignment process, enhancing design flexibility and production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the semiconductor modulator receives a continuous beam in the input port, split the continuous beam into split beams, modulates the split beams in phases thereof to generate beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting and phase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

The input lens system and the first and second output lens systems each include a rear lens disposed closer the semiconductor modulator and a front lens disposed relatively apart from the semiconductor modulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The two monitor PDs face the monitor ports of the semiconductor modulator, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

including a thermo-electric cooler, polarizer, and driver, to manage the optical beams effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11347126B2Optical module and process of assembling the same

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical module that provides a semiconductor modulator, an input lens system and first and second output lens systems, and two monitor photodiodes is disclosed. The semiconductor modulator provides an input port, first and second output ports, and two monitor ports in one side thereof. The input port and the first and second output ports face the input lens system and the first and second lens systems, respectively. The two monitor ports face the two monitor photodiodes, respectively. The first and second output ports are symmetrically disposed with respect to the input port in the one side. The two monitor ports are disposed in respective outer sides of the first and second output ports and symmetrically with respect to the input port.