Optical Module Thermoelectric Cooler Asymmetric Peltier Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical modules with Mach-Zehnder modulators, non-uniform temperature distributions between waveguides cause phase shifts due to changes in optical path length, which existing technologies fail to adequately suppress.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a thermoelectric cooler with Peltier elements arranged in a denser configuration on specific sides to reduce heat inflow/outflow disparities, ensuring nearly uniform temperature distribution across the optical element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional thermoelectric cooler with uniform Peltier element spacing is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but non-uniform temperature distribution occurs causing phase shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing of Peltier elements based on their position: narrower spacing is used at the sides of the optical element where heat inflow/outflow occurs, while wider spacing is used in the center region. This non-uniform arrangement compensates for heat distribution disparities and achieves uniform temperature distribution across the optical element, resolving the phase shift issue without requiring complex additional components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Peltier elements are densely arranged on specific sides to compensate for heat flow disparities, then temperature uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately creating an asymmetric arrangement of Peltier elements, with different spacing on different sides of the optical element. This asymmetric configuration is designed to counterbalance the asymmetric heat inflow and outflow patterns, achieving symmetric temperature distribution across the optical element. The asymmetric design is directly integrated into the thermoelectric cooler structure, maintaining manufacturing feasibility while solving the temperature uniformity problem.
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 configuration effectively suppresses phase shifts by maintaining uniform temperature distribution, enhancing the stability and performance of the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooler mounted inside the housing and with the optical element being mounted on the thermoelectric cooler; the thermoelectric cooler has a plurality of Peltier elements arranged with spacings
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module according to one embodiment includes: an optical element having a first side, a second side, and a third side; a housing; a thermoelectric cooler with the optical element being mounted on the thermoelectric cooler; a driving circuit arranged on the side of the first side of the optical element; a first bonding pad arranged on the side of the second side of the optical element; and a first wiring pattern provided on the frame body of the housing and connected to the first bonding pad of the optical element through the first bonding wiring, wherein the thermoelectric cooler has a plurality of Peltier elements arranged with spacings. A spacing between the plurality of Peltier elements located on the side of the second side is narrower than a spacing between the plurality of Peltier elements located in the center of the optical element.