Optical Assembly Alignment via Target Surface Aiming Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical assemblies face challenges in achieving precise alignment and efficient coupling between semiconductor optical devices and external optical fibers due to alignment tolerance limitations and lengthy setup processes, particularly in multi-mode fiber applications.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly incorporates a holder with a sleeve, skirt, and lens, featuring a target surface with aiming indices to indicate the lens axis, allowing for precise alignment of the semiconductor device by projecting and focusing the active area's image onto the target surface, facilitating easy and quick optical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the semiconductor device is positioned within about 10 μm of the focal point of the lens for multi-mode fiber coupling, then coupling efficiency is improved, but alignment tolerance is insufficient due to inherent installation tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferrule as an intermediary component between the semiconductor device and the lens. The ferrule provides a precise mechanical reference (its center axis) that mediates the alignment between the semiconductor device's active area and the lens's focal point, enabling sub-10 μm positioning accuracy that overcomes inherent installation tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical alignment methods with optical field-based alignment. By using the optical field pattern (symmetrical distribution) as the alignment reference instead of purely mechanical fixtures, the system achieves higher precision positioning of the semiconductor device relative to the lens focal point
2Manufacturing precision
If the semiconductor device is activated and light monitoring apparatus is prepared to align the holder with the optical device, then alignment accuracy is improved, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment actions during the mechanical assembly stage using the ferrule as a reference, rather than requiring post-assembly optical activation and monitoring. The ferrule's precise mechanical features enable alignment to be established before the semiconductor device is activated, saving time and simplifying the production process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the ferrule as a physical copy or surrogate reference for the optimal alignment position. The ferrule's center axis serves as a tangible replica of where the optical fiber will ultimately be positioned, allowing alignment to be achieved through mechanical reference rather than requiring actual optical fiber installation and light monitoring
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 solution enables precise and efficient optical alignment between the semiconductor device and external optical fiber, enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing setup time while improving alignment tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
the lens may generate a focused image of the active area on a virtual plane including the target surface for a wavelength of the light emitted from the semiconductor optical device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly is disclosed where the optical assembly provides an optical device and a holder including a sleeve, a skirt, and a lens. The sleeve has a bore, into which an external optical fiber is set to couple with the optical device, providing a target surface in an end thereof. The target surface includes an aiming index to indicate the axis of the lens.