Optical Module Mirror Orientation for Compact Multi-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modules with optical axis adjustment mechanisms face challenges in downsizing while maintaining adjustable range and operability as the number of channels increases, leading to limited adjustable range or the need for advanced control of micro mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring a photonic device, optical waveguide, lens, mirror, manipulation lever, and support springs integrated with a substrate, where the mirror's oblique surface avoids optical path overlap, allowing the mirror to move or rotate along multiple axes, and the manipulation lever extends away from the waveguide to ensure wide movable range and operability, with the support springs and lever formed in the substrate's surface Si layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical module is downsized, then the module size is reduced, but the adjustable range of the optical axis adjustment mechanism is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation lever is extended in the vertical direction (z-axis) away from the optical waveguide, allowing the operator to access and manipulate the mirror orientation from a different spatial dimension. This vertical extension provides sufficient lever arm length for effective manipulation while keeping the horizontal footprint minimal, thus resolving the contradiction between downsizing the module and maintaining adjustable range.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical axis adjustment mechanism is segmented into functionally independent components: the mirror for optical path redirection, the support spring for mechanical support and elasticity, and the manipulation lever for orientation control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lever can extend vertically for manipulability while the mirror remains compact for small module footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the manipulation lever is extended for better operability, then the adjustable range is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation lever utilizes the vertical dimension (z-axis) for its extension, extending upward away from the optical waveguide rather than extending horizontally. This vertical orientation provides sufficient lever arm length for effective manual manipulation while minimizing the horizontal space required, thus improving operability without significantly increasing the overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation lever is positioned asymmetrically relative to the optical path, extending in a direction that avoids the optical waveguide. This asymmetric arrangement allows the lever to have sufficient length for easy manipulation while occupying minimal space in the critical optical region, resolving the contradiction between operability and compact size.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the mirror surface is oriented obliquely upward, then optical path overlap is avoided, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror surface is oriented obliquely upward, utilizing the vertical dimension to separate the reflected optical path from the incident optical path. This three-dimensional orientation creates spatial separation between the first optical path (mirror to waveguide) and the second optical path (mirror to photonic device), preventing optical path overlap without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of orienting the mirror surface horizontally or at conventional angles, the mirror is inverted to face obliquely upward. This unconventional orientation naturally separates the optical paths by directing the reflected light upward away from the incident path, preventing optical path overlap in a simple and elegant manner.
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 design enables downsizing of the optical module while maintaining a wide adjustable range and operability of the optical axis adjustment mechanism, allowing for efficient optical coupling and reduced module size.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror changing a traveling direction of the light wave to optically couple the photonic device with the optical waveguide; the mirror includes a mirror surface reflecting the light wave
Implementation Method 2
a support spring for supporting the mirror; the support spring couples the mirror with the substrate so as to allow the mirror to change the orientation thereof with movement or rotation along at least two axes
Implementation Method 3
a lens focusing the light wave
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: a photonic device emitting or receiving a light wave; an optical waveguide for transmitting the light wave; a lens focusing the light wave; a mirror for changing a traveling direction of the light wave to optically couple the photonic device with the optical waveguide; a manipulation lever for manipulating an orientation of the mirror; a support spring for supporting the mirror; and a substrate integrated with the mirror, the manipulation lever, and the support spring. The support spring couples the mirror with the substrate so as to allow the mirror to change the orientation thereof with movement or rotation along at least two axes. The manipulation lever extends from the mirror in a direction in which the manipulation lever avoids approaching the optical waveguide.