Compact Tunable Laser Assembly with Nested Optical Isolator
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a persistent challenge in the industry to reduce the size of tunable laser packages while maintaining performance and reliability, necessitating a compact design that fits various form factors and applications without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A small, packaged tunable laser assembly with a rectangular housing, electrical input interface, optical output interface, tunable semiconductor laser, focusing lens assembly, optical isolator, beam splitter, tunable filter, and coupling optics, which allows for a selectable wavelength and efficient light transmission within a hermetically sealed space of less than 0.6 cubic centimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of tunable laser packages is reduced to fit smaller form factors, then the laser can be used in more applications and transceivers, but the available space for components and optical paths is limited, making it difficult to maintain performance and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the optical isolator within the housing in a compact arrangement where components are nested within each other's spatial envelope. The isolator is positioned to utilize the existing optical path space without requiring additional external volume, effectively nesting the isolator function within the laser assembly's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional optical path routing and component stacking to maximize space utilization. The optical components are arranged in multiple layers and dimensions within the housing, with the isolator positioned at specific coordinates along the optical axis and perpendicular to it, transforming a two-dimensional layout problem into a three-dimensional space optimization solution.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of tunable laser packages is reduced, then the form factor is improved for various applications, but it becomes challenging to include all necessary components such as optical isolators, beam splitters, and filters without compromising performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a compact integrated assembly where the optical isolator, beam splitter, and tunable filter are combined in a single housing. The isolator and other components share common mounting structures and optical benches, merging their spatial requirements into a unified compact design that maintains each component's performance while reducing overall package volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional zones within the housing, with each component (isolator, beam splitter, filter) positioned in its own optimized location. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and positioned for optimal performance while contributing to the overall compact arrangement through systematic spatial division.
3Volume of moving object
If components are arranged to fit within a smaller volume, then the form factor is reduced, but the optical path length and component spacing are constrained, potentially affecting light transmission efficiency and wavelength tuning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability in the optical path design, allowing the optical components to be positioned at variable distances from each other along the optical axis. The tunable filter and other components can be adjusted to optimize the optical path length for different wavelengths and applications, maintaining light transmission efficiency despite the reduced overall package volume.
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 solution enables a compact tunable laser that maintains performance and reliability, suitable for various applications, with efficient light transmission and adjustable wavelength, addressing the need for smaller form factors in optical transceivers and other modules.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator positioned in the interior space of the housing and in the path of the output beam directly downstream of the gain chip to prevent the reflecting light from the downstream optical elements from reflecting back though the isolator and into the cavity of the laser
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter positioned in the interior space of the housing and in the path of the laser beam from the optical isolator for producing a first beam, and a second beam
Implementation Method 3
a tunable filter in the interior space of the housing and disposed in the path of the second beam
Implementation Method 4
coupling optics in the interior space of the housing and downstream of the beam splitter for coupling the second beam to the optical output interface
Implementation Method 5
The focusing lens assembly is positioned in the interior space along an optical path of the laser beam to operatively couple the laser beam to the optical output interface
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable laser configured in a small package coupled to a printed circuit board. The tunable laser includes a housing with a volume formed by exterior walls. An electrical input interface is positioned at the first end of the housing. An optical output interface is positioned at the second end of the housing and configured to transmit a continuous wave optical beam. A semiconductor optical amplifier or gain chip produces an optical output beam, and an optical isolator is positioned directly downstream of the gain chip to prevent the incoming light from the downstream optics from reflecting back though the isolator and into the cavity of the laser. A beam splitter directs a portion of the light transmitted through the isolator back into the other end of the gain chip.