Optical Module Hermetic Sealing and MEMS Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modules face challenges in maintaining reliability and operational stability against temperature changes due to variations in the optical deflection angle of MEMS scanning mirrors and the need for costly light-receiving elements for auto power control of laser diodes.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring a hermetically sealed light-forming unit with an electronic temperature control module, a MEMS scanning mirror, and an aperture member for beam shaping, which reduces production costs and stabilizes temperature, eliminating the need for light-receiving elements and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-receiving elements are added for auto power control of laser diodes, then power control precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the laser diode system to automatically control its own power output through built-in monitoring photodetectors that detect light intensity and provide feedback to the drive circuit, eliminating the need for external light-receiving elements and achieving autonomous power stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback control by incorporating monitoring photodetectors that continuously detect the light output intensity and feed this information back to the drive circuit, which then adjusts the drive current to maintain constant power output despite temperature variations or component aging
2Measurement precision
If MEMS scanning mirror is used for light scanning, then scanning precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature parameter of the MEMS scanning mirror through a dedicated temperature control circuit and heating element, maintaining the mirror at a constant optimal temperature to compensate for thermal expansion and ensure stable scanning precision across varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses thermal expansion effects by incorporating a temperature control mechanism that compensates for thermal changes in the MEMS scanning mirror, using a heating element and temperature sensor to maintain constant dimensional stability and optical performance despite external temperature variations
3Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented for the light-forming unit, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the hermetic sealing function directly into the housing structure itself, where the housing serves dual purposes as both structural support and hermetic barrier, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining protection against moisture and contaminants
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 achieves improved reliability and operational stability against temperature changes while reducing production costs and light loss, ensuring consistent light intensity and precise color formation.
Implementation Method 1
a base member including an electronic temperature control module, a plurality of laser diodes arranged on the base member
Implementation Method 2
a filter arranged on the base member and configured to multiplex light from the plurality of laser diodes
Implementation Method 3
a beam shaping portion arranged on the base member and configured to convert a beam shape of the light multiplexed by the filter
Implementation Method 4
a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) arranged on the base member and including a scanning mirror configured to scan the light shaped in the beam shaping portion
Implementation Method 5
The protective member includes a base body, and a lid welded to the base body
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a light-forming unit to form light. The light-forming unit includes a base member having an electronic temperature control module, a base plate, a plurality of submounts, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) base. The light-forming unit also includes a plurality of laser diodes arranged on the submounts, a filter arranged on the base plate and located to receive the light emitted from the plurality of laser diodes and multiplex the emitted light, a MEMS arranged on the MEMS base and located to receive the light multiplexed by the filter. The MEMS includes a scanning mirror to scan the light multiplexed by the filter, and the electronic temperature control module regulates a temperature range of the MEMS. The light-forming unit also includes a protective member surrounding and sealing the light-forming unit, which includes a base body and a lid welded to the base body.