Optical Demultiplexer Alignment Using Wavelength Deviation Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated optical modules, the optical axis adjustment process is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for repeated adjustments of multiple light receiving elements, which increases assembly time and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical axis adjustment method and device that uses a package with multiple light receiving elements and filters, where the position of the optical demultiplexer is adjusted by measuring output currents and center wavelengths of demultiplexed light beams, minimizing wavelength deviations to optimize the optical axis alignment, regardless of the number of light receiving elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical axis adjustment is performed by the number of light receiving elements mounted in the integrated optical module, then each light receiving element can receive its corresponding light beam, but the number of adjustment times increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference light beam as an intermediary to perform optical axis adjustment. Instead of adjusting each light receiving element separately, a reference light beam is used to determine the optical axis position of the optical demultiplexer once, and this position is then used for all light receiving elements. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling single-point adjustment that benefits all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical demultiplexer position the universal reference for all light receiving elements. By determining the optical axis position of the optical demultiplexer once using a reference light beam, this position serves as the adjustment basis for all light receiving elements simultaneously, rather than requiring separate adjustments for each element.
2Measurement precision
If optical axis adjustment is repeated by the number of light receiving elements, then optimal position can be achieved, but the number of adjustment times increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by determining the optical axis position of the optical demultiplexer first using a reference light beam before mounting the light receiving elements. This preliminary determination of the optical axis position eliminates the need for repeated adjustments afterward, as all subsequent elements can be positioned relative to this pre-established reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference light beam serves as a mediator to establish the optical axis position once, which then serves as the reference for all light receiving elements. This intermediary approach allows high precision to be achieved without repeated adjustments, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If wavelength filters are mounted with high accuracy, then optical axis deviation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference light beam as an intermediary to establish the optical axis position, which then serves as the basis for mounting the wavelength filters. This approach allows filters to be mounted with reference to the established optical axis rather than requiring complex inter-filter alignment procedures, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision while reducing assembly process complexity.
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 method reduces the number of optical axis adjustments required and achieves high-accuracy alignment, optimizing output current values and shortening the assembly time for integrated optical modules.
Implementation Method 1
an optical demultiplexer that demultiplexes an incident light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam... including a first filter and a second filter
Implementation Method 2
an optical signal is converted into an electric signal by each of the light receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
An optical axis adjustment method for an integrated optical module includes: measuring output currents by changing a wavelength of a light beam incident on a package; detecting, with first and second light receiving elements, light beams resulted from demultiplexing the incident light beam with first and second filters; detecting center wavelengths of a first light beam and a second light beam based on a change in the output currents in response to a change in the wavelength of the incident light beam; comparing the center wavelengths of the first light beam and the second light beam with design transmission wavelengths of the first filter and the second filter, and defining respective differences as a first wavelength deviation and a second wavelength deviation; and adjusting a position of the optical demultiplexer to make a total sum of the first wavelength deviation and the second wavelength deviation small.