Optical Multiplexer Sub-Assembly Thermal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical multiplexing and transmitting assemblies face challenges in maintaining optical elements at precise sub-micron locations due to temperature excursions and require a system that can accurately position and stabilize these elements for effective data transmission through optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a laser sub-assembly, multiplexer sub-assembly, and receptacle sub-assembly with precise alignment mechanisms, utilizing lasers, lenses, filters, broadband splitters, and prisms to multiplex and transmit light waves through single-mode or multi-mode fibers, with compatible metal bases and soldering techniques for thermal stability and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical elements are positioned with sub-micron accuracy to ensure reliable data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment mechanisms and temperature stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical elements (lasers, lenses, filters, broadband splitters, and prisms) into integrated sub-assemblies (laser sub-assembly, multiplexer sub-assembly, and receptacle sub-assembly). This merging reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the alignment mechanism while maintaining sub-micron positioning accuracy through the unified structural design of these sub-assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature-controlled housings and mounting structures as intermediary elements that stabilize the optical elements. These intermediaries compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining sub-micron positioning accuracy without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms, thus improving reliability while controlling device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple optical elements are used for multiplexing light waves, then data transmission capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to the need for precise positioning of each element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into three main sub-assemblies: laser sub-assembly, multiplexer sub-assembly, and receptacle sub-assembly. Each sub-assembly is manufactured and aligned independently with pre-defined mechanical interfaces, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while enabling multiple optical elements to work together for high-capacity data transmission through wavelength division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces for the optical elements within each sub-assembly. These universal components can accommodate multiple different optical elements (lasers, lenses, filters, splitters, prisms) with consistent positioning accuracy, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while supporting high data transmission capacity through multiplexing.
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 ensures precise alignment and stable transmission of multiplexed light waves, maintaining sub-micron accuracy over temperature changes, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of data transmission through optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The laser sub-assembly includes a plurality of lasers for radiating the plurality of light waves of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The multiplexer sub-assembly includes a plurality of lenses for collimating the plurality of light waves
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of filters for filtering the collimated light waves
Implementation Method 4
at least one broadband splitter for combining and multiplexing the filtered light waves
Implementation Method 5
at least one prism for directing the multiplexed light wave into the receptacle sub-assembly
Implementation Method 6
The receptacle sub-assembly includes a focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed light wave
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of light waves with different wavelengths. The apparatus includes a laser sub-assembly, a multiplexer sub-assembly, and a receptacle sub-assembly. The laser sub-assembly includes a plurality of lasers for radiating a plurality of light waves of different wavelengths. The plurality of light waves are multiplexed in the multiplexer sub-assembly. The multiplexed light waves are coupled to an optical fiber by the receptacle sub-assembly.