Optical Module Mirror for Rotational Misalignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated receiver modules face challenges in correcting rotational angle misalignment between optical beam arrays and photodetector arrays, leading to inconsistent performance and increased fabrication costs due to the lack of functionality for adjusting optical beam rotational angles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mirror within the optical module that can be adjusted to align the optical beam array with the photodetector array, using lens optics to condense beams and ensuring precise angular alignment, thereby correcting rotational misalignment and enhancing optical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lens optics are used to condense optical beams onto photodetectors, then optical coupling is achieved, but rotational angle misalignment between optical beam array and photodetector array cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror with adjustable angular position that can be dynamically adjusted during the packaging process to correct rotational angle misalignment between the optical beam array and photodetector array. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to angular misalignment while maintaining precise optical coupling through the lens optics.
2Manufacturing precision
If angular misalignment correction functionality is added, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mirror as an intermediary component between the optical beam array and the photodetector array. This mirror can be adjusted to correct rotational angle misalignment, acting as a mediator that enables precise angular alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms directly at the photodetector array.
3Reliability
If multiple adjustment stages are implemented, then optical coupling consistency improves, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements angular misalignment correction during the packaging process itself, before final assembly. By adjusting the mirror angle during packaging, the system performs preliminary alignment action that ensures consistent optical coupling without requiring complex post-fabrication adjustments or additional expensive adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution enables consistent optical coupling strength and reduced fabrication costs by accurately aligning optical beams with photodetectors, improving the yield and performance of optical modules, especially in high-speed transmission applications.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror that converts the propagation direction of optical beams
Implementation Method 2
lens optics that condense optical beams emitted from the optical waveguide array onto the optical functional element array
Data Source
AI summary
A low-cost optical module with highly consistent properties. The optical module includes, in a housing, an optical waveguide array, an optical functional element array, lens optics using one or a plurality of lenses for optically coupling the optical waveguide array and the optical functional element array, and a mirror disposed so as to convert the propagation direction of optical beams transmitted by the lens optics such that the optical beams are incident on the optical incidence ports of the optical functional element array. The optical functional element array is affixed to the housing, and the angle of the mirror is fixed in place after the angle of the mirror is adjusted such that the optical waveguide array and the optical functional element array are optically coupled.