Optical Module Reducing Optical Axis Length via Integrated Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules face challenges in reducing size while minimizing tracking errors, as additional components like lenses or transmissive members increase the optical axis length, hindering size reduction and introducing tracking errors due to thermal expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring a stem with a temperature control module, a carrier with a reflecting surface, and a lens cap that positions the light receiving element's center between the light emitting element's front and rear surfaces, reducing the optical axis length and minimizing tracking errors by controlling temperature and light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components such as lenses or transmissive members are added to control tracking error, then tracking error is suppressed, but the length in the optical axis direction is increased and the size of the optical module is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens function directly into the light emitting element structure. The light emitting element is designed with a lens integrated at its tip, eliminating the need for separate lens components. This integration allows the optical module to achieve proper light coupling and tracking error suppression without adding the length that would result from separate lens components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element serves multiple functions: it emits signal light, acts as a light guide, and incorporates a lens for light coupling. By making the light emitting element multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing the overall optical axis length while maintaining tracking error suppression.
2Length of moving object
If the optical axis length is reduced to minimize tracking error, then size is reduced, but the ability to control temperature and maintain optical alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the light emitting element is positioned within a carrier, which is in turn positioned within a temperature control module. The lens is integrated at the tip of the light emitting element. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging that reduces optical axis length while maintaining effective temperature control and alignment through the hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a lens with specific refractive index and curvature parameters to optimize light coupling within the reduced optical axis length. By carefully selecting and adjusting these optical parameters, the system achieves proper light guidance and tracking error suppression without requiring increased physical length, thereby maintaining temperature control and alignment stability.
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 effectively reduces the size of the optical module and suppresses tracking errors by minimizing the optical axis length and controlling temperature variations, resulting in improved signal light coupling efficiency and reduced error magnitude.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module using a temperature control module for controlling the temperature of a light emitting element
Implementation Method 2
a lens fixed in the lens cap and receiving the signal light
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting surface is provided on the carrier, the light receiving element receives the back light reflected by the reflecting surface
Implementation Method 4
a light receiving element fixed on the carrier by a light receiving element fixing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: a stem; a temperature control module; a carrier; a light emitting element fixed on a light emitting element fixing surface of the carrier, having a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other, emitting signal light from a first emission point in the front surface, and emitting back light from a second emission point in the rear surface; a light receiving element fixed on the carrier by a light receiving element fixing surface; a lens cap; and a lens, wherein a reflecting surface is provided on the carrier, the light receiving element receives the back light reflected by the reflecting surface, and a center of a light receiving surface of the light receiving element is positioned between the front surface and the rear surface in an optical axis direction of the signal light.