Optical Module Collimating Lens for Beam Directionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modulators using semiconductor materials face challenges in miniaturization due to the large angle of divergence of modulated light, which causes interference between signal and monitoring beams, and the need for multiple collimating lenses limits compact design.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a substrate with pairs of optical waveguides and a single collimating lens for each pair, where the signal and monitoring beams are collimated and directed in different directions based on varying incident positions and directions, reducing the number of lenses required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If collimating lenses are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with optical waveguides to reduce the angle of divergence, then the angle of divergence is reduced and beam interference is prevented, but the number of lenses increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple collimating lenses into a single lens by arranging multiple optical waveguides in an array and using one collimating lens to collimate light from all waveguides simultaneously. This reduces the number of lenses from multiple (one per waveguide) to just one, enabling miniaturization while still preventing beam interference through the specific array arrangement of waveguides
2Ease of operation
If the optical axis of each collimating lens is displaced from the optical axis of the corresponding optical waveguide to direct beams in different directions, then beam directionality is improved and interference is reduced, but the layout of downstream optical components is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple optical waveguides in a spatial array pattern (e.g., triangular or rectangular lattice) in the transverse plane, and positions a single collimating lens to receive light from all waveguides. The specific geometric arrangement of waveguides in multiple dimensions allows collimated beams to emerge in different directions without requiring lens axis displacement, thus maintaining layout flexibility for downstream components while achieving beam directionality
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 configuration allows for miniaturization of optical modulators by reducing the number of collimating lenses, enabling more flexible layout and efficient beam directionality without increasing interference, thus facilitating compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lens, each lens having an incident surface facing at least one pair of the plurality of pairs of optical waveguides, collimating, for each of the at least one pair, the first beam emerging from the pair and incident on the incident surface from an incident direction at an incident position and the second beam emerging from the pair and incident on the incident surface from an incident direction at an incident position
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a substrate with a plurality of pairs, which are parallel to each other, spaced in a width direction of the substrate, of optical waveguides formed thereon, each pair being made up of a first optical waveguide that guides a first beam and a second optical waveguide that guides a second beam that monitors the first beam, and a lens that has an incident surface facing at least one pair of the plurality of pairs, collimates, for each of the at least one pair, the first and second beams that emerge from the pair and that differ from each other in at least any one of their incident positions and incident directions on the incident surface, and directs the first and second beams having been collimated and leaving the lens in different directions that depend on the incident positions or the incident directions.