SOA Array Optical Module Lens Alignment and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communications networks face challenges in reducing coupling loss and ensuring hermetic sealing in SOA array optical modules, particularly when using lens arrays, which are essential for high-speed and large-capacity data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lens array optical module where the lens optical axis aligns with the central axis of the output beam of each channel in the SOA array, using low-melting glass or plastic for the lens array, and incorporating hermetic windows to prevent aberration-induced coupling loss and facilitate reliable sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a lens array is used to optically couple the SOA array and optical fiber array, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and sealing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the lens array within a hermetic sealing structure that integrates multiple components (SOA array, optical fiber array, and lens array) into a unified sealed package. This nesting approach allows the complex lens array to be contained within a standardized hermetic seal, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high coupling efficiency through precise optical alignment.
2Ease of operation
If the lens optical axis is misaligned with the central axis of the output beam, then the alignment process is simpler, but coupling loss increases due to aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-aligns the lens array optical axes with the central axes of the SOA output beams during the manufacturing process. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the optical paths are correctly positioned before the module is assembled and sealed, eliminating the need for complex field alignment while minimizing coupling loss from aberration. The hermetic sealing then preserves this pre-established alignment.
3Device complexity
If conventional sealing methods are used without hermetic windows, then the structure is simpler, but reliability and hermetic sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hermetic windows as intermediary elements in the sealing structure. These windows serve as mediators that maintain the hermetic seal integrity while allowing optical signals to pass through. The hermetic windows provide a reliable sealing interface between the lens array and optical fiber array, ensuring long-term reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 effectively reduces coupling loss to 3 dB and allows for easy hermetic sealing, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the optical module for high-speed data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an SOA array optical module for optically coupling an SOA array and an optical fiber array by using a lens array
Implementation Method 2
incorporating hermetic windows to prevent aberration-induced coupling loss
Data Source
AI summary
In an SOA array optical module, the central axis of a beam output from each intra-SOA waveguide is oblique by 22.3 degrees to a normal to an end face of an SOA array on the output side (the same applies to the input side) of the SOA array having intra-SOA waveguides of 8 channels. First and second lens arrays are arranged for the SOA array so that the central axis of the beam that is output obliquely by 22.3 degrees from the SOA array, the optical axis of a lens convex part of each channel of the first lens array, and the optical axis of a lens convex part of each channel of the second lens array agree with one another. Level differences are provided respectively on faces opposite to the lens convex parts of the first and the second lens arrays.