Optical Module With Non-Parallel Dichroic Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength division multiplexers are complex and costly due to their numerous components, making them inefficient in terms of manufacturing yield and space usage, which hinders the widespread adoption of optical transceiver modules for high-bandwidth optical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a simple structure that combines two light beams of different wavelengths using a base, an optoelectronic element, and an optical dichroic element with a transparent element and non-parallel reflectors, allowing for efficient light integration and reduced space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer is used to combine multiple light beams, then signal transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflector functions into a single integrated optical dichroic element with non-parallel reflectors. This single element performs wavelength separation and beam direction control that traditionally required multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical dichroic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter, wavelength separator, and beam director. The non-parallel reflectors enable the element to handle multiple light beams with different wavelengths through a single component, providing multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer with numerous components is used, then wavelength separation is achieved, but manufacturing yield rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functional components into a single optical dichroic element, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and potential failure points in manufacturing. The integrated design with non-parallel reflectors maintains precise wavelength separation while simplifying the manufacturing process and improving yield rate
3Quantity of substance
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer is used, then light beam integration is achieved, but occupied space in device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-parallel reflectors in the optical dichroic element utilize angular/directional dimensions to separate and direct different wavelength beams. This angular separation approach within a compact structure achieves light beam integration capability while occupying less planar space compared to traditional linear arrangements of multiple components
4Ease of manufacture
If optical module with simple structure is designed, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but light beam combination efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves cost-effective simplicity by merging multiple functions into a single optical dichroic element, reducing component count and assembly complexity. The non-parallel reflector design maintains high light beam combination efficiency through optimized optical paths, demonstrating that simplicity and efficiency can coexist
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 optical module effectively combines and separates light beams with different wavelengths, reducing manufacturing costs and space requirements while enabling efficient signal transmission, thus addressing the limitations of existing multiplexers.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflector is adapted to reflect the first light beam to the second reflector
Implementation Method 2
The second reflector is adapted to reflect the first light beam and let the second light beam pass through
Implementation Method 3
The optical dichroic element includes a transparent element, a first reflector and a second reflector... wavelengths of the first light beam and the second light beam are all different from one another
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module adapted to combine a first and a second light beam into a mixed light beam is provided. The optical module includes a base, an optoelectronic element and an optical dichroic element. The base has an accommodating space. The optoelectronic element is adapted in the accommodating space. The optical dichroic element is adapted on the base. The optical dichroic element includes a transparent element, a first reflector and a second reflector. The transparent element is adapted to let the first light beam and the second light beam pass through. The first and second reflector are disposed on the transparent element. The first reflector is adapted to reflect the first light beam to the second reflector. The second reflector is adapted to reflect the first light beam and let the second light beam pass through. The first and the second reflector are opposite and not parallel to each other on the transparent element, and there is an angle between the first and the second reflector.