JP2003258359A - Optical system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical system which can be applied to wide-ranging uses by using output of a semiconductor laser effectively. <P>SOLUTION: Optical spatial transmission equipment 10 has a casing 12, a substrate 13, a semiconductor laser 11, lenses 14, 15 as routing optical components and mirrors 16, 17. After laser beams L1, L2 are projected from the semiconductor laser 11 supported by the substrate 13 to two directions each and are reflected by the mirrors 16, 17 each, the laser beams L1, L2 can be output as laser beams of different properties corresponding to different optical properties via the lenses 14, 15. Output of the semiconductor laser 11 can be thereby used effectively and an optical system of high performance, which projects laser beam corresponding to wide-ranging uses flexibly, is realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical system and, for example, to a technique suitably applied to an optical space transmission device using a laser beam as transmitting / receiving light for optical space transmission for wirelessly transferring data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique utilizing an optical system using a semiconductor laser has been put to practical use, and a technique for effectively utilizing laser light outputted from the semiconductor laser has been put to practical use. That is, the semiconductor laser has a resonant structure on both end surfaces of the laser element. As a reflection surface, when a certain force is applied to the laser element, a cleavage film is used that has the property of cracking or peeling on a flat surface in a certain direction, and after forming a reflection film on the end surface of the cleavage, the other The laser light output from the semiconductor laser is effectively used by changing the reflectance so that the laser light is emitted from the end face of the laser and changing the ratio of the laser light from the other end face. When the cleavage of the crystal of the semiconductor laser is simply used, the laser light from the light emitting portion of the semiconductor laser is emitted with half energy from both end faces.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of a conventional optical space transmission device 1, and FIG. 22 is a table showing an angular intensity distribution of laser light. An optical space transmission device 1 shown in FIG. 21 is a device using an optical system using a semiconductor laser 2. In this optical system, the semiconductor laser 2
One of the laser beams L1 emitted from one end surface of the laser beam passes through the optical component 3 for a light source and then is emitted into the space.
The other laser beam L2 emitted from the other end surface of the semiconductor laser 2 is incident on the monitoring photodiode 4 and used for controlling the laser output of the semiconductor laser 2. When the optical system described above is applied to a long-distance optical space transmission device, laser light tends to be narrowed, and when applied to a short-distance optical space transmission device, laser light is divergent. .

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-98851 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-25266 disclose a technique of utilizing laser light emitted from both end faces of a semiconductor laser. That is, the prior art described in each publication describes that two laser beams are used for reading an optical disc, or one laser beam is used for reading and the other laser beam is used for writing and erasing. .

[0005]

In the prior art in which the reflection film is formed on the end face of the cleavage, the manufacturing process of the semiconductor laser becomes complicated as compared with the end face treatment only using the cleavage of the crystal of the semiconductor laser. The threshold of laser light output is reduced. In the optical space transmission device 1 of FIG. 21, about half of the laser light L2 is used for control by the monitoring photodiode 4, and therefore the amount of light used for communication in space is small. Moreover, the versatility is low because the applications are limited to those for long distance and those for short distance. As shown in FIG. 22, in the case of a long-distance optical system, as shown by the long-distance curve Ls, the intensity of light near the front of the transmitter is increased by a lens that is an optical component, and Although light propagates in the front direction of the transmitter to a long distance, the spread of the angle distribution is smaller and narrower than in the case of the optical system for short distance described later, so the receiver is placed in front of the transmitter. Must be oriented.

In the case of the short-distance optical system, the light from the transmitter is dispersed by the lens as shown by the short-distance curve Lh. Since the intensity of light in the vicinity of the front is weaker than that in the case of a long distance, the light propagates only in a short distance in the front direction. However, since the spread of the angular distribution is large and has a wide directivity angle as compared with the case of a long distance, it is not necessary to dispose the receiver in front of the transmitter. Therefore, when transmitting the laser light emitted from one end surface of the semiconductor laser in an optical space using an optical system using a single optical system,
It is difficult to realize a long distance and a wide directional angle at the same time. In the conventional technology described in each of the above publications, it is possible to improve the information processing ability by using two laser beams,
In terms of optical performance, it can only be used for a single purpose, and it is difficult to realize a long distance and a wide directivity angle at the same time as described above.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical system which can effectively utilize the output of a semiconductor laser and can be applied to a wide range of applications.

[0008]

The present invention is directed to a single light emitting element capable of emitting a plurality of laser beams in a plurality of directions, respectively.
A substrate supporting the light emitting element and a plurality of lead-out optical parts each having different optical characteristics, wherein the plurality of laser beams emitted from the light-emitting element correspond to different optical characteristics through the respective plurality of lead-out optical parts. And a plurality of lead-out optical components capable of outputting laser light having different properties.

According to the invention, a plurality of laser beams are emitted in a plurality of directions from a light emitting element supported by a substrate,
It is possible to output laser light having different properties corresponding to different optical characteristics through the plurality of lead-out optical components. Therefore, the output of the light emitting element is effectively used,
It can be applied to a wide range of purposes.

According to the present invention, the light emitting element has a light emitting portion for emitting a laser beam, and the light emitting portion is provided on the substrate.
It is characterized in that it is arranged so as to hold at least a relative distance capable of avoiding collision of the laser light with the substrate.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the laser beam emitted from the light emitting portion of the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate, so that the optical performance of the optical system is improved and the output of the light emitting element is improved. It can be used effectively.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the light emitting element has a thickness of the light emitting element capable of holding the relative distance.

According to the present invention, the relative distance that can avoid the collision of the laser beam with the substrate can be realized by the thickness of the light emitting element. With such a simple structure,
It is possible to prevent the laser light emitted from the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate, improve the optical performance of the optical system, and effectively use the output of the light emitting element.

Further, according to the present invention, the substrate includes a protruding portion protruding a predetermined distance from the peripheral portion, the light emitting element is supported by the protruding portion, and the protruding portion has a thickness of the protruding portion capable of holding the relative distance. It is characterized by being configured.

According to the present invention, the substrate includes a protrusion protruding from the peripheral portion by a predetermined distance, and the light emitting element is supported by the protrusion. The relative distance that can avoid the collision of the laser light with the substrate can be realized by the thickness of the protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laser light emitted from the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate, improve the optical performance of the optical system, and effectively use the output of the light emitting element.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the protruding portion is formed by making the substrate thickness of the peripheral portion of the light emitting element thinner than the thickness of the substrate portion adjacent to the peripheral portion.

According to the present invention, the thickness of the substrate in the peripheral portion of the light emitting element is made thinner than the thickness of the substrate portion adjacent to the peripheral portion to form the protruding portion, so that the laser light is prevented from colliding with the substrate. The avoidable relative distance can be realized by the thickness of the protrusion.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the light emitting element is supported on the substrate via a supporting member, and the supporting member is formed to have a thickness capable of holding the relative distance.

According to the present invention, the thickness of the support member makes it possible to prevent the laser light from colliding with the substrate from the light emitting element. Moreover, the optical performance of the optical system is improved, and the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a reflector for reflecting a laser beam emitted from the light emitting element is provided at least near the light emitting element on the substrate.

According to the present invention, the laser light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflector provided at least near the light emitting element on the substrate. Therefore, the laser light is not shielded by colliding with the substrate, and the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used for a wide range of applications.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a mirror capable of avoiding collision of laser light from the light emitting element to the substrate is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element.

According to the present invention, the laser light emitted from the light emitting element collides with the mirror without being shielded by the substrate, so that the output of the light emitting element can be effectively utilized and can be applied to a wide range of applications.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that detection means for detecting at least a part of the laser light emitted from the light emitting element and controlling the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element. And

According to the present invention, the detecting means provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element can detect a part of the laser beam emitted from the light emitting element and control the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation. it can.

The present invention is also characterized in that the deriving optical component includes a beam splitter.

According to the present invention, a part of the laser light emitted from the light emitting element can be used for other purposes via the beam splitter. Therefore, the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used and applied to a wide range of applications.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that detection means is provided for detecting the laser beam split by the beam splitter and controlling the output of the light emitting element based on the output variation.

According to the present invention, the detecting means can detect the laser beam split by the beam splitter and control the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation.

According to the present invention, the plurality of lead-out optical parts are
It has a function of deriving the principal rays of a plurality of laser beams in different directions.

According to the present invention, the principal rays of the plurality of laser beams emitted from the light emitting element can be led out in different directions by the plurality of lead-out optical parts.

According to the present invention, the plurality of lead-out optical parts are
It is characterized by having a function of deriving by diverging the divergence angles of the principal rays of a plurality of laser beams.

According to the present invention, the principal rays of the plurality of laser beams emitted from the light emitting element can be led out with different divergence angles by the plurality of lead-out optical parts.

According to the present invention, the plurality of lead-out optical parts are
It is characterized by including a lens arranged on one side of the light emitting element in the linear direction and a lens arranged on the other side of the light emitting element in the linear direction.

According to the present invention, the laser light can be emitted from the light emitting element in one direction in the linear direction and can be emitted in the other direction in the linear direction, and the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used and applied to a wide range of applications.

The present invention is also an optical space transmission device including the above optical system. According to the present invention, the optical system can be applied to, for example, a long-distance optical space transmission device as well as a short-distance optical space transmission device.

[0037]

1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the schematic structure of an optical space transmission device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a table showing the angular intensity distribution of laser light. Yes, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that the laser light is distributed over a long distance and a wide directional angle. The present embodiment is an example in which the optical system of the present invention is applied to the optical space transmission device 10. Hereinafter, the vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 1 will be described as vertical and horizontal. The optical space transmission device 10 is an optical space transmission device 10 that applies laser light to transmission / reception light for wirelessly transferring a data signal and uses the laser light under various long and short distances or various directivity angles. At the time of transmission, for example, based on data sent from a signal processing circuit (not shown), the semiconductor laser 11 as a light emitting element is caused to emit light and data is transmitted.

The optical space transmission device 10 includes a casing 12
A substrate 13, a semiconductor laser 11, lenses 14 and 15 serving as optical components for extraction, and mirrors 16 and 17. The casing 12 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a rectangular substrate 13 is formed at the bottom inside the casing 12.
Is provided. A semiconductor laser 11 is supported on an intermediate portion in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the substrate 13, and mirrors 17 and 16 are fixed at positions separated from the semiconductor laser 11 by a predetermined small distance to the left and right. These mirrors 17 and 16 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary vertical line passing through the semiconductor laser 11 in the vertical direction, and each mirror 16 (17)
Are held at an inclination angle of about 45 degrees upward with respect to the substrate 13 as the distance from the semiconductor laser 11 increases. The right mirror 16 has a function of receiving the laser light L1 emitted rightward from one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11, that is, the right end surface, and reflecting the laser light L1 upward.
Has a function of receiving the laser beam L2 emitted to the left from the other end face of the semiconductor laser 11, that is, the left end face, and reflecting the laser beam L2 upward.

The lens 1 is provided on the upper wall of the casing 12.
Lens 4 and 15 are installed along the wall,
The upper surfaces of 4, 15 face the external space, and the lower surfaces of the casing 1
The mirrors 16 and 17 in the interior 2 are respectively exposed. The lenses 14 and 15 have different optical characteristics, and after the laser beams L1 and L2 emitted from the light emitting portion 11a of the semiconductor laser 11 are reflected by the mirrors 16 and 17, different optics are transmitted via these lenses 14 and 15. It is possible to output laser light having different characteristics corresponding to the characteristics. That is, the laser beam L1 emitted from the one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the right is reflected by the mirror 16 and then upwardly emitted by the lens 14 with the diverging angle beam radius changed.
Further, the laser beam L2 emitted from the other end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the left is reflected by the mirror 17, and then upwardly emitted by the lens 15 with the diverging angle beam radius changed.

The lens 14 has optical characteristics having a wide directional angle, and the lens 15 has optical characteristics having a narrow directional angle. That is, the intensity of the laser beam emitted from the optical space transmission device 10 is an angle by the laser beam for long-distance transmission having a narrow directivity angle as shown by the curve for long distance + short distance in FIG. The distribution is highest near 0 degrees. Therefore,
In the vicinity of 0 degree where the intensity of the laser light is strong, the laser light propagates over a long distance as compared with the laser light for short distance transmission described later. Further, at the same time, the laser light emitted from the optical space transmission device 10 has a wider directional angle than the laser light for long-distance transmission by the laser light for short-distance transmission having a wide directional angle, and the laser light has a wide angle. Propagate over. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical free space transmission apparatus 10 can realize a wide directional angle and can propagate the laser light to a long distance, and therefore the receiver 18 is arranged. The range that can be done is expanded.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the emission direction of laser light.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a relative distance of the light emitting unit 11 a with respect to the substrate 13 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a relative view of the light emitting unit 11 a with respect to the substrate 13. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the distance, and FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the relative distance of the light emitting unit 11 a with respect to the substrate 13. The second embodiment is an example in which the optical system of the present invention is applied to the optical space transmission device 10A. However, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, when the lenses 14 and 15 are arranged so that the laser light emitted from the light emitting portion 11a of the semiconductor laser 11 is made incident on the centers of the lenses 14 and 15, the laser light emitted from the light emitting portion 11a. Of these, the laser beam emitted toward the substrate 13 may hit the substrate 13 and may not be successfully incident on the desired lens 14 (15), so that the laser beam may not be efficiently emitted from the lens 14 (15).

In order to prevent the above problems from occurring, the second
The following structure is applied to the optical free space transmission apparatus 10A of the above embodiment. That is, the light emitting portion 11 a of the semiconductor laser 11 is at least the substrate 13 with respect to the substrate 13.
It is arranged with a relative distance maintained so as to avoid the collision of the laser beam with. Specifically, the light emitting unit 11a and the mirror 16
Assuming that the distance from (17) is e and the spread angle of the laser beam is θ, the thickness d of the portion of the semiconductor laser 11 below the light emitting portion 11a is set to the distance e between the light emitting portion 11a and the mirror 16 (17). , If the value is multiplied by a value e · tan θ obtained by multiplying the tan component of the divergence angle θ of the laser light, the laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 11a can enter the optical system without colliding with the substrate 13, and the lens 14 , 15 can efficiently emit laser light. Other effects similar to those of the first embodiment are achieved. A value obtained by adding about 1/2 of the thickness of the light emitting portion 11a to the thickness d corresponds to the light emitting element thickness.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 showing the relationship between the substrate 13 including the protruding portion 19 and the light emitting portion 11a, and FIG. 9 is shown in FIG.
FIG. It is also possible that the relative distance that can avoid the collision of the laser light on the substrate 13 is held by the protrusion 19 formed on the substrate 13 itself. That is, the substrate 13 includes a protrusion 19 that protrudes from the peripheral portion 13a by a predetermined distance. The semiconductor laser 11 is supported by the protrusion 19 and the thickness of the protrusion is such that the relative distance can be maintained. It is configured. Specifically, the thickness of the protruding portion is set to the light emitting portion 11a and the mirror 17 (1
When the distance e to 6) is multiplied by a value e · tan θ obtained by multiplying the tan component of the divergence angle θ of the laser light by more than e · tan θ,
The laser light emitted from the optical system 17 (16) can enter the optical system 17 (16) without colliding with the substrate 13, and the laser light can be efficiently emitted from the lens 15 (14). Other effects similar to those of the first embodiment are achieved.

FIG. 10 shows the peripheral portion 13 of the semiconductor laser 11.
FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 when the substrate thickness Tk of b is reduced, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 10. The protrusion 20 formed by making the substrate thickness Tk of the peripheral portion 13b of the semiconductor laser 11 thinner than the thickness of the substrate portion 13c adjacent to the peripheral portion 13b is configured to maintain the relative distance. Is also possible. Specifically, the light emitting unit 11
The distance between a and the mirror 17 (16) is f, and the protrusion 20
The thickness is set to this distance f, and the tan of the spread angle θ of the laser light is set.
When the value is multiplied by the value of f · tan θ multiplied by the component, the light emitting unit 1
The laser light emitted from 1a can enter the optical system slightly above the thin portion of the substrate 13 without colliding with the substrate 13, and the laser light can be efficiently emitted from the lens 15 (14). Like Other effects similar to those of the first embodiment are achieved.

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 in which the semiconductor laser 11 is supported on the substrate 13 via a supporting member.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. It is also possible to support the semiconductor laser 11 on the substrate 13 via the submount 21 as a support member, and to make the thickness of the submount 21 to maintain the relative distance. Specifically, assuming that the distance between the light emitting unit 11a and the mirror 17 (16) is g, the thickness of the submount 21 is equal to or more than a value g · tan θ obtained by multiplying the distance g by the tan component of the spread angle θ of the laser light. If the number is increased, the laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 11a can enter the optical system without colliding with the substrate 13, and the laser light can be efficiently emitted from the lens 15 (14). Other effects similar to those of the first embodiment are achieved.

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a reflector is provided in the vicinity of the semiconductor laser 11 on the substrate 13 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is an example in which the optical system of the present invention is applied to the optical space transmission device 10B. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. On the substrate 13, a mirror surface processing unit 22 as a reflector that reflects the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 is provided on the path from the semiconductor laser 11 to the mirrors 16 and 17. By providing the mirror surface processing unit 22, a part of the laser light that has collided with the substrate 13 and is shielded is also reflected by the mirror surface processing unit 22, and the mirror 16 (17),
The light passes through the lens 14 (15) and is emitted into the space. Other effects similar to those of the first embodiment are achieved.

FIG. 15 shows an optical space transmission device 10C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a mirror for avoiding collision of laser light with the substrate 13 is provided near the semiconductor laser 11. FIG. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. When a mirror that receives and reflects the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 is arranged at a position separated from the semiconductor laser 11, the laser light collides with the substrate 13.
In order to prevent this, the optical space transmission device 1 according to the present embodiment
At 0C, the mirror 2 is placed near the semiconductor laser 11.
3, 24 are provided, and the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 and directed to the substrate 13 is reflected by the mirrors 23, 24.
To reflect. Therefore, the laser light from the semiconductor laser 11 can be effectively used.

FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a photodiode 25 is arranged in the vicinity of the semiconductor laser 11 in an optical space transmission device 10D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In the vicinity of the semiconductor laser 11 on the substrate 13, a monitor photodiode 25 (hereinafter referred to as a photodiode 25) is provided as a detecting means. This photodiode 25 is
It has a function of detecting at least a part of the laser light emitted from one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 and controlling the output of the semiconductor laser 11 based on the output fluctuation. In this way, the laser light from the semiconductor laser 11 can be effectively used.

FIG. 17 relates to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is a beam splitter 26 and a photodiode 2.
FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which 7 is arranged. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. Optical space transmission device 10E of the sixth embodiment
Is a casing 12, a substrate 13, and a semiconductor laser 11.
A beam splitter 26 and lenses 14 and 15 as derivation optical parts, a mirror 16, and a photodiode 27 as detection means. On the upper surface of the substrate 13, a beam splitter 26 is fixed at a position separated from the semiconductor laser 11 to the left by a predetermined distance, and a photodiode 27 is arranged at a position further separated from the beam splitter 26 by a predetermined distance to the left. . The laser light emitted from the other end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the left is divided into a component that goes straight as it is by the beam splitter 26 and a component that reflects and goes to the lens 15. The laser light traveling straight is incident on the photodiode 27, and the output of the semiconductor laser 11 is controlled in the same manner as described above. The laser light emitted from one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the right is reflected by the mirror 16 and then upwardly emitted through the lens 14 into the space. Therefore, the output of the semiconductor laser 11 can be controlled by the photodiode 27 while the laser light from both end faces of the semiconductor laser 11 is emitted into the space.

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 for explaining a configuration for deriving the chief ray of laser light in different directions in the optical space transmission device 10F according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a table for explaining the angular intensity distribution of light when the optical free space transmission apparatus 10F of FIG. 18 is used. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In the seventh embodiment, the mirrors 28 and 29 have the function of deriving the chief ray of the laser light emitted from both end surfaces of the semiconductor laser 11 in different directions and diverging the divergence angle of the chief ray. Have. That is, the principal ray of the laser light emitted from the one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 is emitted by the mirror 28 in, for example, an obliquely right upper direction of about 45 degrees (right 45 degrees direction), and then is incident on the lens 14 and emitted into the space. To be done. The principal ray of the laser light emitted from the other end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 is emitted, for example, in the direction of about 45 degrees obliquely to the upper left (the direction of 45 degrees to the left), and then is incident on the lens 15 and emitted into the space.

The angular distribution of the laser light emitted in the space is shown in FIG. Laser light emitted only in the upper direction, that is, in the front direction, laser light emitted in the right 45 ° direction, laser light emitted in the left 45 ° direction, laser light in the right 45 ° direction, and left 45 ° FIG. 19 shows the angular distribution of the laser light obtained by combining the laser light in the degree direction. The combined (45 degrees to the right + 45 degrees to the left) laser beam has a significantly wider directivity than in the case where the laser beam is emitted only in the front direction. In this way, the semiconductor laser 1
If two optical systems are provided in the optical system of the laser beam emitted from No. 1 to have the different directions of the chief rays as described above, the directivity angle becomes large. Therefore, a long distance and a wide directivity angle can be realized at the same time in optical space transmission.

FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 for explaining a configuration in which laser light is emitted in two directions away from each other in an optical space transmission device 10G according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. However, the same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. The optical free space transmission apparatus 10G according to the eighth embodiment includes a lens 30 arranged on one side of the semiconductor laser 11 in the linear direction and a lens 31 arranged on the other side of the semiconductor laser 11 in the linear direction. Laser light emitted from one end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the right passes through the lens 30 and is emitted into the space, and laser light emitted from the other end surface of the semiconductor laser 11 to the left passes through the lens 31 and is in the space. Is injected into. As a result, the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 can be emitted in two directions of a linear direction and directions away from each other without being reflected by a mirror or the like. Therefore, even with a device having a simple structure, the laser light can reach the two directions.

As another embodiment of the present invention, for example, the projection or submount may be provided on the substrate and then the mirror surface processing section may be provided. In the seventh embodiment, the exit angle of the principal ray of the laser light from the mirror 28 (29) is not necessarily about 45 degrees to the upper right (about 45 degrees to the upper left).
It is not limited to (degree). In addition, various partial modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0054]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of laser beams are respectively emitted from a light emitting element supported by a substrate in a plurality of directions, and the laser beams are passed through a plurality of lead-out optical parts. Since it is possible to output laser light with different properties corresponding to different optical characteristics, it is possible to effectively utilize the output of the light emitting element and realize a high-performance optical system that flexibly emits laser light for a wide range of applications. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the laser beam emitted from the light emitting portion of the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate, so that the optical performance of the optical system is improved and the output of the light emitting element is improved. Can be effectively used.

Further, according to the present invention, the relative distance which can avoid the collision of the laser beam on the substrate can be realized by the thickness of the light emitting element. With such a simple structure,
It is possible to prevent the laser light emitted from the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate, improve the optical performance of the optical system, and effectively use the output of the light emitting element.

Further, according to the present invention, the relative distance which can avoid the collision of the laser beam on the substrate can be realized by the thickness of the protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laser beam emitted from the light emitting element from colliding with the substrate,
The optical performance of the optical system is improved, and the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used.

Further, according to the present invention, the thickness of the substrate in the peripheral portion of the light emitting element is made thinner than the thickness of the substrate portion adjacent to the peripheral portion to form the protruding portion, and the laser beam impinges on the substrate. The relative distance that can avoid the above can be realized by the thickness of the protrusion.

Further, according to the present invention, the thickness of the supporting member for supporting the light emitting element can prevent the laser light from colliding with the substrate from the light emitting element.

Further, according to the present invention, the laser light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflector provided at least in the vicinity of the light emitting element on the substrate. Therefore, the laser light will not be blocked by colliding with the substrate,
The output of the light emitting element can be effectively used and applied to a wide range of applications.

Further, according to the present invention, the laser light emitted from the light emitting element collides with the mirror without being shielded by the substrate, so that the output of the light emitting element can be effectively utilized and can be applied to a wide range of applications.

Further, according to the present invention, the detecting means provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element detects a part of the laser beam emitted from the light emitting element and controls the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation. You can

Further, according to the present invention, a part of the laser light emitted from the light emitting element can be used for other purposes via the beam splitter. Therefore, the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used and applied to a wide range of applications.

Further, according to the present invention, the detecting means can detect the laser beam split by the beam splitter and control the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation.

Further, according to the present invention, the principal rays of the plurality of laser beams emitted from the light emitting element can be led out in different directions by the plurality of lead-out optical parts.

Further, according to the present invention, the principal rays of the plurality of laser beams emitted from the light emitting element can be led out with different divergence angles by the plurality of lead-out optical parts.

Further, according to the present invention, the laser light can be emitted from the light emitting element in one direction in the linear direction and can be emitted in the other direction in the linear direction, and the output of the light emitting element can be effectively used and applied to a wide range of applications. .

Further, according to the present invention, the optical system can be applied to, for example, a long-distance optical space transmission device and a short-distance optical space transmission device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical space transmission device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a chart showing an angular intensity distribution of laser light.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating that laser light is distributed over a long distance and a wide directional angle.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 for explaining the emission direction of laser light.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relative distance of a light emitting unit with respect to a substrate.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relative distance of a light emitting unit with respect to a substrate.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view illustrating a relative distance of a light emitting unit with respect to a substrate.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a relationship between a substrate including a protruding portion and a light emitting portion.
FIG.

9 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 when the thickness of the substrate around the light emitting element is reduced.

11 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.

12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 in which a light emitting element is supported on a substrate via a supporting member.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a reflector is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element on the substrate.

FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a mirror capable of avoiding the collision of laser light on the substrate is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element.

16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a photodiode is arranged in the vicinity of a light emitting element.

17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in which a beam splitter and a photodiode are arranged.

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 for explaining a configuration for deriving a chief ray of laser light in different directions.

19 is a chart for explaining the angular intensity distribution of light when the optical free space transmission apparatus of FIG. 18 is used.

FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 for explaining a configuration in which laser light is emitted in two separate directions.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional space optical transmission apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a chart showing a conventional angular intensity distribution of laser light.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Optical space transmission device 11 Semiconductor laser 11a light emitting unit 13 board 14,15,30,31 lens 19 Projection 21 submount 22 Mirror processing unit 23, 24, 28, 29 Mirror 25 photodiode 26 Beam splitter 27 photodiode Tk substrate thickness

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H087 KA22 RA41 RA45 TA01 TA04                 5F073 AB21 AB25 AB27 AB29 FA02                       FA06

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A single light emitting element capable of emitting a plurality of laser beams in a plurality of directions, a substrate supporting the light emitting element, and a plurality of lead-out optical components each having different optical characteristics. System including a plurality of derivation optical components capable of outputting a plurality of laser beams emitted from the laser beam through different derivation optical components and having different properties corresponding to different optical characteristics. . 2. The light emitting element has a light emitting portion for emitting a laser beam, and the light emitting portion is arranged with a relative distance to the substrate so that at least a collision of the laser beam with the substrate can be avoided. The optical system of claim 1, wherein the optical system is: 3. The optical system according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting element is configured to have a thickness of the light emitting element capable of holding the relative distance. 4. The substrate includes a protrusion that protrudes from the peripheral portion by a predetermined distance, the light emitting element is supported by the protrusion, and the protrusion has a thickness of the protrusion capable of holding the relative distance. The optical system according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The optical system according to claim 4, wherein the protruding portion is formed by making the substrate thickness of the peripheral portion of the light emitting element thinner than the thickness of the substrate portion adjacent to the peripheral portion. . 6. The optical system according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting element is supported on the substrate via a supporting member, and the supporting member has a thickness capable of holding the relative distance. 7. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein a reflector for reflecting a laser beam emitted from the light emitting element is provided at least near the light emitting element on the substrate. 8. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein a mirror capable of avoiding collision of laser light from the light emitting element to the substrate is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element. 9. A detecting means for detecting at least a part of laser light emitted from the light emitting element and controlling the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation is provided in the vicinity of the light emitting element. Item 2. The optical system according to Item 1. 10. The optical system of claim 1, wherein the deriving optics includes a beam splitter. 11. The optical system according to claim 10, further comprising detection means for detecting the laser light branched by the beam splitter and controlling the output of the light emitting element based on the output fluctuation. . 12. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of deriving optical components have a function of deriving principal rays of the plurality of laser lights in different directions. 13. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of deriving optical components have a function of deriving the divergent angles of the principal rays of the plurality of laser lights with different divergence angles. 14. A plurality of lead-out optical components includes a lens arranged on one side of the light emitting element in the linear direction and a lens arranged on the other side of the light emitting element in the linear direction. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein 15. An optical space transmission device including the optical system according to claim 1.