Optical Module Waveguide Introduction Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical interconnection between boards, organic optical waveguides protruding from circuit substrates physically interfere with optical modules, posing challenges in alignment and optical coupling.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a housing with a waveguide introduction opening, allowing the organic optical waveguide to be introduced into the module's internal space, preventing physical interference and enabling accurate alignment and coupling through a spacer and microlens array element configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the organic optical waveguide protrudes from the circuit substrate, then the optical coupling path is established, but the waveguide physically interferes with the optical module structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the organic optical waveguide into the internal space of the optical module housing through the waveguide introduction opening, nesting the waveguide within the module structure. This eliminates the protruding configuration and resolves the physical interference while maintaining optical coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by providing a waveguide introduction opening in the side surface of the housing rather than requiring the waveguide to protrude from the substrate surface. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the waveguide to enter the module laterally, avoiding structural interference.
2Device complexity
If the waveguide is introduced into the internal space through the waveguide introduction opening, then physical interference is prevented, but the alignment precision between optical elements must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spacer between the circuit substrate and the mounting substrate, which pre-establishes the vertical distance and alignment reference before the optical elements are positioned. This preliminary structural arrangement facilitates precise alignment of the optical element with the waveguide core.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with an optical reference system, where the optical element is positioned based on alignment with the waveguide core through the spacer structure, simplifying the alignment process while maintaining precision.
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 ensures precise alignment and optical coupling between the optical module and the organic optical waveguide, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of optical interconnections by preventing physical interference and maintaining optical coupling quality.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array element that is arranged so as to correspond to the VCSEL array element and receives the laser optical signal output from each VCSEL element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a housing including an internal space that has an opening in a substrate mounting surface, an element mounting surface that forms a portion of an inner surface of the internal space, and a waveguide introduction opening that is formed in a side surface intersecting the substrate mounting surface and is opened to the opening of the substrate mounting surface and communicated with the internal space, an optical element that is mounted on the element mounting surface, and an electronic element that is mounted on the element mounting surface and is connected to the optical element. When the substrate mounting surface is mounted on a circuit substrate, an optical waveguide that protrudes from a surface of the circuit substrate is introduced into the internal space through the waveguide introduction opening.