Optical Module Mirror Protection Against Dust Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dust adhesion to the mirror portion of optical components reduces light reflectance and optical coupling efficiency between optical devices and fibers, particularly in environments without protective housings.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a protective member attached to the lens component to cover the mirror portion, preventing exposure and reducing dust adhesion, which includes recessed portions and various protective materials like adhesive films or resins to seal openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mirror portion is exposed on the outer surface of the lens component, then the optical path can be bent effectively, but dust adheres to the mirror portion reducing light reflectance and optical coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A protective member is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the mirror portion. This protective member covers the mirror portion to prevent dust adhesion while allowing the optical function to operate effectively, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining optical coupling efficiency and preventing dust contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member is implemented as a thin film or shell structure that can conform to the lens component's outer surface. This thin film coverage protects the mirror portion from dust while maintaining the optical performance, addressing the contradiction between exposure for optical function and protection from dust.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror portion is covered to prevent dust adhesion, then light reflectance is maintained, but the optical path bending function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member serves as a mediator that enables simultaneous achievement of dust prevention and optical function maintenance. By carefully designing the protective member to cover only the necessary areas while preserving the optical path bending capability, both dust adhesion prevention and optical coupling efficiency are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member is designed with local quality - it covers the mirror portion to prevent dust adhesion while leaving the optical path areas sufficiently exposed to maintain optical coupling efficiency. This localized protection approach resolves the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and functional exposure.
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
Suppresses dust adhesion to the mirror, maintaining light reflectance and optical coupling efficiency, suitable for environments without protective housings.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror portion configured to be a part of an outer surface of the lens component. The optical path is bent at the mirror portion
Implementation Method 2
a lens portion through which the optical path between the optical fiber and the optical device passes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes an optical device, a lens component in which an optical path between an optical fiber and the optical device is provided, and a protective member. The lens component includes an optical fiber support portion configured to hold the optical fiber, a lens portion through which the optical path between the optical fiber and the optical device passes, and a mirror portion configured to be a part of an outer surface of the lens component. The optical path is bent at the mirror portion. The protective member is attached to the outer surface of the lens component and configured to prevent the mirror portion from being exposed.