Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-24
2001-08-28
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
C385S088000, C385S089000, C385S090000, C385S091000, C385S094000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280101
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a two-part device and a method for protecting optoelectronic units as set forth in the preambles of the respective independent claims.
Optoelectronic units, e.g. photodiodes or laser diodes in combination with their electric and optical connections, must be protected from the surrounding environment. Such protection is provided by housings which are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. These housings enclose prefabricated units in the form of optoelectronic components and their electric and optical connections. In production, such technical implementations require a multitude of process steps. In addition, the housings, which are subsequently placed around the sensitive optoelectronics, do not offer optimum thermal and physical protection.
JP 07294769 A discloses a protection member which is made of a polymer resin. The member encloses an optical circuit and an optical fiber block which serves to couple light in and out. This member prevents the ingress of moisture and is to provide a certain protection against stresses and shock loading. Such a solution reduces the complexity of the production process. In this method for sealing the optical components, the individual components have already been mounted. The sealing serves to protect the completely assembled unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The two-part device according to the invention with the characterizing features of the first independent claim has the advantage that a housing is prepared which serves to protect the arrangement from external influences, such as shocks and vibrations, and that the housing has a cutout in which the optoelectronic components are precisely positioned realitve to each other and which is filled with a substance adapted to the physical requirements of the optoelectronic unit. The two-part device thus serves a dual function: it provides protection against shock loading and acts as a mold to be filled with the curable substance for physically locating the individual components.
Further advantageous features of the device are defined in the dependent claims.
Advantageously, the curable substance is a polymer. This substance is advantageously adapted to the thermal characteristic and/or the refractive index of the optoelectronic unit and/or the fiber.
Also advantageous is the method for protecting optoelectronic units, since first the optoelectronic unit as well as the optical and electric connections are installed on the substrate, then the device is placed on the substrate, the cutout is filled with the curable substance, and finally the cover of the device is placed on to protect the optoelectronic unit.
REFERENCES:
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Japanese Patent Abstract for Japanese Patent JP 072947679.
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 013, No. 499 99P-957), Nov. 10, 1989 corresponding to JP 01 200307 A dated Aug. 11, 1989.
Liévre Laurent
Tournereau Alain
Alcatel
Font Frank G.
Mooney Michael P.
Sughrue Mion Zinn Macpeak & Seas, PLLC
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