JP2003347626A - Electrooptic combined apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To miniaturize an electrooptic combined apparatus (1) such as an EDFA (erbium-doped fiber amplifier) or an ASE (amplified spontaneous emission) light source. <P>SOLUTION: In the electrooptic combined apparatus (1), an electrooptic system unit (2) including a light-emitting element driver, and an optical system unit (3) including an optical fiver, an optical amplifier element and a light- emitting element are separately formed. The unit (2) is fixed on the unit (3) as a cover portion a case (23) of the unit (3), and these units (2) and (3) are connected via a connector (20) or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electro-optical composite device such as an optical amplifier using a rare-earth doped fiber or a light source for amplifying natural radiation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various electro-optical composite devices have been used. For example, in an optical communication system, there is a DFB light source using a distributed feedback laser that generates signal light. In the above optical communication system, the signal light transmitted through the transmission optical fiber is gradually attenuated, but in order to transmit the signal light to a farther distance, the rare-earth doped amplifying the attenuated signal light. Optical amplifiers using fibers have also been used.

Further, a high-output pulse light source using a rare-earth-doped fiber for use as a light source for high-precision processing, or an ASE (Amplifier) used for optical instrument measurement
Electro-optical composite equipment such as a ified spotaneous emission (natural emission light amplification) light source is widely used.

In these electro-optical composite devices, various optical elements such as an optical fiber, an optical amplifying element, an optical isolator, an optical coupler, a laser diode for an excitation light source and a photodiode for feedback are selected and used according to the application. I have. Further, the electro-optical composite device includes an electric control circuit for operating and controlling these optical elements.

[0005] Generally, the above-mentioned optical element is characterized in that the operating characteristics are easily modulated by heat. Therefore, in order to improve the reliability of the electro-optical composite device and secure the stability of the output optical signal, the optical unit incorporating the above optical element is separate from the electric unit that easily emits heat. It was formed. When both of these units are mounted on the housing of the electro-optical composite device, they are housed in the housing in an overlapping manner, and are closed by a lid formed separately.

[0006]

However, the conventional electro-optical composite device has a problem that there is a limit to miniaturization. In other words, in the conventional electro-optical composite device, the optical system unit and the electric system unit are formed separately, the optical system unit is housed in the bottom of the housing, and the electric system unit is stacked and housed thereon, and further, The lid of the housing was fixed from above.

[0007] For this reason, unnecessary spaces are created between the optical system unit and the electric system unit and between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing. Therefore, there is a problem that the thickness of the housing for housing both units is increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an electro-optical composite device having an electric unit and an optical unit formed separately. It is in.

[0009]

The present invention is directed to an electro-optical composite device having at least a light emitting element, an optical fiber, and a light emitting element driver. In this electro-optical composite device, an electric system unit including a light emitting element driver and an optical system unit including an optical fiber and a light emitting element are formed separately, and these two units are connected by wiring. In addition, the present invention is an electro-optical composite device using an electric unit as a lid of a housing for housing the optical unit.

[0010] With this configuration, the electric system unit is used as the lid of the housing for housing the optical system unit, which has conventionally occurred between the electric system unit and the housing lid. Unnecessary space can be eliminated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least a light emitting element,
It is intended for an electro-optical composite device having an optical fiber and a light emitting element driver. In this electro-optical composite device, an electric system unit including a light emitting element driver and an optical system unit including an optical fiber and a light emitting element are formed separately, and both units have at least one connector including a socket terminal and a pin terminal. Have The socket terminal and the pin terminal are in a positional relationship in which the electrical unit can be coupled to each other in a state where the electrical unit is placed as a cover on the housing for housing the optical unit, one of which is the electrical unit and the other is the optical unit. , And the electrical system unit and the optical system unit are connected by a connector.

[0012] With this configuration, the electric unit is used as the lid of the housing that houses the optical system unit, which has conventionally occurred between the electric unit and the lid of the housing. Unnecessary space can be eliminated. Further, since the electrical system unit and the optical system unit are directly connected by the connector, wiring such as lead wires can be omitted, and further downsizing can be achieved.

Further, even when the optical unit and the electric unit need to be separated from each other, for example, at the time of repair, it can be easily separated by removing the connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electro-optical composite device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the optical system unit comprises:
An electro-optical composite device comprising an optical amplification element.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of the electro-optical composite device provided with the optical amplifier.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electro-optical composite device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the connector for connecting the electric unit and the optical unit is formed in a linear shape. An electro-optical composite device comprising a rod-shaped optical element included along a connector.

With this configuration, when fixing an elongated rod-shaped optical element such as an isolator, various couplers, and a fused portion of an optical fiber to the optical system unit,
Using the connector as a guide, the rod-shaped optical element can be attached to the connector and fixed in an orderly manner.

When the length of the connector is longer than the length of the rod-shaped optical element, the optical fiber extending from the end of the rod-shaped optical element extends along the connector along the length of the rod-shaped optical element. It is guided linearly in the direction.
Thus, when the optical fiber is housed in the housing, the optical fiber does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. Therefore, the transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electro-optical composite device according to the fourth aspect, wherein at least two connectors for connecting the electric system unit and the optical system unit are fixed in parallel at intervals. The electro-optical composite device is characterized in that an optical fiber is wound and laid along the outer surface or the inner surface of each connector, or both the outer surface and the inner surface using the connector as a guide.

With such a configuration, the rod-shaped optical element can be housed neatly along the side surface of the connector formed in a linear shape. Also, at least 2
Since the connectors are arranged and fixed in parallel at intervals, the optical fiber wound around the outer surface of the connector using these connectors as a guide is laid linearly at a portion along the connector. On the other hand, a portion extending from the connector to the other connector is laid in a curved shape having a large radius of curvature. Therefore, the optical fiber does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature over its entire length.

When the length of the connector is longer than the length of the rod-shaped optical element, the optical fiber extending from the end of the rod-shaped optical element extends along the connector along the length of the rod-shaped optical element. It is guided linearly in the direction.
Thus, when the optical fiber is housed in the housing, the optical fiber does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. Therefore, the transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

When the optical fiber is wound inside the two connectors, each connector includes two wound optical fibers.
Can be supported from any direction. Therefore, the optical fibers can be laid at predetermined positions of the optical system unit by using these connectors as guides.

When three or more connectors are used, a groove-shaped region can be formed between the connectors by appropriately adjusting and fixing the interval between the connectors. The rod-shaped optical element and the optical fiber can be housed in this groove-like area in a well-ordered manner. Also,
When a plurality of groove-shaped regions are formed by a plurality of connectors, the laying position may be divided for each type of optical fiber using the grooves, or the installation position of the optical element or the optical fiber for each channel may be divided. it can.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electro-optical composite device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the surface of the electric unit to which the electronic parts are fixed is located inside the housing. An electro-optic composite device characterized by using an electric unit as a lid of a housing in which the optical unit is housed.

With this configuration, the electronic components fixed to the electric system unit and the optical elements included in the optical system unit are both located facing each other between the electric system unit and the optical system unit. Become. Therefore, conventionally,
The unnecessary space generated between the optical system unit and the electric system unit can be effectively used, and the size of the electro-optical composite device can be further reduced.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< Embodiment 1 >> An electro-optical composite device according to the present embodiment has a rare-earth doped fiber (1.
Erbium-doped fiber (hereinafter referred to as “E
DF ". ) To amplify and output the attenuated signal light input from the transmission optical fiber of the optical communication system (hereinafter referred to as “EDFA”).

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the EDFA (1) according to the present embodiment. In the EDFA (1) according to the present embodiment, the electric system unit (2) and the optical system unit (3) housed in the housing (23) are formed separately. The electric system unit (2) is formed so as to cover the housing (23) of the optical system unit (3). Both of these units
Connector (2) having pin terminals (20a) and socket terminals (20b)
0). The connector (2
0) is a linear shape, and has a shape that is convenient for attaching an elongated so-called rod-shaped optical element.

In this embodiment, the socket terminal (20b) is fixed to the electric system unit (2), and the pin terminal (20a) is fixed to the optical system unit (3). The pin terminal (20a) and the socket terminal (20b) can be connected to each other with the electric unit (2) placed as a lid on the housing (23) that houses the optical unit (3). Fixed in positional relationship.

As shown in FIG. 2, an electric board (21) including a power supply device (5) and a light emitting element driver (6) is fixed to the surface of the electric unit (2) according to the present embodiment. I have.
As shown in FIG. 3, two socket terminals (20b) are fixed in parallel on the back surface of the electric system unit (2) at intervals. Further, at four corners of the electric system unit (2), bolt holes (25) for passing bolts for fixing the electric system unit (2) to the optical system unit (3) are formed.

The power supply device (5) according to the present embodiment adjusts a predetermined current supplied from the external power supply (4) and supplies the adjusted current to the light emitting element driver (6).

Light emitting device driver (6) according to the present embodiment
Is the PD feedback circuit (7) and LD driver circuit (8)
Is provided.

The PD feedback circuit (7) is provided with a photodiode (hereinafter referred to as “P”) mounted on the optical system unit (3).
D ". ) (9a, 9b) detect the intensity of the input light and the amplified light and receive the output electric signal. The PD feedback circuit (7) monitors information on the intensity of the input light from the PDs (9a, 9b) and the intensity of the amplified light, and is irradiated by a laser diode (hereinafter, also referred to as “LD”) of the optical system unit (3). The intensity of the excitation light to be calculated is calculated. The result of the operation is output as a control signal to the LD driver circuit (8).

The LD driver circuit (8) supplies a necessary drive current to the LD (10) according to the emission intensity of the LD (10) based on the control signal from the PD feedback circuit (7).

The EDFA (1) according to the present embodiment is
A description will be given of a case having the D (9a, 9b) and the PD feedback circuit (7). However, the PD (9a, 9b) and the PD feedback circuit (7) are not essential to the present invention. Therefore, in the present invention, PD (9a, 9b) and P (9a, 9b)
It is also possible to implement an EDFA (1) without a D feedback circuit (7).

As shown in FIG. 3, a socket terminal (20b) of a connector (20) is arranged on the back surface of the electric system unit (2) according to the present embodiment. This socket terminal (20b)
With the electrical system unit (2) placed as a lid on the housing (23) that houses the optical system unit (3), the optical system unit (3)
Is fixed at a position where it can be connected to the pin terminal (20a).

FIG. 4 shows an optical system unit according to this embodiment.
An example of the wiring diagram of (3) is shown. The optical system unit (3) according to the present embodiment includes an LD (10), a fused portion (11), a PD (9a, 9b), a rare-earth-doped fiber (12), a WDM coupler (13), and a branch coupler (14a, 14b), an optical isolator (15a, 15b), an input optical connector (17), an output optical connector (18), and an optical fiber (19) connecting these.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the optical system unit (3), the input side branch coupler (14a) and the input side optical isolator (15a) move from the input side optical connector (17) to the output side optical connector (18). ), An EDF (12), a WDM coupler (13), an output-side optical isolator (15b), and an output-side branch coupler (14b) are sequentially connected by an optical fiber (19). The optical fiber (19) branched from the input side branch coupler (14a) is connected to the input side PD (9
Connected to a). An optical fiber (19) branched from the WDM coupler (13) is connected to the LD (10). The optical fiber (19) branched from the output side coupler (14b) is connected to the output side PD (9b).

Of these optical elements, the optical isolator (1
5a, 15b), WDM coupler (13), and branch coupler (14a, 14
b), the fused portion (11) and the like are so-called rod-shaped optical elements having an elongated shape. These rod-shaped optical elements are connected to the linear pin terminals (20) fixed to the optical system unit (3).
It is positioned along the outside of a) and is fixed with an adhesive or a double-sided tape (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5, the length of the connector (20) according to this embodiment is longer than the length of the rod-shaped optical element. The optical fiber (19) extending from the end of the rod-shaped optical element is guided linearly in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped optical element along the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20). As a result, when the optical fiber is wound and housed in the housing, the optical fiber is pinned (2
0a), there is no bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. for that reason,
The transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

In this embodiment, each of the rod-shaped optical elements is fixed along the outside of the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20), but is fixed along the inside of the pin terminal (20a). It can also be positioned and fixed.
When the rod-shaped optical element is fixed inside the pin terminal (20a), the EDF (12) or the optical fiber (19) which is extended and wound from the end of the rod-shaped optical element has its own. Due to its elasticity, it sticks straight inside the pin terminal (20a).

Accordingly, each connector (20) can support the wound optical fiber (19) and the like from two directions, and these connectors (20) serve as a guide to connect the optical fiber and the like to the optical system unit (20). 3) It can be laid at a predetermined position. Further, the optical fiber (19) does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. for that reason,
The transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

The input side optical connector (17) converts the signal light transmitted by the optical fiber into the optical system unit according to the present embodiment.
This is an optical component to be introduced in (3). There are various types of optical connectors such as a single-core optical connector and a multi-core optical connector, which can be appropriately selected and used.

The input side branch coupler (14a) converts a part of the signal light input from the input side optical connector (17) to the input side PD (9a).
Branch to The input side PD (9a) is connected to the input side branch coupler (14
This is an electro-optical conversion element that detects the intensity and the like of the signal light partially branched in a) and converts it into an electric signal. The electric signal converted by the input side PD (9a) is output to the PD feedback circuit (7) of the electric system unit (2) as intensity information of the input light. For the PDs (9a, 9b), a pn junction type, a pin junction type photodiode or the like is used.

The input side optical isolator (15a) is a non-reciprocal optical component that transmits only light in the forward direction and blocks light in the reverse direction. In the present embodiment, the input side connector (1
Only the light traveling from 7) to the rare-earth doped fiber (12) is transmitted, and the light in the opposite direction is blocked. That is, the WDM coupler (1
Excitation light incident on the rare earth doped fiber (12) from 3) is prevented from leaking to the input side optical connector (17).

The fusion portion (11) is an optical element in which fibers are internally fused and covered with a protective pipe or the like.

The EDF (12) according to the present embodiment is an optical fiber having a core made of silica glass doped with erbium ions. The EDF (12) combines a signal light from an external signal light source with a specific wavelength (1.4, which is the absorption wavelength of erbium).
By injecting the excitation light in the 8 μm band or the 0.98 μm band), the incident signal light can be amplified to a high output signal light.

This is because the excitation light incident on the EDF (12) excites erbium ions in the EDF (12) and emits strong light having the same phase as the signal light due to the stimulated emission from the population inversion medium. Thereby, the signal light is amplified to a high-output signal light.

The WDM coupler (13) is an optical component used to make the pump light from the LD (10) enter the EDF (12). Examples of the WDM coupler (13) include a dielectric multilayer type coupler and a melt drawing type coupler.

The output-side optical isolator (15b), like the input-side optical isolator (15a), is a nonreciprocal optical component that transmits only light in the forward direction and blocks light in the reverse direction. In the present embodiment, only light traveling from the rare-earth-doped fiber (12) to the output-side branch coupler (14b) is transmitted, and light in the opposite direction is blocked. That is, the output side branch coupler (14b)
To prevent the high-output signal light reflected by the optical fiber from entering the rare-earth doped fiber (12).

The output side branch coupler (14b) is an optical component for branching a part of the high output signal light amplified by the EDF (12) to the PD (9b). The output side PD (9b) is an electro-optical conversion element that detects the intensity of the amplified light partially branched by the output side branch coupler (14b) and converts the intensity into an electric signal. Output side PD
The electric signal converted in (9b) is output to the PD feedback circuit (7) of the electric unit (2) as intensity information of the amplified light. For the PD (9), a pn junction type, a pin junction type photodiode or the like is used.

The output side optical connector (18) is an optical component for outputting the high output signal light amplified by the optical system unit (2) according to the present embodiment to the outside.

The LD (10) according to the present embodiment includes the EDF
The light emitting element generates excitation light incident on (12) and generates excitation light by obtaining a drive current from an LD driver circuit (8) of the electric system unit (2). In the present embodiment, a Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-LD) or the like is used.

FIG. 5 shows an optical system unit according to this embodiment.
It is a sketch which represented the internal structure of (3) typically. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical system unit (3) according to the present embodiment
Is an optical substrate (22) in which the PDs (9a, 9b), the LD (10) and the pin terminals (20a) of the connector (20) are incorporated,
(11), optical isolators (15a, 15b), WDM coupler (13),
It includes branch couplers (14a, 14b), an EDF (12), an optical fiber (19), and the like, and is housed in a housing (23).

The EDFA (1) according to the present embodiment is
The EDFA for one channel is used. However, in the case of an EDFA for two or more channels, the wiring of the optical system unit is housed in the housing according to the number of channels.

The pin terminal (20a) fixed to the optical system substrate (22) according to the present embodiment is slightly inside the long side of the optical system substrate (22) and parallel to the long side of the optical system substrate (22). It is fixed to.

In the present embodiment, two connectors (20) each having a pin terminal (20a) and a socket terminal (20b) are used, but the type of the connector (20), the number of channels of the EDFA (1), etc. It is also possible to provide two or more connectors (20) according to.

The pin terminal (20a) is connected to the optical system unit (3)
In a state where the electric unit (2) is placed as a lid on the housing (23) for storing the electronic unit (2), the electric unit (2) is fixed at a position that can be coupled to the socket terminal (20b) fixed to the electric unit (2). .

The housing (23) has a rectangular bottom (23b) and a bottom (23b).
And a side wall (23a) rising vertically from each side. Fixing pieces having bolt holes (25) at the four corners of the joint of each side wall (23a) for fixing the electric system unit (2) as a lid.
(24) is formed.

An input optical connector (17) and an output optical connector (18) are fixed to a predetermined side wall (23a) of the housing (23), and an optical fiber (19) is connected to each. ing.

The optical fiber (19) extending from the input side optical connector (17) is connected to the input side branch coupler (14) in the housing (23).
a) is connected to one end. The optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the input-side branch coupler (14a) is connected to the outside surface of the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20) fixed to the optical system board (22) and the inside of the side wall (23a). It is wound and laid in a space defined by a wall surface (in FIG. 5, it is shown in a simplified manner, but in practice, an optical fiber is wound many times).
(15a). Further, another optical fiber (19) branching from the input side branch coupler (14a) and extending is connected to the input side PD (9a).

The optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the input side isolator (15a) is connected to the EDF (12) at the fusion part (11). The EDF (12) is also wound a plurality of times in a space defined between the outer surface of the pin terminal (20a) and the inner wall surface of the side wall (23a) (simplified in FIG. Has E
The DF (12) is wound many times. ), Again the fusion part (11)
Is connected to the optical fiber (19). The optical fiber (19) connected to the output end of the EDF (12) at the fusion splice (11)
It is connected to one end of the WDM coupler (13). An optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the WDM coupler (13) is connected to one end of the output side isolator (15b). WDM coupler
Another optical fiber (19) that branches off from the other end of (13),
It is connected to an LD (10) that generates excitation light of the EDF (12).

An optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the output side isolator (15b) is connected to one end of the output side coupler (14b). One of the optical fibers (19) extending from the other end of the output-side branch coupler (14b) orbits along the inner wall surface in the housing (23), and is connected to the output-side optical connector (18),
Another optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the output side branch coupler (14b) is connected to the output side PD (9b).

The EDFA (1) according to the present embodiment is assembled as follows.

That is, the optical system unit (3) is placed so that the electrical system unit (2) faces down with the surface to which the socket terminal (20b) is fixed and the bolt holes (25) at the four corners of both units are aligned.
Placed on the housing (23). In this state, the optical system unit
Insert and connect the pin terminal (20a) fixed to (3) to the socket terminal (20b) of the electric system unit (2). Then, a predetermined bolt is tightened into the bolt holes (25) at the four corners, and both units are fixed.

Since the electro-optical composite device (1) according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, unnecessary space between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing, which has conventionally been a problem, is eliminated. be able to. Therefore, the thickness of the EDFA (1) can be reduced, and downsizing can be realized.

In this embodiment, the electric system unit
Since the configuration (2) is directly connected to the optical system unit (3) by the connector (20), wiring between the two units is not required. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a failure due to a disconnection and to realize a further downsizing.

Further, in this embodiment, the optical system unit
Two linear pin terminals (20a) are fixed to (3), so that a so-called rod-shaped optical element can be positioned along the pin terminals (20a) and fixed neatly using an adhesive or double-sided tape. . Therefore, there is no need for a guide member or the like conventionally used for positioning and fixing the rod-shaped optical element in the optical system unit.

Since the optical fiber (19) and the EDF (12) are wound and laid along the outer surface of the pin terminal (20a), no bending deformation with a small radius of curvature occurs.

<< Modification of the Embodiment >> A modification of the embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, an electric board (21) including a power supply device (5) and a light emitting element driver (6) is fixed to the surface of an electric unit (2) according to the present modification. I have. The socket terminal (20b) is fixed on the electric board (21). Further, bolt holes (25) through which bolts for fixing the electric system unit (2) to the optical system unit (3) are formed at four corners of the electric system unit (2).

In this modification, the optical system unit (3)
Is configured similarly to the optical system unit (3) according to the embodiment.

The EDFA (1) according to this modification is assembled as follows.

That is, the electric system unit (2) is placed with the electric system board (21) to which the socket terminal (20b) is fixed down, so that the bolt holes (25) at the four corners of both units are aligned. It is placed on the housing (23) of (3). In this state, the pin terminal (20a) fixed to the optical system unit (3) is inserted and connected to the socket terminal (20b) of the electric system unit (2).

Then, a predetermined bolt is tightened in the bolt holes (25) at the four corners, and the both units are fixed.

Since the EDFA (1) according to the present modification is configured as described above, unnecessary space between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing (23), which has conventionally been a problem, is eliminated. can do. The electrical board (21) on which electronic components such as capacitors and resistors are fixed is mounted on the optical unit (3).
In the case (23). Therefore, in the electro-optical composite device (1) according to the present modification, the housing (23) having a small thickness is formed.
The electronic components and the optical elements can be collectively stored therein, and further miniaturization can be realized.

Embodiment 2 The present invention relates to an ASE light source (30) using a rare earth doped fiber (12) as well as an EDFA.
Can also be applied.

The ASE light source (30) is a light source using a rare earth doped fiber (12) in which a rare earth element such as erbium, praseodymium, neodymium or the like is added to the core. The operating principle of the ASE light source (30) is to excite a rare earth element by inputting an excitation light having a specific wavelength into a rare earth doped fiber (12). Further, the light source is a light source that takes out, as an output, light in a wide band emitted when the excited rare earth element returns to the ground state.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment. In the ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment, the electric unit (2) and the optical unit (3) are formed separately. The electric system unit (2) is configured by fixing various electronic components on a flat substrate. on the other hand,
The optical system unit (3) includes PD (9), LD (10), rare earth doped fiber (12), WDM coupler (13), branch coupler (14),
An optical element such as an optical isolator (15), a non-reflection terminal (26), and an optical fiber (19) connecting them is housed in a housing (23).

The electric system unit (2) is an optical system unit (3)
It is formed so that the housing (23) can be covered. These two units are connected by a connector (20) having a pin terminal (20a) and a socket terminal (20b).
The connector (20) according to the present embodiment has a linear shape, and has a shape that is convenient for attaching an elongated, so-called rod-shaped optical element.

In this embodiment, the socket terminal (20b) is fixed to the electric system unit (2), and the pin terminal (20a) is fixed to the optical system unit (3). The pin terminal (20a) and the socket terminal (20b) can be connected to each other when the electric unit (2) is placed as a cover on the housing (23) that houses the optical unit (3). Relationships have been fixed.

The power supply device (5) according to the present embodiment adjusts a predetermined current supplied from the external power supply (4) and supplies the adjusted current to the light emitting element driver (6).

Light emitting device driver (6) according to the present embodiment
Is the PD feedback circuit (7) and LD driver circuit (8)
Is provided. The LD driver circuit (8) receives an output signal from the PD feedback circuit (7) and outputs a drive current optimum for the LD (10) that generates pump light. The PD feedback circuit (7) is a PD mounted on the optical unit (3).
(9) detects the intensity of the spontaneous emission light, monitors the output electric signal, calculates an optimum value of the driving current output to the LD (10), and outputs a control signal to the LD driver circuit (8). I do.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a wiring diagram of the optical system unit (3) of the ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment. The optical system unit (3) according to the present embodiment includes an LD (10), a fused portion (11),
PD (9), rare earth doped fiber (12), WDM coupler (1
3), branch coupler (14), optical isolator (15), non-reflective termination
(26), and an optical fiber (19) connecting them.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the optical system unit (3), the rare-earth doped fiber (12), the WDM coupler (13), the optical An isolator (15) and a branch coupler (14) are sequentially connected to an optical fiber (1
9) is connected. The optical fiber (19) branched from the WDM coupler (13) is connected to the LD (10). The optical fiber (19) branched from the branch coupler (14)
Connected to PD (9).

Of these optical elements, the optical isolator (1
5), the WDM coupler (13), the branch coupler (14) and the like are so-called rod-shaped optical elements having an elongated shape. These rod-shaped optical elements are positioned along the outside of the linear pin terminals (20a) fixed to the optical system unit (3), and are fixed with an adhesive or a double-sided tape (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 9, the length of the connector (20) according to the present embodiment is longer than the length of the rod-shaped optical element. The optical fiber (19) extending from the end of the rod-shaped optical element is guided linearly in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped optical element along the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20). As a result, when the optical fiber is wound and housed in the housing, the optical fiber is pinned (2
0a), there is no bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. for that reason,
The transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

In this embodiment, each of the rod-shaped optical elements is fixed along the outside of the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20), but is fixed along the inside of the pin terminal (20a). It can also be positioned and fixed.
When the rod-shaped optical element is fixed inside the pin terminal (20a), the EDF (12) or the optical fiber (19) which is extended and wound from the end of the rod-shaped optical element has its own. Due to its elasticity, it sticks straight inside the pin terminal (20a).

Accordingly, each connector (20) can support the wound optical fiber (19) and the like from two directions, and these connectors (20) serve as a guide to connect the optical fiber and the like to the optical system unit (20). 3) It can be laid at a predetermined position. Further, the optical fiber (19) does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. for that reason,
The transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

The rare-earth doped fiber (1
2) is a fiber having a core made of silica glass doped with erbium, praseodymium, neodymium or the like. The rare earth element contained in the core is excited by injecting the LD (10) with excitation light having a specific wavelength (absorption wavelength of the rare earth element contained in the rare earth doped fiber) from the LD (10) to the rare earth doped fiber (12). When the rare earth element thus excited returns to the ground state, spontaneous emission light is output.

The WDM coupler (13) is an optical component used to introduce the pump light from the LD (10) into the rare earth doped fiber (12).

The optical isolator (15) is a non-reciprocal optical component that transmits only light in the forward direction and blocks light in the reverse direction. In the present embodiment, rare earth doped fiber (12)
Only the light traveling from the optical fiber to the branch coupler (14) is transmitted, and the light in the opposite direction is blocked. That is, the spontaneous emission light reflected by the branch coupler (14) is prevented from being incident on the rare earth doped fiber (12).

The fusion section (11) is an optical element in which fibers are internally fused and covered with a protective pipe or the like.

The branch coupler (14) is a rare earth doped fiber.
This is an optical component for branching a part of the spontaneous emission light emitted in (12) to the PD (9). PD (9) is a branch coupler (14)
This is an electro-optical conversion element that detects the intensity of the spontaneous emission light partially branched by and converts the intensity into an electric signal. The electric signal converted by the PD (9) is output to the PD feedback circuit (7) of the electric unit (2) as intensity information of the spontaneous emission light.
For the PD (9), a pn junction type, a pin junction type photodiode or the like is used.

The output side optical connector (18) is an optical terminal for outputting spontaneous emission light generated by the optical system unit (2) according to the present embodiment to the outside.

The LD (10) according to the present embodiment is a light-emitting element for generating excitation light incident on the rare-earth doped fiber (12), and is an LD driver circuit of the electric unit (2).
A drive current is input from (8) to generate pump light. In this embodiment, a Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-
LD) and the like are used.

The rare-earth doped fiber (1
A non-reflection terminal (26) is connected to one end of 2). The non-reflection terminal (26) is an optical element for absorbing the emission light emitted in the direction opposite to the output side optical connector (18) out of the spontaneous emission light emitted from the rare earth doped fiber (12). still,
Instead of the non-reflection end (26), a reflector can be provided or anti-reflection processing can be performed.

FIG. 9 shows an optical system unit according to this embodiment.
The sketch which represented the internal structure of (3) typically is shown. As shown in FIG. 9, the optical system unit (3) according to the present embodiment
The optical system board (22) in which the PD (9), the LD (10) and the pin terminal (20a) of the connector (20) are incorporated, a WDM coupler (13), a branch coupler (14), an optical isolator ( 15), optical components such as a rare earth doped fiber (12) and an optical fiber (19) are housed in a housing (23).

The ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment
Is an ASE light source for one channel. In the case of an ASE light source for two or more channels, the wiring of the optical system unit is housed in the housing according to the number of channels.

A pin terminal (20a) is fixed slightly inside the long side of the optical system substrate (22) according to the present embodiment in parallel with the long side of the optical substrate (22).

In this embodiment, the connector (20)
Although the number is used, the number is not particularly limited. Therefore, a required number of connectors (20) can be provided according to the type of the connector (20), the number of channels of the ASE light source (30), and the like.

The pin terminal (20a) is connected to the optical system unit (3).
With the electrical unit (2) placed as a lid on the housing (23), the socket terminal fixed to the electrical unit (2)
It is fixed at a position where it can be combined with (20b).

The housing (23) has a rectangular bottom (23b) and a bottom (23b).
And a side wall (23a) rising vertically from each of the pieces. Fixing pieces having bolt holes (25) at the four corners of the joint of each side wall (23a) for fixing the electric system unit (2) as a lid.
(24) is formed. Also, a predetermined side wall portion of the housing (23)
The output side optical connector (18) is fixed to (23a).

An optical fiber extending from the non-reflective end (26)
(19) is connected to one end of the rare-earth-doped fiber (12) at a fusion splice (11). The rare-earth doped fiber (12) is formed by winding an arbitrary length a plurality of times around the outer side of the pin terminal (20a) along the inner wall surface of the side wall (23b) (in FIG. 9, it is simplified. Is actually wound many times.), And is again connected to the optical fiber (19) by the fusion splicing part (11). Fusion part
The optical fiber (19) connected to the output end side of the rare earth doped fiber (12) in (11) is connected to one end of the WDM coupler (13). An optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the WDM coupler (13) is connected to one end of the optical isolator (15). Another optical fiber (19) that branches off from the other end of the WDM coupler (13) is connected to an LD (10) that generates excitation light for the rare-earth doped fiber (12).

The optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the optical isolator (15) is connected to one end of the branch coupler (14). One of the optical fibers (19) extending from the other end of the branch coupler (14) is wound a plurality of times along the inner wall surface inside the housing (23), and is connected to the output-side optical connector (18). Another optical fiber (19) extending from the other end of the branch coupler (14) is a PD.
Connected to (9).

The ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment is assembled as follows.

That is, the electrical system unit (2) is placed so that the surface to which the socket terminal (20b) is fixed faces downward, so that the bolt holes (25) at the four corners of both units are aligned.
Placed on the housing (23). In this state, the optical system unit
Insert and connect the pin terminal (20a) fixed to (3) to the socket terminal (20b) of the electric system unit (2). Then, a predetermined bolt is tightened into the bolt holes (25) at the four corners, and both units are fixed.

Since the ASE light source (30) according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary space between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing, which has been a problem in the past. it can. Therefore, the thickness of the ASE light source (30) can be reduced, and downsizing can be realized.

Further, in this embodiment, the electric unit
Since the configuration (2) is directly connected to the optical system unit (3) by the connector (20), wiring between the two units is not required. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a failure due to a disconnection and to realize a further downsizing.

Further, in this embodiment, the optical system unit
Two linear pin terminals (20a) are fixed to (3), so that the so-called rod-shaped optical element can be neatly fixed along the pin terminal (20a). Therefore, a guide for fixing the rod-shaped optical element is provided. No components are required. Further, since the optical fiber (19) and the EDF (12) are wound and laid along the outer surface of the pin terminal (20a), bending deformation with a small radius of curvature does not occur.

<< Embodiment 3 >> The present invention can be applied to a DFB light source or the like which does not use an optical amplification element such as an EDF.

A DFB light source is a light source using a distributed feedback laser diode (hereinafter, referred to as "DFB-LD") as a light emitting element, and is used as a signal light source or the like in an optical communication system.

FIG. 10 shows a DFB light source (40) according to this embodiment.
FIG. The DFB light source (40) according to the present embodiment includes:
The electric unit (2) and the optical unit (3) are formed separately. The electric system unit (2) is configured by fixing various electronic components on a flat substrate. On the other hand, the optical system unit (3) includes a DFB-LD (41), a PD
(9), branch coupler (14), and optical fiber connecting them (1
9) The optical elements are housed in a housing (23).

The electric system unit (2) includes the optical system unit (3).
It is formed so that the housing (23) can be covered. These two units are connected by a connector (20) formed in a linear shape.

In this embodiment, the socket terminal (20b) is fixed to the electric system unit (2), and the pin terminal (20a) is fixed to the optical system unit (3). These pin terminal (20a) and socket terminal (20b) are the housing that houses the optical unit (3).
In the state (23), the electric system unit (2) is fixed as a lid so that the electric system unit (2) can be connected to each other with the electric system unit (2) mounted thereon.

As shown in FIG. 11, the optical system unit (3)
Then, the optical fiber (1) exiting from the output end of the DFB-LD (41)
9) is connected to the branch coupler (14). Branch coupler (1
4) branches a part of the signal light output from the DFB-LD (41) to the PD (9). The signal light other than the light branched to the PD (9) is output from the output side optical connector (18) to the transmission optical fiber. The branched signal light is converted into an electric signal by the PD (9), and the electric signal is converted to the electric signal of the electric unit (2) through the connector (20).
Output to the D feedback circuit (7). The PD feedback circuit (7) monitors the intensity of the signal light, and
The optimum value of the drive current output to (0) is calculated, and a control signal is output to the LD driver circuit (8).

[0117] The DFB light source (40) according to the present embodiment is assembled as follows.

That is, the electric system unit (2) is connected to the optical system unit with the surface to which the socket terminal (20b) is fixed facing downward.
It is placed on the housing (23) of (3). In this state, connect the pin terminal (20a) fixed to the optical unit (3) to the electrical unit.
Insert and connect to the socket terminal (20b) of (2). Both units are fixed by suitable fixing means such as bolts.

Since the DFB light source (40) according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary space between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing, which has been a problem in the past. it can. Therefore, the thickness of the DFB light source (40) can be reduced, and the overall size can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the electric unit
Since the configuration (2) is directly connected to the optical system unit (3) by the connector (20), wiring between the two units is not required. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a failure due to a disconnection and to realize a further downsizing.

[0121]

The present invention has the following effects.

In the electro-optical composite device according to the present invention, the electric system unit and the optical system unit are formed separately, and the electric system unit is used as a lid of a housing for housing the optical system unit. Unnecessary space that has conventionally been created between the electric system unit and the lid of the housing can be eliminated. Therefore, the size of the electro-optical composite device can be reduced.

In the electro-optical composite device according to the present invention, a connector is provided in such a manner that the electrical system unit is placed as a cover on the housing for housing the optical system unit and the two units can be directly connected to each other. It is also possible. Therefore, since the electrical system unit and the optical system unit are directly connected by the connector, wiring such as a lead wire can be omitted, and further downsizing can be achieved.

Further, even when it becomes necessary to separate the optical system unit and the electric system unit, for example, during repair, the two units can be easily separated by removing the connector.

In the electro-optical composite device according to the present invention, the connector for connecting the electric system unit and the optical system unit is formed in a linear shape, and the rod-shaped optical element included in the optical system unit is installed along the connector. It is also possible. For this reason, without using a separate guide member,
The rod-shaped optical element can be neatly fixed in the housing. Further, when the length of the connector is configured to be longer than the length of the rod-shaped optical element, the optical fiber does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature at the end of the rod-shaped optical element. Therefore, the transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

In the electro-optical composite device according to the present invention, it is possible to wind the optical fiber along the inner surface and the outer surface of each connector by using at least two connectors as guides. For this reason, the rod-shaped optical element and the optical fiber must be neatly housed in a space formed between the outer surface of the connector and the inner wall surface of the housing or a groove-shaped region formed between the connector and the connector. Can be. Further, the optical fiber does not undergo bending deformation with a small radius of curvature over its entire length. Therefore, the transmission loss of the optical fiber can be suppressed low, and the breakage of the optical fiber at the end of the rod-shaped optical element can be prevented.

In the electro-optical composite device according to the present invention, the surface of the electric unit to which the electronic components are fixed is opposed to the inside of the housing, and is used as a lid of the housing in which the optical unit is housed. It is also possible to use an electric unit. For this reason, electronic components and optical elements can be collectively stored in the housing of the optical system unit, and the overall size of the electro-optical composite device can be further reduced.

According to the present invention, the electric system unit and the optical system unit are formed separately, regardless of whether the electro-optical composite device includes the optical amplifying element or not. It can be applied to optical composite equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an EDFA according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic surface view of an electric system unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the electric system unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a wiring diagram of the EDFA according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an internal perspective view of an optical system unit of the EDFA according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic surface view of an electric system unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an ASE light source according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a wiring diagram of the ASE light source according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an internal perspective view of an optical system unit of the ASE light source according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a DFB light source according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram of a DFB light source according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

(1) Electro-optical composite equipment (2) Electric system unit (3) Optical system unit (9) PD (10) LD (12) Rare earth doped fiber (20) Connector (20a) Pin terminal (20b) Socket terminal (23) Housing

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Masatoshi Tabira             4-3 Ikejiri, Itami-shi, Hyogo Mitsubishi Electric Wire             Inside Itami Works, Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor: Kiyoshi Kawamura             4-3 Ikejiri, Itami-shi, Hyogo Mitsubishi Electric Wire             Inside Itami Works, Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5F072 AB09 AB13 AK06 GG02 GG09                       JJ01 KK24 PP07 YY15 YY17

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electro-optical composite device having at least a light emitting element, an optical fiber, and a light emitting element driver, wherein an electric system unit including a light emitting element driver and an optical system unit including an optical fiber and a light emitting element are separately provided. An electro-optical composite device formed, wherein both units are connected by wiring, and an electric unit is used as a lid of a housing for housing the optical unit. 2. An electro-optical composite device having at least a light emitting element, an optical fiber and a light emitting element driver, wherein an electric system unit including a light emitting element driver and an optical system unit including an optical fiber and a light emitting element are separately provided. It has at least one connector formed of a socket terminal and a pin terminal, and the socket terminal and the pin terminal can be connected to each other in a state where the electric unit is placed as a cover on a housing for housing the optical unit. An electro-optical composite device in which either one is fixed to an electrical unit and the other is fixed to an optical unit in a positional relationship, and the electrical unit and the optical unit are connected by a connector. 3. The electro-optical composite device according to claim 1, wherein the optical system unit includes an optical amplification element. 4. The electro-optical composite device according to claim 2, wherein the connector for connecting the electric unit and the optical unit is formed in a linear shape, and the rod-shaped optical unit included in the optical unit. An electro-optical composite device, wherein an element is arranged along a connector. 5. The electro-optical composite device according to claim 4, wherein at least two connectors for connecting the electric system unit and the optical system unit are fixed in parallel at intervals. An electro-optical composite device, wherein an optical fiber is wound and laid along an outer surface or an inner surface of each connector or both surfaces of an outer surface and an inner surface as a guide. 6. The electro-optical composite device according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the electric unit to which the electronic components are fixed is opposed to an inside of the housing. An electro-optical composite device, wherein an electric unit is used as a lid of a housing in which the optical unit is stored.