Optical Isolator Polarizer Alignment Using Magnetic Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of polarizers in optical isolators is prone to misalignment during the bonding process, leading to misalignment of the light transmission axes.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving magnetic holders and magnets to align and fix polarizers, using magnetic forces to adjust and secure the polarizers' positions, reducing misalignment by employing threaded holes and magnetic bodies for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polarizers are disposed at the end surface of the Faraday rotator and bonded by adhesion, then the optical isolator can be assembled, but misalignment of the light transmission axis occurs during the bonding process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the polarizer with the polarizer holder before bonding to the Faraday rotator. This allows the light transmission axis to be aligned and adjusted in advance while the components are still separable, preventing misalignment during the final bonding process. The polarizer holder serves as a temporary mounting structure that enables precise alignment before permanent attachment.
2Device complexity
If the polarizer is directly bonded to the Faraday rotator, then the assembly is simplified, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates due to movement during bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component called the polarizer holder between the polarizer and the Faraday rotator. This holder acts as a mediator that temporarily supports the polarizer during alignment and adjustment, allowing precise positioning without direct bonding. The holder enables the alignment process to be completed before the final bonding step, maintaining both simplicity and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the light transmission axis direction is adjusted after bonding, then the alignment can be corrected, but the adjustment range and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the alignment and adjustment of the light transmission axis while the polarizer is still mounted on the polarizer holder and before bonding to the Faraday rotator. This preliminary adjustment phase provides a wide adjustment range and high precision, as the components can be freely positioned and aligned without the constraints of permanent bonding. After bonding, the alignment is fixed and cannot be adjusted.
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 method effectively reduces misalignment of the polarizers' light transmission axes, ensuring accurate alignment and functionality of optical isolators.
Implementation Method 1
attracting the first polarizer holder and the magnet by a magnetic force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
The present invention has an object of providing a method for manufacturing an optical isolator that can reduce misalignment of the direction of the light transmission axis of a polarizer. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical isolator including a Faraday element (2), a magnet (7) in which the Faraday element (2) is internally provided, a first polarizer (3) disposed on a light incidence side of the Faraday element (2), a second polarizer (4) disposed on a light exit side of the Faraday element (2), a first polarizer holder (5) housing the first polarizer (3), and a second polarizer holder (6) housing the second polarizer (4) and is characterized by including the steps of: placing a magnetic body (9) into the first polarizer holder (5) and attracting the first polarizer holder (5) and the magnet (7) by a magnetic force; and adjusting a direction of a light transmission axis of the first polarizer (3) by rotating the first polarizer holder (5) after the step of attracting the first polarizer holder (5) and the magnet (7) by the magnetic force.