Thermo-electric cooler for use in an optical assembly
US6729143B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/02446
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical assemblies of the type supported on an optical bench and comprising a one or more components such as lasers, lenses, filters, isolators and waveguides, are sensitive to movement variation. One of the causes of movement is temperature tracking. Previously, thermo-electric coolers have been used to maintain the top-surface temperature of an optical bench within a certain range. However, although thermo-electric coolers are operable to maintain optical bench temperature they are themselves still sensitive to temperature tracking and can deform. Because an optical bench is typically supported on the top surface of a thermo-electric cooler this leads to deformation of the optical bench itself and as a result performance of the optical assembly is affected. An improved design of thermo-electric cooler is described where the top surface of the cooler is divided into separate regions, each having a neutral region in which deformation is minimal. A thermally conductive sheet is placed over each of these regions such that only one temperature monitor is required. Optical components are then supported over the thermally conductive sheet in the neutral regions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.