Rotating Optical Isolator for Precise Laser Output Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices in NG-PON2 communication schemes face challenges in precisely adjusting light output intensity due to irregularities in optical coupling efficiency and environmental factors, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and reduced yield.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a rotating optical isolator mechanism, where the isolator is adjusted by a rotating plate to compensate for variations in optical coupling efficiency during the manufacturing process, allowing precise control of light output intensity without relying on current adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser welding is used to combine optical device and optical fiber, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but optical coupling efficiency varies irregularly within a range of -1.5 to 4 dB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the optical coupling efficiency before final assembly and compensation. The optical device is pre-adjusted to compensate for expected welding variations, and the housing structure is designed with pre-calculated clearance values that account for thermal expansion and positioning deviations. This allows the final assembly to achieve consistent optical coupling without requiring precise control during the welding process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by intentionally designing the housing clearance values to vary based on expected thermal expansion and positioning deviations. The clearance parameters are optimized to maintain optimal optical coupling efficiency across different temperature conditions and manufacturing tolerances, transforming the problem of variable coupling into a design parameter that can be controlled through housing geometry.
2Reliability
If the light output ratio is decreased to improve transmission characteristics, then light reception sensitivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the light output intensity as a compensatory parameter. When the light output ratio is decreased to improve transmission characteristics and reduce chirp effects, the system compensates by increasing the absolute light output intensity to maintain adequate reception sensitivity. This allows optimization of transmission quality while preserving signal strength.
3Manufacturing precision
If the set range of light output intensity is less than 1 dB to meet NG-PON2 standard, then insufficient yield occurs during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the optical device parameters during the manufacturing process before final assembly. The optical device is calibrated to compensate for expected variations in optical coupling efficiency, allowing the final product to meet the tight 1 dB intensity range specification. This pre-adjustment approach significantly improves manufacturing yield by reducing the number of out-of-spec products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to measure and adjust optical coupling efficiency during the manufacturing process. By monitoring the actual coupling efficiency and adjusting the optical device parameters accordingly, the system can compensate for manufacturing variations and ensure that the final light output intensity falls within the required 1 dB range, thereby improving yield.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current is increased to adjust light output intensity, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but device reliability is reduced due to limited current adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical current adjustment mechanism with a mechanical/optical adjustment system. Instead of varying the drive current to control light output intensity, the system uses mechanical adjustment of the optical coupling efficiency or optical path parameters. This substitution eliminates the limitation of narrow current adjustment range while maintaining reliability, as the optical adjustment does not stress the laser diode electrical characteristics.
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 approach enables precise adjustment of light output intensity, reduces manufacturing time, and increases yield by compensating for manufacturing irregularities, making it suitable for applications requiring precise light output control.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator positioned between the laser diode and the light output unit, wherein the light output from the laser diode passes through the optical isolator and is output through the light output unit from the optical device
Implementation Method 2
an intensity of the output light of the optical device is determined by rotation of the optical isolator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical device capable of precise adjustment of optical output intensity, and a method for manufacturing an optical device. An optical device including a laser diode, according to one aspect of the present embodiment, comprises: a laser diode for outputting light having a predetermined wavelength; an optical output unit in which output light of the laser diode is optically coupled and the output of the optical device takes place; and an optical isolator disposed between the laser diode and the optical output unit. The output light of the laser diode passes through the optical isolator and the output of the optical device takes place through the optical output unit, and the intensity of the output light of the optical device is determined by the rotation of the optical isolator.