Optical Module Lens Assembly Step Structure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges in achieving precise optical coupling and efficient signal transmission due to differences in focal lengths and heights between emission and receiving lenses, leading to suboptimal coupling efficiency and increased manufacturing complexities.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a lens assembly with a step structure having two reflective surfaces and a light filter, where the emission lenses array and receiving lenses array are positioned at different heights, with a step surface configuration to compensate for focal length differences, ensuring accurate alignment of focal points on the optical emission and receiver chip arrays, and a light filter to manage light paths effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If emission lenses array and receiving lenses array are positioned at the same height, then the structure is simpler, but the focal points cannot be accurately aligned on the optical emission and receiver chip arrays due to different focal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension difference between the emission lenses array and receiving lenses array. By positioning them at different heights on the circuit board, the design compensates for the different focal lengths of the two lens arrays, enabling accurate focal point alignment on their respective chip arrays while maintaining a relatively simple planar structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the focal lengths of emission and receiving lenses are made equal, then the lens design is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different optical coupling requirements of emission and receiving paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different focal lengths to the emission lenses array and receiving lenses array according to their specific optical coupling requirements. The emission lenses array uses a focal length optimized for emitting optical signals to the optical fiber array, while the receiving lenses array uses a different focal length optimized for receiving signals from the optical fiber array, allowing each path to have locally optimized optical coupling.
3Reliability
If the optical module uses separate lens assemblies for emission and receiving, then the optical coupling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emission lenses array and receiving lenses array into a single integrated lens assembly structure on the circuit board. This unified design allows both emission and receiving optical paths to share the same mounting platform and alignment reference, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining separate optical coupling paths for each function.
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 enhances optical coupling efficiency, resolves mutual constraints between light spot diameters, and allows for ideal parameter specifications, improving the overall performance and manufacturing ease of the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
an emission lenses array, converting light emitted by the optical emission chip array into a collimated beam
Implementation Method 2
a first reflective surface is formed at a bottom portion of the first groove, and reflects light from the emission lenses array to the optical fiber lenses array
Implementation Method 3
the light filter refracts light from the first reflective surface towards the optical fiber lenses array
Implementation Method 4
an receiving lenses array, enabling a collimated beam from the optical fiber lenses array to be converged onto the optical receiver chip array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a circuit board, an optical emission chip array, an optical receiver chip array, an optical fiber array, and a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a body with a step provided at a bottom portion thereof, an emission lenses array, an optical fiber lenses array, and a receiving lenses array. The emission lenses array and the receiving lenses array are respectively arranged on two step surfaces of the step, such that focal points thereof respectively fall on an emission surface of the optical emission chip array and a light sensitive surface of the optical receiver chip array. A first groove for forming a first reflective surface and a second groove for arranging a light filter that refracts light towards the optical fiber lenses array or reflects light to the receiving lenses array are provided at a top portion of the body.