JPH01261605A - Optical axis adjusting arm for optical coupler - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent deterioration of the coupling efficiency of an optical coupler by providing knife edge sections at the handle section of an optical axis adjusting arm for optical coupler. CONSTITUTION:Knife edge section 24-1 and 24-2 to be used for holding a 2nd optical coupling section 28 between them are provided on the handle section 22 of an optical axis adjusting arm for optical coupler. Since the sections 24-1 and 24-2 hold the section 28 of an optical coupler 26 with the end sections of their sharp blades, the sections 24-1 and 24-2 can hold the 2nd optical coupling section 28 in an uninclined state even when the optical axis adjusting arm is inclined in any direction. In addition, the sections 24-1 and 24-2 hold the section 28 in an inclined state in accordance with the inclination of a 1st optical coupling section 27 when the section 27 is inclined. Therefore, occurrence of an inclined clearance can be prevented between the sections 27 and 28 and both sections 27 and 28 can be fixed without angle difference. Thus the deterioration of the coupling efficiency of an optical coupler caused by an angle difference can be prevented certainly and easily and, as a result, an optical coupler having high coupling efficiency can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to the structure of an optical axis adjustment arm used when assembling an optical coupler.

(Prior art) Conventionally, the technologies in this field are as shown in Fig. 2(a),
There was something like the one shown in (b). The configuration will be explained below using figures.

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show a conventional optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler.
) is its side view.

This optical axis adjustment arm 1 has a gripping part 2, and the gripping part 2 is constituted by a V-groove 2-1, a holding member 2-2, and a screw 2-3. The holding member 2-2 is removable,
It has a structure in which it is tightened to the V-groove 2-1 side by a screw 2-3. The optical axis adjustment arm 1 is attached to an XYZ adjustment stage 3 and is configured to be movable in the X, Y, and Z axis directions. The optical axis adjustment arm 1 configured in this manner is used to grip a part of the optical coupler 4 and adjust the optical axis when assembling the optical coupler 4.

The optical coupler 4 is shown in detail in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 2(b). This optical coupler 4 is before final assembly, and the first optical coupler 5 and the second optical coupler 6 are in a separated state.

The first optical coupling section 5 includes a semiconductor laser element (hereinafter referred to as an LD element) 7, a ball lens 8, a header 9, a cap 10, and the like. Pole lens 8 is LD
It converts the light from the element 7 into a parallel beam, and the header 9 is for bonding the LD element 7 and the pole lens 8. Further, the cap 10G is for hermetically sealing the tLD element 7, and has a window 11 for transmitting light from the LD element 7. The first optical coupling section 5 configured in this manner is fixed on a jig 12.

The optical coupling section 6 shown in surface description 2 is composed of a pole lens 12, an optical fiber cable 13, a ferrule 14, and a sleeve 15. The pole lens 12 is for condensing the light from the LD element 7 onto an optical fiber, and the ferrule 14 is for fixing the optical fiber cable 13.

Further, the sleeve 15 is for integrally fixing the pole lens 12 and the ferrule 14. The second optical coupling section 6 configured in this manner is fixed by the ferrule 14 being held in the grip section 2 of the optical axis adjustment arm 1 by the VF 12-1 and the holding member 2-2.

As described above, the optical axis adjustment arm 1 holding the second optical coupling part 6 is moved in the X, Y, and Z axis directions by the XYZ adjustment stage 3, and the second optical coupling part 5 is adjusted to the second optical coupling part 5. The optical axis of the coupling portion 6 is adjusted.

After the optical axis adjustment is completed, the first and second optical coupling portions 5 and 6 are welded and fixed using a YAG laser or the like at the locations shown in the figure. As a result, the first and second optical couplers 5 and 6 are integrated, and the optical coupler 4 is assembled.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, the optical axis adjustment arm 1 for an optical coupler having the above configuration
However, since the optical axes of the first and second optical coupling sections 5 and 6 are angularly misaligned, a problem arises in that the coupling efficiency of the optical coupler 4 is degraded. The problem will be explained below using FIGS. 3 to 5.

Figure 3 is a side view of the optical axis adjustment arm when tilted in the length direction, Figure 4 is a front view of the optical axis adjustment arm tilted in the width direction, and Figure 5 is a view of the optical coupler. It is a coupling efficiency variation curve with respect to angular deviation.

In FIG. 3, the optical axis adjustment arm 1 tends to be tilted by a small angle θ1 in its length direction due to manufacturing errors or aging due to repeated use. In such a case, when the second optical coupling part 6 is held by the grip part 2, the second optical coupling part 6 is tilted with respect to the first optical coupling part 5, and the first optical coupling part 6 is tilted with respect to the first optical coupling part 5.
Also, an inclined gap portion having an angle θ1 is generated on the coupling surfaces of the second optical coupling portions 5 and 6. If the first and second optical coupling parts 5 and 6 are welded and fixed to the hook after the optical axis adjustment in this state, the first and second optical coupling parts 5 and 6 will be attracted to each other in the inclined gap, and the light will be An angular deviation will occur in both optical axes after axis adjustment.

If such an angular deviation occurs, the coupling efficiency will fluctuate as shown in Figure 5. For example, if the angular deviation is 0.05°,
This results in a large fluctuation of 0.5 dB. In the actual optical coupler 4, an angular deviation of about 0.2 degrees at most occurs, which causes a serious deterioration of the coupling efficiency and causes a serious problem.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical axis adjustment arm 1 tends to be tilted at a small angle θ2 in the width direction, and due to this, the angle θ2 is formed between the first and second optical coupling portions 5 and 6. An inclined gap is formed. Therefore, a similar angular shift occurs in this case as well, resulting in a significant deterioration in coupling efficiency.

Furthermore, even if the optical axis adjustment arm 1 is not tilted, if the jig 12 or the first optical coupling section 5 fixed thereto is tilted, it may be caused by a similar angular shift. This will lead to deterioration of coupling efficiency.

The present invention solves the first problem that the prior art had.
The present invention also provides an optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler that solves the problem that the coupling efficiency of the optical coupler is significantly degraded due to angular deviation that occurs when assembling the second optical coupler.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides gripping of a second optical coupling part of an optical coupler in which the first and second optical coupling parts are optically coupled. In the optical coupler optical axis adjustment arm, the arm has a gripping part that adjusts the optical axis with respect to the first optical coupling part by moving the second optical coupling part together with the gripping part. A knife portion for holding the second optical coupling portion is provided.

(Function) According to the present invention, since the optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler is configured as described above, the knife portion provided in the grip portion of the optical axis adjustment arm has a sharp blade-like tip portion. It serves to hold the second optical coupling part of the optical coupler and to hold the second optical coupling part without tilting it even if the optical axis adjustment arm is tilted in any direction. Furthermore, if there is an inclination in the first optical coupling part, the second optical coupling part is moved to grip the second optical coupling part in accordance with the inclination.

Due to these functions, generation of an inclined gap between the first and second optical coupling parts is prevented, and both can be fixed without causing angular deviation.

Therefore, the above problem can be solved.

(Example) Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show an optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Further, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line B--B in FIG. 1(a) with the optical coupler removed.

In Fig. 1 (a>, (b)), this optical axis adjustment arm 2
The first gripping portion 22 includes a receiving portion 22-1 and a holding member 22-2.
and a screw 22-3. Uke is part 22
-1 and presser part +A22-2 on the mutually opposing sides,
A semicircular groove 23-1, 23-2 is provided, respectively. Inside the grooves 23-1 and 23-2, there is a rectangular knife portion 24-1°24- as shown in the sectional view of FIG.
2 are provided concentrically.

The holding member 22-2 is secured to the receiving portion 22 by a screw 22-3.
The structure allows tightening to the -1 side.

The optical axis adjustment arm 21 configured in this way is attached to the XYZ adjustment stage 25, and is mounted on the XYZ adjustment stage 25.
It has a structure that can be moved in the X, Y, and Z axis directions by the operation of 5. These optical axis adjustment arms 21 and
The adjustment stage 25 performs optical axis adjustment in the final assembly stage of the optical coupler 26.

The optical coupler 26 is shown in detail in cross-section in FIG. 1(b). This optical coupler 26 is before final assembly, and the first optical coupler 27 and the second optical coupler 28 are separated.

The first optical coupling section 27 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser element 29,
It is composed of a ball lens 301, a header 31, a cap 32, and the like. Further, the second optical coupling section 28 is configured by, for example, a ball lens 33, an optical fiber cable 34, a ferrule 35, and a sleeve 36.

Using the optical axis adjustment arm 21 configured as described above, the optical coupler 26
The assembly is done as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a method of assembling the optical coupler 26.

First, the first optical coupling section 27 assembled in advance is fixed to the jig 37 with the header 31 facing downward.

Next, the second optical coupling part 28 is placed on the cap 32 so that the sleeve 36 is in complete contact with the cap 32 .

Next, the ferrule 35 is attached to the grip part 2 of the optical axis adjustment arm 21.
2 to grasp the second optical coupling part 28. At this time, the ferrule 35 has a receiving portion 22-1 and a holding member 22-1.
It is held by the tips of knife portions 24-1 and 24-2 provided in the two grooves 23-1 and 23-2, respectively.

Therefore, if the optical axis adjustment arm 21 is set at a minute angle θ in the width direction,
Even if the sleeve 36 is in complete contact with the cap 32, the second optical coupling part 28 can be held without tilting the second optical coupling part 28. can. Similarly, even if the optical axis adjustment arm 21 is tilted in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to grip the second optical coupling portion 28 without tilting it.

Thereafter, the optical axis adjustment arm 21 holding the second optical coupling section 28 is moved to the X, Y, and Z positions by the XYZ adjustment stage 25.
By making a slight movement in the axial direction, the optical axis of the first optical coupling section 27 is adjusted.

After the optical axis adjustment is completed, the joint portion of the cap 32 and the sleeve 36, indicated by C in the figure, is welded and fixed using, for example, a YAG laser. At this time, since the second optical coupling portion 28 is not inclined, no inclined gap is generated between the cap 32 and the sleeve 36. Therefore, the first
Also, no angular deviation occurs in the second optical coupling portions 27 and 28, and deterioration of coupling efficiency can be prevented.

As described above, in this embodiment, the optical axis adjustment arm 21
By forming knife parts 24-1 and 24-2 on the grip part 22 of the optical coupler 26, no angular deviation occurs even if the optical axis adjustment arm 21 is tilted in any direction, and the optical coupler 26 has high coupling efficiency. can be obtained. In addition, even if there is an inclination not only in the optical axis adjustment arm 21 but also in the jig 37 or the first optical coupling part 27 fixed thereto, it is possible to achieve optical coupling with high coupling efficiency without angular deviation. Vessel 2
It becomes possible to obtain 6.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified in various ways, such as the following modifications.

(1) In Figure 1 (a), (b) and Figure 6,
The receiver of the gripping part 22 has semicircular grooves 23-1 and 23-2 formed in the part 22-1 and the holding member 22-2, respectively, and knife parts 24-1 and 24-2 respectively. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the gripping portion 22 may be constructed of a V-groove and a pressing member as in the prior art, and a knife portion may be formed in each. Also,
The holding member 22-2 can be tightened without using the screw 22-3.
For example, it is also possible to use a clip, a spring, or the like.

(2) The first and second optical coupling parts 27 and 28 are shown in FIG.
The present invention can also be applied to optical couplers having configurations other than those shown in a) and (b). For example, the first optical coupling section 27 may be constituted by a light emitting diode, an optical modulator, an optical amplifier, or the like. Further, the second optical coupling section 28 may be formed of a guiding waveguide formed on a semiconductor substrate or the like, for example.

(3) Although the first and second optical coupling parts 27 and 28 are fixed by welding using a YAG laser, it is also possible to use other fixing methods such as soldering.

(4) The format, structure, shape, etc. of the XYZ adjustment stage 25 and jig 37 to which the optical axis adjustment arm 21 is attached are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and can be used depending on the actual situation. Further, in place of the XYZ adjustment stage 25, another stage may be used.

(Effects of the Invention) As described in detail above, according to the present invention, since the knife portion is provided in the grip portion of the optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler, no matter what kind of inclination exists in the optical axis adjustment arm, It is possible to hold the second optical coupling portion without tilting it. Therefore, it becomes possible to fix the first and second optical coupling parts so that no angular deviation occurs.

Furthermore, even if there is an inclination on the side of the first optical coupling part, the second optical coupling part can be fixed in accordance with the inclination, and the angular deviation between the first and second optical coupling parts can be fixed. can be prevented.

Therefore, deterioration of the coupling efficiency due to the angular shift is reliably and easily prevented, and an optical coupler having high coupling efficiency can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1(a) and 1(b) show an optical axis adjusting arm for an optical coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(a) is a plan view thereof, FIG. 1(b) is a side view thereof, and FIG. (a) and (b) show a conventional optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and Fig. 3 shows an arm tilted in the direction of the coupling. FIG. 4 is a front view of the conventional optical axis adjusting arm that is tilted in the width direction, and FIG. 5 is a coupling efficiency variation curve with respect to the angular shift of the optical coupler. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 1 (a>).
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a method of assembling an optical coupler using the optical axis adjusting arms of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). 21... Optical axis adjustment arm, 22... Gripping part, 22-1... Receiving part, 22-2...
... Pressing member, 24-1.24-2 ... Knife section, 26 ... Optical coupler, 27 ...
- First optical coupling part, 28... second optical coupling part. Applicant's representative Kakimoto Kyo (deg.
) Coupling efficiency variation curve @ 550 Length direction 1 - top slope t -, conventional optical axis adjustment arm now ^ 3
It was tilted about 1 knee in the width direction. Figure 4: Optical axis adjustment arm of the 11th Song Dynasty

Claims (1)

Claims: The first and second optical coupling parts have a gripping part for gripping the second optical coupling part of the optical coupler to which the first and second optical coupling parts are optically coupled, and together with the gripping part, the second optical coupling part In the optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler that adjusts the optical axis of the first optical coupling part by moving the optical coupling part, the gripping part has a knife edge part for holding the second optical coupling part. An optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler, characterized in that it is provided with an optical axis adjustment arm for an optical coupler.