Reflective Optical Coupling Beam Profile Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-electronic systems using micro-optical benches face challenges such as moisture sensitivity, complex alignment, and asymmetric optical beam profiles leading to coupling losses, which complicate hermetic packaging and optical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A reflective optical coupling and beam profile shaping unit with an optically transparent body featuring orthogonal optical interfaces and free-form reflective areas that enable beam profile shaping through successive reflections, reducing the need for hermetic packaging and simplifying alignment by converting asymmetric beam profiles into symmetric ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micro-optical bench is used for optical coupling, then optical alignment can be achieved, but the alignment process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective areas are pre-configured on the optically transparent body with precise geometric shapes and orientations before assembly. This preliminary configuration of reflection surfaces eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during operation, as the optical path is predetermined by the fixed geometric arrangement of reflective areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system of a micro-optical bench with a fixed geometric optical system. Instead of using movable components and mechanical alignment mechanisms, the optical coupling is achieved through predetermined reflection paths defined by the geometric configuration of reflective areas on the transparent body.
2Reliability
If hermetic packaging is implemented to prevent moisture influence, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optically transparent body serves dual functions: it acts as both the optical element for beam profile shaping and as the protective enclosure. The transparent body itself provides the hermetic seal against moisture while simultaneously performing the optical function of shaping and directing light beams, eliminating the need for separate protective packaging structures.
3Loss of energy
If optical beam profile shaping components are added to mitigate asymmetric beam profiles, then coupling loss is reduced, but design and implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam profile shaping function with the optical coupling structure itself. The reflective areas are integrated directly into the optically transparent body, combining the functions of beam shaping and optical directing into a single unified component rather than using separate shaping elements and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically transparent body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural support, the optical beam shaping element, the beam directing component, and the protective enclosure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective beam profile shaping.
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 solution enhances optical coupling efficiency, reduces the complexity of alignment, and minimizes the need for hermetic packaging, while maintaining a passive and efficient operation without increased electrical power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first free form reflective area and a second free form reflective area that are arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the first optical interface and the second optical interface to provide an optical path for propagation of: optical radiation entering the optically transparent body via the first optical interface towards the second optical interface as a result of reflections successively occurring at the first free form reflective area and the second free form reflective area
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective optical coupling and beam profile shaping unit including an optically transparent body having an outer surface that is provided with a first optical interface, a second optical interface, a first free form reflective area having a first magnification, and a second free form reflective area having a second magnification. Because the first magnification is different from the second magnification, an asymmetric first optical beam profile entering the optically transparent body via the first optical interface can be shaped into a symmetric second optical beam profile exiting the optically transparent body via the second optical interface. Similarly, a symmetric first optical beam profile can be shaped into an asymmetric second optical beam profile. An opto-electronic assembly including the unit, and to an opto-electronic system including the assembly.