Ultra-Small Tunable Laser Assembly With Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transmission systems require ultra-small form factor tunable lasers that maintain high performance without compromising on wavelength and optical power tunability, particularly for applications like QSFP DD and nano-ITLA, while overcoming challenges in thermal isolation and integration of components.
Innovation Solution
A compact, hermetically sealed external cavity tunable laser assembly with components such as a gain medium, collimate lens, etalons, actuator, bandpass filter, beam splitter, reflection mirror, and isolator, integrated within a 0.15 cubic centimeter package, utilizing Vernier mechanism and thermal control to suppress stimulated Brillouin scattering and ensure wavelength locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the laser assembly is reduced to ultra-small form factor (less than 0.15 cubic centimeters), then the device size is improved, but thermal isolation between components becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management system by providing individual thermal isolation structures for each etalon and the phase tuner. These isolated thermal zones allow each component to be temperature-controlled independently despite the ultra-compact package size, preventing thermal cross-talk between adjacent optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local thermal isolation measures specifically at the locations of the etalons and phase tuner, rather than attempting uniform thermal management throughout the entire package. This localized approach enables precise temperature control where needed while maintaining the overall small form factor.
2Device complexity
If multiple components are integrated into a compact package, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components (etalons, phase tuner, gain medium, collimate lens, bandpass filter, beam splitter, photodetector, isolator) into a single integrated external cavity laser assembly. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity and enables ultra-small form factor while maintaining precise optical alignment through careful design of the compact optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where components are positioned in a compact, space-efficient configuration within the housing. The optical elements are arranged in a nested sequence along the optical path, allowing each component to be tightly integrated with the next while maintaining proper optical alignment and functionality.
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 provides a compact, high-performance tunable laser assembly that reduces deployment barriers and integration costs, enhancing reliability and stability in dense-wavelength division-multiplexing networks.
Implementation Method 1
a gain medium module to generate a broadband optical spectrum covering a predetermined wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a collimate lens turning a diverging beam into a collimated beam
Implementation Method 3
a pair of etalons to tune frequency
Implementation Method 4
a bandpass filter to block one or more frequencies outside the predetermined wavelength range
Implementation Method 5
a beam splitter to split a percentage of the beam to a photodetector
Implementation Method 6
an isolator for preventing reflecting light back to the external cavity
Implementation Method 7
A heater can be directly deposited on top of the gain medium waveguide for suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering
Data Source
AI summary
An external cavity tunable laser includes a gain medium module to generate a broadband optical spectrum covering a predetermined wavelength range; a collimate lens turning a diverging beam into a collimated beam; a pair of etalons to tune frequency; an actuator to adjust an external cavity optical pathlength; a bandpass filter to block one or more frequencies outside the predetermined wavelength range; a beam splitter to split a percentage of the beam to a photodetector; a reflection mirror for feedback to gain medium waveguide; an isolator for preventing reflecting light back to the external cavity; and a hermetically sealed housing less than 0.15 cubic centimeters.