Optical Module Transmissive Reflective Part Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adhesive in conventional optical transmission modules is located on the optical path, affecting the refractive index and curing state, which can lower the optical coupling efficiency of signal and reception light.
Innovation Solution
An optical module design with a transmissive reflective part fixed in a recess outside the signal light path, using a configuration with inclined optical paths to maintain coupling efficiency, including a first optical surface for signal light incidence, a second surface for transmission and reception, and a third surface for efficient light emission to the light receiving element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the optical filter on the filter mounting surface, then the optical filter can be securely mounted, but the adhesive is located on the optical path and changes the optical path due to refractive index and curing state, lowering optical coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (adhesive) is extracted from the optical path by repositioning the optical filter on a mounting surface that is optically coupled to the optical transmission member through a lens, rather than placing it directly on the optical path between the optical transmission member and the optical receptacle
Solution Approach 2:
A lens is introduced as an intermediary element to transmit light from the optical transmission member to the optical filter mounted on the filter mounting surface, allowing the filter to be positioned outside the direct optical path while maintaining functional coupling
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical filter is positioned on the optical path, then it can directly filter the signal light, but bubbles mixed in the cured adhesive and refractive index changes affect the optical coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is extracted from the direct optical path and mounted on a filter mounting surface that is optically coupled through a lens, removing the source of manufacturing defects (adhesive bubbles and refractive index variations) from the critical optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter mounting is moved from a two-dimensional plane on the optical path to a three-dimensional configuration where the filter is mounted on a surface optically coupled through a lens, adding spatial separation between the filter mounting location and the critical optical path
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 bidirectional optical communication while maintaining optical coupling efficiency by positioning the transmissive reflective part outside the signal light path and inclining the optical paths within the recess, preventing interference with the adhesive's refractive effects.
Implementation Method 1
a transmissive reflective part for transmitting, toward the second optical surface, the signal light incident on the first optical surface, and reflecting, toward the light receiving element, the reception light incident on the second optical surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical path inside the recess as seen along a direction of a normal to the substrate is inclined with respect to an optical path between the second optical surface and the recess
Data Source
AI summary
The optical module according to the present invention includes a photoelectric converter and an optical receptacle. The optical receptacle includes a first optical surface, a second optical surface, a transmission and reflection part, a recess, and a third optical surface. The transmission and reflection part is secured to the inner surface of the recess at a position that does not coincide with the optical path of signal light. The transmission and reflection part transmits the signal light incident on the first optical surface toward the second optical surface. The transmission and reflection part reflects the received light incident on the second optical surface toward the third optical surface. When viewed along a direction normal to a substrate, the optical path in the recess is inclined relative to the optical path between the second optical surface and the recess.