Parabolic Lens Device for Optical Subassembly Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transceivers face challenges in maintaining optical efficiency, thermal management, and reducing insertion loss while achieving higher speeds in smaller form factors, particularly due to misalignments and optical losses in multiplexers and demultiplexers used in transmitter and receiver optical subassemblies.
Innovation Solution
A parabolic reflector device is introduced, comprising parabolic lens members and a mirror member that provide a light-transmissive structure for multiplexing or demultiplexing optical signals, utilizing short or long pass filtering to separate channel wavelengths, thereby reducing optical losses and eliminating the need for additional optical devices like mirrors and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is used for multiplexing/demultiplexing, then channel wavelengths can be separated and combined, but optical losses increase due to misalignments and long optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical components (lenses, mirrors, filters) into a single integrated parabolic reflector device. The parabolic reflector combines wavelength separation, beam steering, and optical focusing in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate AWG components and reducing overall optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parabolic (curved) reflector surfaces instead of flat mirrors or complex waveguide structures. The parabolic geometry naturally focuses and directs light rays at specific angles based on their wavelength, enabling compact wavelength division multiplexing without requiring long optical paths or multiple alignment-critical components.
2Loss of energy
If additional optical devices (mirrors, filters) are used for wavelength separation, then channel wavelengths can be separated, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wavelength filtering, beam reflection, and optical focusing functions into a single parabolic reflector device with integrated coatings. This eliminates the need for separate filters, mirrors, and lenses that would otherwise be required to achieve the same wavelength separation and routing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The parabolic reflector device performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength-dependent beam steerer, a focusing element, and a directional coupler. The same parabolic surface and coating structure that reflects and focuses light also provides wavelength-selective routing, making the device highly versatile and compact.
3Loss of energy
If alignment precision is improved to reduce optical losses, then optical efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions into distinct operational zones within the parabolic reflector structure, with each zone handling specific wavelength ranges or directional requirements. This modular functional segmentation within a single component reduces sensitivity to overall alignment errors while maintaining optical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The parabolic curvature provides inherent optical path compensation: rays of different angles and wavelengths naturally converge at the focal point or reflect at predictable angles due to the geometric properties of the parabola. This geometric optics approach reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances compared to flat-surface or multi-component systems.
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
The parabolic reflector device achieves reduced optical losses, a smaller footprint, and efficient multiplexing/demultiplexing, enabling higher transmission rates and distances with fewer components, thus addressing the challenges of size, efficiency, and thermal management in optical transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
A parabolic reflector device is introduced, comprising parabolic lens members and a mirror member that provide a light-transmissive structure for multiplexing or demultiplexing optical signals
Implementation Method 2
utilizing short or long pass filtering to separate channel wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A parabolic reflector device (also referred to herein as a parabolic lens device) is disclosed which includes a plurality of parabolic lens members and a mirror member which couple together and collectively provide a light-transmissive structure for multiplexing or demultiplexing of an optical signal. The parabolic reflector device can be implemented within optical subassembly modules to support operations of transmitter optical subassemblies (TOSAs) and/or receiver optical subassemblies (ROSAs).