Optical Module Wavelength Multiplexing Without Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules face challenges in reducing size while multiplexing light of different wavelengths, which hampers their miniaturization and application expansion.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design featuring a light-forming part with semiconductor light-emitting devices of varying wavelengths and a filter that directly multiplexes diverging light without the need for lenses, allowing for a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical module designs are used to multiplex light of different wavelengths, then the module can achieve wavelength multiplexing function, but the module size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source function and wavelength multiplexing function into a single integrated light-forming part. Multiple semiconductor light-emitting devices emitting different wavelengths are mounted on a common base member with a filter, eliminating the need for separate multiplexing components and reducing overall module size while maintaining wavelength multiplexing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-forming part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates light through semiconductor light-emitting devices and performs wavelength multiplexing through the integrated filter structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated multiplexing components, thereby reducing module size while achieving wavelength multiplexing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are used to multiplex light from semiconductor light-emitting devices, then light can be collimated and multiplexed, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the lens component from the optical system. Instead of using lenses to collimate and multiplex light, the invention uses semiconductor light-emitting devices that directly emit light in desired directions, combined with a filter structure that achieves wavelength multiplexing without requiring traditional lens-based collimation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-based light collimation and multiplexing system with a direct emission approach using semiconductor light-emitting devices. The filter structure on the base member substitutes for the lens system, achieving wavelength multiplexing through optical filtering rather than mechanical lens manipulation, thereby reducing module size.
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 design enables a reduced size optical module capable of multiplexing and emitting light of different wavelengths, maintaining a compact shape while achieving desired spot sizes and color formation.
Implementation Method 1
a filter mounted on the base member and configured to directly receive and coaxially multiplex diverging light from the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices
Implementation Method 2
a protective member that includes an output window configured to transmit light from the light-forming part
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a light-forming part configured to form light; and a protective member that includes an output window configured to transmit light from the light-forming part and that is disposed so as to surround the light-forming part. The light-forming part includes a base member; a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices mounted on the base member and configured to emit light differing from each other in wavelength; and a filter mounted on the base member and configured to directly receive and coaxially multiplex diverging light from the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices.