Multi-laser TOSA with Active Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
As data rates increase in optoelectronic modules, multi-laser transmitter optical subassemblies (TOSAs) face challenges with limited space in smaller module housings and high optical loss, while being expensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-laser TOSA design with individually aligned collimating lenses and filters that combine optical signals with low optical loss, allowing for efficient signal transmission in a compact and cost-effective manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple lasers are included in a single TOSA to increase data rates, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the size of the TOSA increases and available space in smaller module housings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources and their associated optical components into a single integrated TOSA unit. Multiple lasers operating at different wavelengths are merged with shared optical path elements (collimating lenses, filters, combining optics) to achieve high data rate transmission while maintaining a compact form factor that fits within smaller module housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The TOSA design employs universal optical components that serve multiple functions. For example, a single combining optics system handles multiple wavelength channels, and filters serve both wavelength selection and signal combining functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and TOSA volume while maintaining high data transmission capacity.
2Productivity
If multiple lasers are included in a single TOSA to increase data rates, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the cost of the TOSA increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single TOSA package with shared optical path components. By combining multiple lasers and their associated optics into one integrated unit rather than separate assemblies, the patent achieves economies of scale in manufacturing and reduces overall system cost while maintaining high data transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses universal optical components that perform multiple functions across different wavelength channels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers overall TOSA cost while enabling high data rate transmission through multiple lasers.
3Productivity
If multiple lasers are included in a single TOSA to increase data rates, then data transmission capacity is improved, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optimized combining optics that efficiently merge multiple optical signals from different lasers into a single output path. This merging process is designed to minimize insertion loss and maintain high optical power efficiency, allowing multiple lasers to contribute to increased data capacity without proportionally increasing optical loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes optical parameters such as wavelength selection, beam alignment, and optical component coatings to minimize loss at each interface. By carefully selecting laser wavelengths and optimizing the optical path parameters, the system achieves low optical loss despite incorporating multiple lasers, thereby maintaining high data transmission efficiency.
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 design achieves improved overall performance of optoelectronic modules by reducing size, cost, and optical loss, enabling efficient data transmission at higher rates.
Implementation Method 1
first, second, third, and fourth collimating lenses defining first, second, third, and fourth axes, respectively... Each of the first, second, third, and fourth collimating lenses is individually aligned to collimate and transmit the first, second, third, and fourth optical signals, respectively
Implementation Method 2
first, second, third, and fourth filters having first, second, and third filter surfaces facing the mirror... The first filter is configured to combine the first and second optical signals. The second filter is configured to combine the first, second, and third optical signals
Implementation Method 3
a mirror... first, second, third, and fourth filters having first, second, and third filter surfaces facing the mirror
Implementation Method 4
a focusing lens... The third filter is configured to both combine the first, second, third, and fourth optical signals and transmit the combined first, second, third, and fourth optical signals toward the focusing lens
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-laser transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA). In one example embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-laser TOSA includes various acts. First, first and second optical signals are transmitted from first and second lasers, respectively. Next, the angle of a first collimating lens is actively adjusted to cause the second optical signal to be aligned with the first optical signal as the first optical signal passes through a first filter and as the second optical signal is reflected by the first filter such that the first and second optical signals are aligned and combined.