Stamped metal optic for use in an optical communications module
AssigneeAvago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
InventorLaurence R. McColloch
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Abstract
A stamped metal optic is provided that is a unitary, or integrally formed, part that includes at least a bench for holding at least one optoelectronic component and a reflector for folding an optical pathway. The stamped metal optic is formed of a piece of metal that is shaped using known metal stamping techniques. The stamped metal optic preferably has at least one fiducial mark formed therein that is used for placement of the optoelectronic device on the bench to ensure that the optoelectronic device is precisely aligned with the reflector. Because metal objects can be formed relatively inexpensively with high precision using known stamping techniques, the stamped metal optics can be manufactured with high precision at relatively low cost.
Claims27
A stamped metal optic for use in an optical communications module, the stamped metal optic comprising:
- a unitary, or integrally formed, metal body comprising:
- a bench upon which at least one optoelectronic device is mounted in an aligned position;
- and
- a reflector integrally connected to the bench and optically aligned with said aligned position such that an optical axis of the optoelectronic device is in optical alignment with an optical axis of the reflector.
A method for forming a stamped metal optic for use in an optical communications module, the method comprising:
- performing a sheet metal stamping process on a sheet metal work piece to form a plurality of stamped metal optics in the sheet metal work piece, each stamped metal optic comprising:
- a unitary, or integrally formed, metal body comprising:
- a bench upon which at least one optoelectronic device is mounted in an aligned position;
- and
- a reflector integrally connected to the bench and optically aligned with said aligned position such that an optical axis of the optoelectronic device is in optical alignment with an optical axis of the reflector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.