Optical Module Filter Layout for Miniaturized Wavelength Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges in miniaturization due to difficulties in accurately disposing and mounting miniaturized components, leading to potential interference and damage during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design features semiconductor light-emitting elements and filters with varying lengths, allowing for precise adjustment and mounting to reduce interference and labor, with filters positioned to minimize stray light and facilitate miniaturization by using a jig to handle filters of different lengths to avoid contact and shifting during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If filters of the same length are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but interference and damage occur during mounting of miniaturized components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the filters have different lengths in the optical path direction. Specifically, the first filter has a longer optical path length than the second filter, creating an asymmetric structure that allows the optical paths of different wavelengths to be separated in the vertical direction, thereby preventing interference during mounting while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the mounting interference problem by utilizing the vertical dimension (optical path direction) to separate the optical paths of different wavelengths. By extending the optical path length of the first filter relative to the second filter, the solution transforms a two-dimensional planar arrangement into a three-dimensional stacked configuration, eliminating interference without increasing planar footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If filters are positioned close together for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but stray light increases and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric filter lengths create a vertical separation between the optical paths of different wavelengths. The first filter's longer optical path allows its reflected light to exit at a different vertical position than the second filter's reflected light, preventing stray light interference while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions for miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the optical paths to naturally separate before the light exits the filter assembly. The asymmetric lengths ensure that stray light from one filter does not reach the optical path of another filter, preemptively preventing interference rather than addressing it after the fact.
3Ease of manufacture
If all filters have the same optical path length, then the structure is symmetric and easy to manufacture, but the optical paths interfere with each other during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in filter optical path lengths to prevent optical path interference during assembly. The first filter has a longer optical path than the second filter, which creates vertical separation between reflected beams, eliminating the risk of one filter damaging another during mounting while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric optical path length acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for compact size and the need to prevent interference. By controlling the relative lengths, the design ensures that optical paths pass through the filter assembly without intersecting, preventing damage while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 design enables easy miniaturization of optical modules by reducing the likelihood of filter interference and damage, minimizing stray light, and simplifying the manufacturing process through precise positioning and alignment of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter mounted on the first surface and including a first reflection surface configured to reflect the first light
Implementation Method 2
a second filter mounted on the first surface and including a second reflection surface configured to reflect the second light
Implementation Method 3
a third reflection surface configured to reflect the third light
Implementation Method 4
The first light, the second light, and the third light are multiplexed when the first light reflected by the first reflection surface passes through the second filter, the second reflection surface reflects the second light, and the third light reflected by the third reflection surface passes through the first filter and the second filter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a base member including a first surface, a first semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the first surface and configured to emit first light having a first wavelength, a first filter mounted on the first surface and including a first reflection surface configured to reflect the first light, a second semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the first surface and configured to emit second light having a second wavelength differing from the first wavelength, and a second filter mounted on the first surface and including a second reflection surface configured to reflect the second light.