Apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device and method of operating the same

Testing apparatus operable to collect optical performance data of optoelectronic devices at different temperatures includes thermal-adjustment devices in thermal and mechanical contact with the optoelectronic devices via optoelectronic device stages. The thermal-adjustment devices can direct thermal energy to the optoelectronic devices under test without heating test targets in close proximity. Consequently, in some instances, spurious results can be avoided and rapid measurement of the optoelectronic devices different temperatures can be achieved.

BACKGROUND

The optical performance of an optoelectronic device sometimes is measured at a number of different temperatures in order to evaluate performance of the device under different operating temperatures, and to evaluate whether the optoelectronic device is stable upon repeated exposure to non-ambient temperatures (i.e., thermal cycling). These tests can include directing the optoelectronic device to capture data of a test target (e.g., a grey card). A testing apparatus may include both the optoelectronic device and the test target. In some instances, the entire apparatus is subjected to temperature changes in order to collect the test data from the optoelectronic device at the different temperatures. For example, the optoelectronic device may be heated via convection by a heating element in close proximity to the optoelectronic device. This can result, however, in the entire apparatus being heated due inefficiencies in the method of heat transfer.

Such a testing apparatus may have a number of problems. For example, as the temperature of the entire testing apparatus is altered, and the apparatus heat capacity is substantial, significant time may be required to reach a desired testing temperature. Further, sometimes the optoelectronic device is tested at elevated temperatures (e.g., 70° C.). As the entire testing apparatus must be heated to an elevated temperature, the target also is heated to an elevated temperature. This can cause a number of issues. For example, as a single target may be used to evaluate multiple optoelectronic modules (e.g., 10s, 100s, or even 1000s), the target may exhibit dimensional changes with repeated testing such that the captured test data is inaccurate. Further, the test target may experience dimensional changes during testing (i.e., at an elevated temperature). Further, the test target may change chemically (e.g., the surface may oxidize), thereby generating spurious results.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes apparatus for testing optoelectronic devices at multiple different temperatures that, in some cases, overcome the aforementioned challenges. The disclosure also describes methods for operating the apparatus. The apparatus can facilitate rapid optical performance measurements at multiple different temperatures. Moreover, the test target can exhibit reduced degradation, thereby reducing or minimizing the collection of spurious measurement data.

In a first aspect, an apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at multiple different temperatures includes an optoelectronic device stage, and a cavity disposed within the optoelectronic device stage. The cavity can be configured to accommodate the optoelectronic device such that the optoelectronic device is inset within the cavity. The apparatus further includes electrical contacts. The electrical contacts can be positioned at least partially within the optoelectronic device stage and can be operable to contact the optoelectronic device electrically. The electrical contacts can be operable to transmit testing commands and testing data between the optoelectronic device and a testing controller. The apparatus further includes a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device can be positioned within the stage proximal to the cavity and the optoelectronic device. The temperature sensing device can be operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller. The apparatus further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector fixedly connected to the optoelectronic device stage and a base. The actuatable mechanical connector(s) can be operable to bring the base and the optoelectronic device stage in thermal and mechanical communication. The apparatus further includes a thermal-adjustment device mounted proximal to the base and can be in thermal communication with the base. The thermal-adjustment device can be operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The apparatus further includes a target stage mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stage. The target stage can be operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic device. The apparatus further includes a target mounted within the target stage and aligned with the optoelectronic device.

In some implementations, the apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures includes an optoelectronic device stage in thermal communication with the optoelectronic device.

In some implementations, the thermal-adjustment device is a thermoelectric device.

In some implementations, the thermal-adjustment device is a thermal heating element.

In some implementations, the temperature-sensing device is a thermocouple.

In some implementations, the temperature-sensing device is a thermistor.

In some instances, the apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures includes a fluid-filled thermal adjustment device mounted to a thermal adjustment device, the fluid-filled thermal adjustment device being in thermal communication with the thermal adjustment device.

In some cases, the apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures includes a heat sink mounted to a thermal adjustment device, the heat sink being in thermal communication with the thermal adjustment device.

In some implementations, the heat sink is composed at least partially of aluminum.

In some instances, the heat sink is composed at least partially of copper.

In some implementations, the actuatable mechanical connector is a spring.

In some implementations, the electrical contacts are spring-loaded pins.

In some implementations, the a cover glass is mounted within the target stage and is aligned with the optoelectronic device.

In some implementations, the apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures includes a target stage and an optoelectronic device stage mounted forming a gas-tight seal around the optoelectronic device and a target.

In some implementations, the apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures includes a channel operable to conduct gas between the cavity and an area external to the cavity.

Other aspects, features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example apparatus100for testing an optoelectronic device at multiple different temperatures is depicted inFIG. 1Ain an open position. The apparatus100includes an optoelectronic device101. The optoelectronic device101includes an optoelectronic device stage102and a cavity104disposed within the optoelectronic device stage102. The cavity104is configured to accommodate the optoelectronic device101such that the optoelectronic device101is inset within the cavity104.

The apparatus100further includes multiple electrical contacts106. The electrical contacts106can be positioned at least partially within the optoelectronic device stage102and are operable to contact the optoelectronic device101electrically. The electrical contacts106are operable to transmit testing commands and testing data between the optoelectronic device and a testing controller. The electrical contacts106can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus100further includes a temperature sensing device108. The temperature sensing device108can be positioned within the optoelectronic device stage102proximal to the cavity104and the optoelectronic device101. The temperature sensing device108is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a proportionalintegralderivative (PID) controller. The temperature sensing device108can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus100further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector110. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector110is fixedly connected to the optoelectronic device stage102and a base112. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector110is operable to bring the base112and the optoelectronic device stage102in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the at least one actuatable mechanical connector110is a spring.

The apparatus100further includes a thermal-adjustment device114mounted proximal to the base112and can be in thermal communication with the base112. The thermal-adjustment device114is operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device114can be a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus100further includes a heat sink115mounted to the thermal-adjustment device114. The heat sink115is in thermal communication with the thermal adjustment device114. The heat sink115can be at least partially composed of copper or aluminum, for example. In some instances, the heat sink115is at least partially composed of a high heat capacity material and/or a material with high thermal conductivity.

The apparatus100further includes a target stage116mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stage102. The target stage116is operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic device101.

The apparatus100further includes a target118mounted within the target stage116and aligned with the optoelectronic device101as indicated by alignment arrows A1as illustrated inFIG. 1A. The target can be a grey card, for example.

FIG. 1Bdepicts the apparatus100for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures in a closed position. The apparatus100is illustrated with principal components in thermal and mechanical communication.

FIG. 2depicts another example of an apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at multiple different temperatures. The apparatus200includes an optoelectronic device201. The optoelectronic device201includes an optoelectronic device stage202and a cavity204disposed within the optoelectronic device stage202. The cavity204is configured to accommodate the optoelectronic device201such that the optoelectronic device201is inset within the cavity204.

The apparatus200further includes electrical contacts206. The electrical contacts206are positioned at least partially within the optoelectronic device stage202and are operable to contact the optoelectronic device201electrically. The electrical contacts206are operable to transmit testing commands and testing data between the optoelectronic device and a testing controller. The electrical contacts206can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus200further includes a temperature sensing device208. The temperature sensing device108is positioned within the optoelectronic device stage202proximal to the cavity204and the optoelectronic device201. The temperature sensing device208is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a PID controller. The temperature sensing device208can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus200further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector210. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector210is fixedly connected to the optoelectronic device stage202and a base212. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector210is operable to bring the base212and the optoelectronic device stage202in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the at least one actuatable mechanical connector210is a spring.

The apparatus200further includes a thermal-adjustment device214mounted proximal to the base212and is in thermal communication with the base212. The thermal-adjustment device214is operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device214can be a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus200further includes a fluid-filled thermal adjustment device220with a fluid222. The fluid-filled adjustment device220is mounted in thermal and mechanical communication with the thermal adjustment device214. The fluid222can be water, ethelyne glycol, oil, air or any other suitable fluid operable to conduct heat from the vicinity of the thermal adjustment device214and further is operable to affect rapid temperature changes on the optoelectronic device201.

The apparatus200further includes a target stage216mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stage202. The target stage216is operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic device201.

The apparatus200further includes a target218mounted within the target stage216and aligned with the optoelectronic device201. The target can be a grey card, for example.

FIG. 3depicts still another example apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures. The apparatus300includes an optoelectronic device301. The optoelectronic device301includes an optoelectronic device stage302and a cavity304disposed within the optoelectronic device stage302. The cavity304is configured to accommodate the optoelectronic device301such that the optoelectronic device301is inset within the cavity304. The apparatus300further includes a cover glass324aligned with the optoelectronic device301. The cover glass324can simulate a cover glass with which the optoelectronic device301is likely to be aligned and mounted in operation (i.e., as implemented in an end-user's device).

The apparatus300further includes electrical contacts306. The electrical contacts306are positioned at least partially within the optoelectronic device stage302and are operable to contact the optoelectronic device301electrically. The electrical contacts306are operable to transmit testing commands and testing data between the optoelectronic device and a testing controller. The electrical contacts306can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus300further includes a temperature sensing device308. The temperature sensing device308is positioned within the optoelectronic device stage302proximal to the cavity304and the optoelectronic device301. The temperature sensing device308is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a PID controller. The temperature sensing device308can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus300further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector310. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector310is fixedly connected to the optoelectronic device stage302and a base312. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector310is operable to bring the base312and the optoelectronic device stage302in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the at least one actuatable mechanical connector310is a spring.

The apparatus300further includes a thermal-adjustment device314mounted proximal to the base312and is in thermal communication with the base312. The thermal-adjustment device314is operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device314can be a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus300further includes a fluid-filled thermal adjustment device320with a fluid322. The fluid-filled adjustment device320is mounted in thermal and mechanical communication with the thermal adjustment device314. The fluid322can be water, ethylene glycol, oil, air or any other suitable fluid operable to conduct heat from the vicinity of the thermal adjustment device314and further is operable to affect rapid temperature changes on the optoelectronic device301.

The apparatus300further includes a target stage316mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stage302. The target stage316is operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic device301.

The apparatus300further includes a target318mounted within the target stage316and aligned with the optoelectronic device301. The target can be a grey card, for example.

FIG. 4depicts yet still another example apparatus for testing an optoelectronic device at different temperatures. The apparatus400includes an optoelectronic device401. The optoelectronic device401includes an optoelectronic device stage402and a cavity404disposed within the optoelectronic device stage402. The cavity404is configured to accommodate the optoelectronic device401such that the optoelectronic device401is inset within the cavity404. The apparatus400further includes a cover glass424aligned with the optoelectronic device401. The cover glass424can simulate a cover glass with which the optoelectronic device401is likely to be aligned and mounted in operation (i.e., as implemented in an end-user's device).

The apparatus400further includes electrical contacts406. The electrical contacts406are positioned at least partially within the optoelectronic device stage402and are operable to contact the optoelectronic device401electrically. The electrical contacts406are operable to transmit testing commands and testing data between the optoelectronic device and a testing controller. The electrical contacts406can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus400further includes a temperature sensing device408. The temperature sensing device408is positioned within the optoelectronic device stage402proximal to the cavity404and the optoelectronic device401. The temperature sensing device408is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a PID controller. The temperature sensing device408can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus400further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector410. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector410is fixedly connected to the optoelectronic device stage402and a base412. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector410is operable to bring the base412and the optoelectronic device stage402in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the at least one actuatable mechanical connector410can be a spring.

The apparatus400further includes a thermal-adjustment device414mounted proximal to the base412and is in thermal communication with the base412. The thermal-adjustment device414is operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device414is a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus400further includes a fluid-filled thermal adjustment device420with a fluid422. The fluid-filled adjustment device420is mounted in thermal and mechanical communication with the thermal adjustment device414. The fluid422can be water, ethylene glycol, oil, air or any other suitable fluid operable to conduct heat from the vicinity of the thermal adjustment device414and further operable to affect rapid temperature changes on the optoelectronic device401.

The apparatus400further includes a target stage416mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stage402. The target stage416is operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic device401.

The apparatus400further includes a target418mounted within the target stage416and aligned with the optoelectronic device401. The target can be a grey card, for example. In some instances, the target stage416and the optoelectronic device stage402are mounted forming a gas-tight seal around the optoelectronic device401and the target418.

The apparatus400further includes an inert gas channel426. The inert gas channel426is operable to conduct inert gas428between the cavity404and an area external to the cavity404. In some instances, inert gas428is argon or a reducing gas such as hydrogen or a mixture of gasses including hydrogen. In some instances, the inert gas channel426is operable to evacuate the cavity404. In some instances, the humidity of the cavity404is altered via the inert gas channel426.

FIG. 5Adepicts an example apparatus for testing a plurality of optoelectronic devices at different temperatures. The apparatus500A includes optoelectronic devices501. The plurality of optoelectronic devices501include optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C, and cavities504A,504B,504C correspondingly disposed within each of the optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C. The cavities504A,504B,504C are configured to correspondingly accommodate the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C such that the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C are correspondingly inset within each of the cavities504A,504B,504C.

The apparatus500A further includes electrical contacts506. The electrical contacts506are positioned at least partially within each of the optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C and are operable to correspondingly contact each of the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C electrically. The electrical contacts506are operable to correspondingly transmit testing commands and testing data between each of the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C and a testing controller. The electrical contacts506can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus500A further includes temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C is positioned within a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C proximal to a corresponding cavity504A,504B,504C and a corresponding optoelectronic device501A,501B,501C. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a PID controller. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus500A further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector510A,510B,510C fixedly connected to a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C and a base212. The at least one actuatable mechanical connector510A,510B,510C are operable to bring the base212and a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the at least one actuatable mechanical connectors510A,510B,510C are springs.

The apparatus500A further includes a thermal-adjustment device514mounted proximal to the base512and in thermal communication with the base512. The thermal-adjustment device514is operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device514can be a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus500A further includes target stages516A,516B,516C correspondingly mounted proximal to the optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C. The target stages516A,516B,516C are operable to correspondingly mechanically contact the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C.

The apparatus500A further includes targets518A,518B,518C correspondingly mounted within the target stages516A,516B,516C and correspondingly aligned with the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C. The target can be a grey card, for example.

Another example apparatus for testing optoelectronic devices at different temperatures is depicted inFIG. 5B. The apparatus500B includes optoelectronic devices501. The optoelectronic devices501include optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C, and cavities504A,504B,504C correspondingly disposed within each of the optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C. The cavities504A,504B,504C are configured to correspondingly accommodate the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C such that the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C are correspondingly inset within each of the cavities504A,504B,504C.

The apparatus500B further includes electrical contacts506. The plurality of electrical contacts506are positioned at least partially within each of the optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C and are operable to correspondingly contact each of the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C electrically. The electrical contacts506are operable to correspondingly transmit testing commands and testing data between each of the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C and a testing controller. The electrical contacts506can be spring-loaded pins (pogo-pins), for example, or other adjustable electrical contacts.

The apparatus500B further includes temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C is positioned within a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C proximal to a corresponding cavity504A,504B,504C and a corresponding optoelectronic device501A,501B,501C. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C is operable to transmit temperature sensing data to a thermal controller such as a PID controller. Each of the temperature sensing devices508A,508B,508C can be a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

The apparatus500B further includes at least one actuatable mechanical connector510A,510B,510C fixedly connected to a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C and a base212. The actuatable mechanical connectors510A,510B,510C are operable to bring the base212and a corresponding optoelectronic device stage502A,502B,502C in thermal and mechanical communication. In some instances, the actuatable mechanical connectors510A,510B,510C are springs.

The apparatus500B further includes a thermal-adjustment device514mounted proximal to the base512and in thermal communication with the base512. The thermal-adjustment device514are operable to exchange thermal energy with the base according to temperature adjustment data transmitted from the thermal controller. The thermal-adjustment device514can be a thermoelectric device or a thermal heating element, for example.

The apparatus500B further includes a target stage516mounted proximal to the plurality of optoelectronic device stages502A,502B,502C. The target stage516is operable to mechanically contact the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C.

The apparatus500B further includes targets518A,518B,518C mounted within the target stage516and correspondingly aligned with the optoelectronic devices501A,501B,501C. The target can be a grey card, for example.

Other modifications may be made to the foregoing implementations, and features described above in different implementations can be combined in the same implementations. Thus, other implementations are within the scope of the claims.