Off-Center Light-Receiving Element for Compact Optical Power Monitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical power monitors face challenges in size reduction due to the size of the light-receiving portion, which includes electrical elements like photodiodes, limiting the miniaturization of optical communication devices in networks such as WDM systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical power detection device is designed with a light-receiving module positioned off-center relative to the stem axis, combined with an optical fiber pigtail and a lens, allowing for alignment on the same centerline and minimizing the diameter of the holding body, thereby achieving size reduction while maintaining detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light-receiving element is disposed at the center of the stem aligned with the axis of the stem, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be reduced in size
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving element is intentionally disposed off-center relative to the stem axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric arrangement allows the optical path to be optimized for compactness while maintaining detection functionality, directly enabling size reduction of the detection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the light-receiving element from the traditional axial position to an off-center position in the radial dimension. This dimensional change allows the optical components to be arranged more efficiently in three-dimensional space, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining optical performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the light-receiving element is positioned away from the axis of the stem, then the device size is reduced, but the alignment precision of optical components becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components (input fiber, lens, light-receiving element, output fiber) are pre-aligned and fixed in their off-center positions during the manufacturing process. The holding body is designed with predetermined positions that ensure correct alignment when components are assembled, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and maintaining precision despite the asymmetric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding body serves as an intermediary structure that pre-establishes the correct spatial relationships between the off-center positioned components. By incorporating positioning features and alignment references in the holding body, the patent simplifies the assembly process and ensures manufacturing precision without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If the light-receiving element is disposed centrally on the stem axis, then the structure is symmetrical and easy to assemble, but the returning light from the output fiber is received by the light-receiving element causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the light-receiving element off the stem axis creates spatial separation between the input optical path and the output optical path. This separation ensures that returning light from the output fiber does not enter the light-receiving element, eliminating detection interference and improving measurement reliability without requiring additional light-blocking 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
This configuration enables a smaller outer diameter of the detection device, facilitating size reduction without compromising detection precision, as the light-receiving element efficiently receives input light and reduces wasteful space, allowing for more compact optical communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The lens is configured to collimate the input light from one end of an input fiber, which is one of the two optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
The lens is configured to separate the input light into a transmitted light and a reflected light, guiding the transmitted light to the light-receiving element and guiding the reflected light to an output fiber
Implementation Method 3
the light-receiving element outputs an electrical signal according to a power of the input light received in this position
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device is provided with a holding body that holds a light-receiving module, an optical fiber pigtail, and a lens. The light-receiving module is provided with a light-receiving element and a stem that supports the light-receiving element. The lens collimates an input light from one end of an input fiber and guides a portion of the input light to the light-receiving element. The lens separates the input light into a transmitted light and a reflected light, guiding the transmitted light to the light-receiving element and guiding the reflected light to an output fiber. The light-receiving element has a center of a light-receiving surface thereof disposed in a position away from an axis of the stem.