Optical Assembly Field Lens Alignment Error Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modules with free-space optical paths require precise alignment of optical components, leading to high coupling efficiency demands and sensitivity to alignment errors, which can result in significant deviations and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a field lens between the collimating and focusing units to absorb alignment errors, allowing optical signals to be redirected back into the optical path, thereby increasing tolerance and coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment of optical components is implemented, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A field lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the collimating lens and the optical component. This field lens acts as a mediator that captures and redirects strayed optical signals back into the optical path, thereby reducing the impact of alignment errors without requiring higher precision in the alignment of other components.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment error tolerance is increased, then assembly precision requirements are reduced, but optical signal transmission accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of alignment errors into a beneficial outcome. By positioning the field lens at a specific location where strayed optical signals pass through, it captures these previously lost signals and redirects them back into the optical path, thereby turning the harm of alignment errors into an opportunity to improve tolerance without sacrificing signal accuracy.
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 addition of a field lens enhances the optical assembly's tolerance to alignment errors, reduces assembly precision requirements, and improves overall coupling efficiency by ensuring optical signals are properly focused and transmitted.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating unit located between the optical component and the light transmitting terminal... The collimating unit includes a first lens located between the optical component and the light transmitting terminal
Implementation Method 2
a field lens located between the first lens and the optical component and configured to absorb an alignment error between the light transmitting terminal and the first lens
Implementation Method 3
a focusing unit located between the optical component and the light receiving terminal... The focusing unit includes a second lens located between the optical component and the light receiving terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly is provided. The optical assembly includes a light transmitting terminal, a light receiving terminal, an optical component located between the light transmitting terminal and the light receiving terminal, a collimating unit located between the optical component and the light transmitting terminal, and a focusing unit located between the optical component and the light receiving terminal. The collimating unit includes a first lens located between the optical component and the light transmitting terminal, and a field lens located between the first lens and the optical component and configured to absorb an alignment error between the light transmitting terminal and the first lens. The focusing unit includes a second lens located between the optical component and the light receiving terminal.