Optical Path Conversion Component With Parallel Reference Surface Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical path conversion components face challenges in accurately aligning the optical axis of an optical waveguide with a lens due to the small diameter of the optical fiber core, requiring precise alignment within 1 μm deviation.
Innovation Solution
An optical path conversion component with a light-transmitting member having a glass region and lenses, where formed parts made of the same material as the lenses are provided on a second surface, allowing for accurate alignment using a parallel surface as a positional reference during laser irradiation to form optical waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical path conversion components are used, then the structure is simple, but the alignment accuracy between optical waveguide and lens deteriorates due to the small diameter of optical fiber core
Solution Approach 1:
A parallel surface is introduced as an intermediary reference element between the optical waveguide and lens. This parallel surface serves as a mediator that enables precise alignment by providing a stable positional reference, allowing the optical waveguide and lens to be accurately positioned relative to each other through the reference surface rather than direct measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel surface is formed in advance during the manufacturing process as a pre-positioned reference feature. By preparing this alignment reference surface beforehand, the subsequent alignment between optical waveguide and lens can be achieved with high precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
2Productivity
If separate processes are used for forming optical waveguides and lenses, then the manufacturing flexibility is high, but the alignment precision and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The formation processes for optical waveguides and lenses are merged into a single integrated manufacturing step. By combining these operations, the patent achieves both improved production efficiency through reduced process count and maintained alignment precision through the shared parallel surface reference, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel surface serves multiple functions: it acts as an alignment reference for optical waveguides, provides a positioning基准 for lenses, and enables both components to be formed in the same process. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing while improving both productivity and 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
Enables precise alignment of optical waveguides with lenses, improving alignment accuracy and facilitating easy formation of optical waveguides using the same process as lenses, thereby enhancing optical axis alignment.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a laser beam from a surface parallel to the parallel surface of the formed part to a focal point in the glass region
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a laser beam from a surface parallel to the parallel surface of the formed part to a focal point in the glass region to form the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The optical path conversion member includes a lens portion that reflects an optical signal while focusing the optical signal
Implementation Method 4
The optical path conversion member includes a lens portion that reflects an optical signal while focusing the optical signal
Implementation Method 5
The optical fiber is optically coupled to the input/output portion by converting the direction of an optical signal using the lens portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical path conversion component includes a light-transmitting member; one or plurality of lenses; one or plurality of optical waveguides; and a formed part. The light-transmitting member has a first surface and a second surface that forms an angle of less than 90° with the first surface, and includes a region made of glass. The one or plurality of lenses are provided on the second surface. The one or plurality of optical waveguides are provided in the region, and are optically coupled to the one or plurality of lenses, respectively. The formed part is provided on the second surface, and contains a same constituent material as a constituent material of the one or plurality of lenses. The formed part has a surface parallel to any surface among outer surfaces of the light-transmitting member except for the second surface.