Coherent light generators – Particular beam control device – Tuning
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-25
2001-04-17
Scott, Jr., Leon (Department: 2881)
Coherent light generators
Particular beam control device
Tuning
C372S034000, C372S045013
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219362
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of tuning an opto-electronic component arrangement, which includes at least two opto-electronic components and at least one resistance heater having an electric conductor, assigned to the component, for setting the characteristic wavelength of the component.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Optical transmission systems are being increasingly used for data transmission and transmission of TV and radio channels. In general, such an optical transmission system includes an optical fiber, a semiconductor laser used as a light generator, and a light detector. The semiconductor laser emits light with a certain characteristic wavelength. This characteristic wavelength is basically dependent on the material used, but can be set within a certain wavelength range by the effect of heat, for example. In order to increase the amount of data that can be transmitted by an optical fiber, a plurality of semiconductor lasers associated with one optical fiber and operating at different wavelengths can be used. In this case, however, the wavelengths should be strictly observed, so that the data can be clearly differentiated at the end of the transmission.
The characteristic wavelength of semiconductor lasers varies within a tolerance range determined by the manufacturing technology; therefore, semiconductor lasers must be tuned prior to data transmission. For this purpose, devices known as resistance heaters are used, which change the characteristic wavelength of a semiconductor laser using a conductor mounted on a substrate by a thermal effect. Tuning is generally performed by setting the voltage applied to the electric conductor of the resistance heater, a voltage source being assigned in this case to each resistance heater.
A disadvantage of this method, however, is that it requires a very complex design. Furthermore, the arrangement cannot be tuned in a simple manner at a later time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for tuning opto-electronic components that is simple and can be performed at any time.
A method according to the present invention is distinguished by the fact that the wavelength of at least one component is measured in a first step and the deviation from the desired wavelength is determined as a function of this value. Subsequently, in a second step, the resistance of the electric conductor, assigned to the respective component, of resistance heater H and/or the resistance of one of the resistor arrangements RM connected upstream from resistance heater H is changed as a function of the wavelength deviation determined. As the heating power of resistance heater H is modified in a controlled manner, the characteristic wavelength is modified as desired.
The method allows a plurality of opto-electronic components of a component arrangement, for example, a semiconductor laser array, to be tuned. In particular, the method can be performed fully automatically, which is very advantageous in large-scale use of opto-electronic components.
Changing the resistance of the electric conductor of resistance heater H by modifying the material, for example, by removing or applying precise amounts of material, is particularly advantageous.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5469265 (1995-11-01), Measures et al.
patent: 5536085 (1996-07-01), Li et al.
patent: 5960014 (1999-09-01), Li et al.
patent: 59-204292 (1984-11-01), None
patent: 1 251686 (1989-10-01), None
Hillmer Hartmut
Klepser Bernd
Deutsche Telekom AG
Jr. Leon Scott
Kenyon & Kenyon
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