Optical Module Lens-Fiber Layout for Higher Channel Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in channels in optical modules leads to increased size, costs, and power consumption, making it difficult to miniaturize and reduce costs effectively.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a laser with dual light outlets and a single lens to converge multiple light beams, reducing the number of lasers and lenses required, and use an optical fiber array with specific spacing and orientation to separate and transmit the converged beams efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the quantity of channels is increased to increase the rate of the optical module, then the transmission rate is improved, but the size, costs, and power consumption of the optical module are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light outlets into a single laser device, allowing one laser to provide multiple light beams through multiple light outlets. This reduces the total number of laser devices needed while maintaining multi-channel transmission capability, thereby increasing transmission rate without proportionally increasing module size
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives light beams from multiple different light outlets and directs them to multiple different optical fibers simultaneously. This multi-functional lens replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated lens-fiber pairs, reducing overall component count and module size
2Productivity
If the quantity of channels is increased to increase the rate of the optical module, then the transmission rate is improved, but the costs of the optical module are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources into a single laser device with multiple light outlets, reducing the quantity of expensive laser devices required. This merging approach directly reduces component costs while maintaining the ability to support multiple transmission channels
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens serves multiple channels simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated lenses. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while supporting high-rate multi-channel transmission
3Productivity
If the quantity of channels is increased to increase the rate of the optical module, then the transmission rate is improved, but the power consumption of the optical module is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single laser device, reducing the total power consumption associated with driving multiple separate laser devices. The single laser device consumes less power overall while providing the same or greater total optical output through its multiple light outlets
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 approach reduces the number of optical elements, minimizing the size and costs of the optical component while maintaining effective optical transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens is configured to: transmit the first light beam and emit a first converged light beam
Implementation Method 2
The first lens is configured to: transmit the second light beam and emit a second converged light beam
Implementation Method 3
A first optical fiber of the optical fiber array is configured to receive the first converged light beam, and a second optical fiber of the optical fiber array is configured to receive the second converged light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical component includes at least one optical sub-assembly, including a laser, a first lens located on a light emergence side of the laser, and an optical fiber array located on a light emergence side of the first lens. The laser has a first light outlet configured to emit a first light beam and a second light outlet configured to emit a second light beam. The first lens is configured to: transmit the first light beam and emit a first converged light beam, ransmit the second light beam and emit a second converged light beam, and transmit the first converged light beam and the second converged light beam to the optical fiber array. A first optical fiber of the optical fiber array is configured to receive the first converged light beam, and a second optical fiber of the optical fiber array is configured to receive the second converged light beam.