US 6,486,440 B1 · Redundant package for optical components

Abstract

A redundant package for optical components includes an inner package enclosing the optical component, and an outer package enclosing the inner package. A heater may be disposed in the inner package proximate the optical component to control its temperature, and to maintain this temperature control, the outer package creates an isolated air pocket around the inner package which thermally insulates the inner package from the outside environment. The outer package is formed of a material having low thermal conductivity, to promote this insulating function. This package is especially useful if the optical component comprises a planar lightwave circuit (PLC), e.g., an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), which requires tight temperature control and structural integrity to maintain the integrity of the optical paths.

Claims30

Dependent claims

An optical component package, comprising:

a first, inner package enclosing the optical component;
and
a second, outer package enclosing the inner package, wherein the inner package comprises:
a base;
and
a heater affixed to the base with a layer of J-leads, wherein the optical component is affixed to the heater.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Redundant package for optical components

Life of this patent

Redundant package for optical components

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30