Cooled externally modulated laser for transmitter optical subassembly

A transistor header assembly for use in transmitter optical subassemblies of optical transceivers. The header assembly has a base with a platform extending through. The platform has a conductive trace extending through the platform for making connections on both sides of the base. A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is used to dissipate heat from a laser within the header assembly. The TEC dissipates heat sufficiently to allow an externally modulated laser (EML) to be used in the header assembly. In this manner, EMLs can be used in relatively small optical devices, including small form factor transceivers that comply with the XFP standard. The XFP modules with EMLs can be used for longer links than XFPs without EMLs. In addition, EMLs can be stabilized using TECs so that XFP modules can be used for DWDM-type applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technological Field

This invention is generally concerned with the field of opto-electronic systems and devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a transistor header that includes various features directed to the enhancement of the reliability and performance of various electronic devices, such as lasers, included in the transistor header.

2. Related Technology

Fiber-optic and opto-electronics have become important components in modern networking circuits. Using fiber-optic circuits allows for efficient, accurate and quick transmission of data between various components in a network system.

As with the design of most any system, there are engineering tradeoffs that often have to be made when implementing fiber optic systems. For example, the size and modularity of components must often be balanced against the need for additional space to accommodate heat dissipation and circuit monitoring components. While it is desirable to minimize a component's size, some configurations have previously limited this minimization due to their inherent characteristics. For example, previously many lasers used in fiber-optic systems that have the characteristics needed for long-distance transmission and/or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) generated amounts of heat that could not be dissipated by some smaller package sizes. Further, smaller package sizes have a limited amount of space available for mounting and connecting additional components such as thermistors, monitor photodiodes, thermoelectric coolers, or impedance matching circuits.

Regarding smaller package sizes, it is desirable in fiber optic systems to use modular components so that a system can be created in a compact area and with as little expensive customization as possible. For example, many fiber optic systems are able to use modular transceiver modules. The modular transceiver modules include an input receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) and an output transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA). The ROSA comprises a photodiode for detecting optical signals and sensing circuitry for converting the optical signals to digital signals compatible with other network components. The TOSA comprises a laser for transmitting optical signals and control circuitry for modulating the laser according to an input digital data signal. The TOSA has an optical lens for collimating the light signals from the laser of the TOSA to an optical fiber. Additionally, the transceiver module includes pluggable receptacles for optically connecting the TOSA and the ROSA with other components within a fiber optic network.

The transceiver module often includes an electronic connector for connection to electrical components of the computer or communication device with which the transceiver module operates (a “host system”). The design of the transceiver, as well as other components within the fiber optic system, is standards-based, such that components can be connected without significant customization.

One particular pluggable standard that is currently being developed is the 10-Gigabit Small Form-factor Pluggable (XFP) standard. This standard defines various characteristics such as size, power consumption, connector configuration, etc. With regards to power consumption, the XFP standard references three power consumption levels of 1.5 W, 2.5 W and 3.5 W. When designing devices to operate within the XFP standard, attention must be given to what components are selected and how they are configured so as to not exceed the rated power consumption. These devices are constrained by principles of semiconductor physics to work preferentially in a certain temperature range. The module power dissipation and the package size and materials uniquely determine the module operating temperature for given ambient conditions, such as ambient temperature, airflow, etc. The resulting module operating temperature determines the types of optical and electronic components that can be successfully operated within the package. One such package is known as a transistor-outline header, otherwise known as a TO can or TO.

Transistor-outline headers are widely used in the field of opto-electronics, and may be employed in a variety of applications. As an example, transistor headers are sometimes used to protect sensitive electrical devices, and to electrically connect such devices to components such as printed circuit boards (“PCB”).

With respect to their construction, transistor headers often consist of a cylindrical metallic base with a number of conductive leads extending completely through, and generally perpendicular to, the base. With regard to the metallic base, the size of the base is often sized to fit within a specific TO standard size and lead configuration, examples of which include a TO-5 or TO-46. The leads are hermetically sealed in the base to provide mechanical and environmental protection for the components contained in the TO package, and to electrically isolate the conductive leads from the metallic material of the base. Typically, one of the conductive leads is a ground lead that may be electrically connected directly to the base.

Various types of devices are mounted on one side of the base of the header and connected to the leads. Generally, a cap is used to enclose the side of the base where such devices are mounted, so as to form a chamber that helps prevent contamination or damage to those device(s). The specific characteristics of the cap and header generally relate to the application and the particular device being mounted on the base of the header. By way of example, in applications where an optical device is required to be mounted on the header, the cap is at least partially transparent so to allow an optical signal generated by the optical device to be transmitted from the TO package. These optical TO packages are also known as window cans.

Although transistor headers have proven useful, typical configurations. nevertheless pose a variety of unresolved problems. Some of such problems relate specifically to the physical configuration and disposition of the conductive leads in the header base. As an example, various factors combine to compromise the ability to precisely control the electrical impedance of the glass/metal feedthrough, that is, the physical bond between the conductive lead and the header base material. One such factor is that there is a relatively limited number of available choices with respect to the diameter of the conductive leads that are to be employed. Further, the range of dielectric values of the sealing glass typically employed in these configurations is relatively small. And, with respect to the disposition of the conductive leads, it has proven relatively difficult in some instances to control the position of the lead with respect to the through hole in the header base.

Yet other problems in the field concern those complex electrical and electronic devices that require many isolated electrical connections to function properly. Typically, attributes such as the size and shape of such devices and their subcomponents are sharply constrained by various form factors, other dimensional requirements, and space limitations within the device. Consistent with such form factors, dimensional requirements, and space limitations, the diameter of a typical header is relatively small and, correspondingly, the number of leads that can be disposed in the base of the header, sometimes referred to as the input/output (“I/O”) density, is relatively small as well.

Thus, while the diameter of the header base, and thus the I/O density, may be increased to the extent necessary to ensure conformance with the electrical connection requirements of the associated device, the increase in base diameter is sharply limited, if not foreclosed completely, by the form factors, dimensional requirements, and space limitations associated with the device wherein the transistor header is to be employed.

A related problem with many transistor headers concerns the implications that a relatively small number of conductive leads has with respect to the overall performance of the device and the need to connect additional circuitry required by certain types of laser when the transistor header is used. Semiconductor lasers circuits operate more efficiently when the circuit driving the semiconductor laser has an impedance that is equal to the impedance of the laser itself. There is a special need for impedance matching and load balancing when circuits are operating at relatively high frequencies, such as is the case in many semiconductor laser communication circuits. Mismatched circuits may cause transmission line reflections and a corresponding inability to maximize the power delivered to the semiconductor laser. Additionally, transmission line reflections can cause intensity noise and phase noise that results in transmission penalties in the fiber-optic circuit. Impedance matching is often accomplished through the use of additional electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transmission lines such as microstrips, striplines, or coplanar waveguides. However, such components cannot be employed unless a sufficient number of conductive leads are available in the transistor header. Thus, the limited number of conductive leads present in typical transistor headers has a direct negative effect on the performance of the semiconductor laser or other device.

In connection with the foregoing, another aspect of many transistor headers that forecloses the use of, for example, components required for impedance matching, is the relatively limited physical space available on standard headers. In particular, the relatively small amount of space on the base of the header imposes a practical limit on the number of components that may be mounted thereon. To overcome that limit, some or all of any additional components desired to be used must instead be mounted on the printed circuit board, some distance away from the laser or other device contained within the transistor header. Such arrangements are not without their shortcomings however, as the performance of active devices in the transistor header, such as lasers and integrated circuits, depends to some extent on the physical proximity of related electrical and electronic components. By minimizing the distance between the lasers and integrated circuits to the additional components required for impedance matching, the inherent transmission line between such components is minimized. As such, placing the components in close physical proximity reduces reflective transmission line losses.

Even when a sufficient number of contacts are available to connect external components to the laser for impedance matching, other problems arise. For example, one of the simplest methods of impedance matching is by shunting a resistive impedance across the laser source wherein the shunting impedance matches the impedance of the laser. The problem with this solution is that it adds an additional load to the power supply where the additional load is the shunt resistor and thus wastes power and generates heat.

In one example, suppose that a laser has a 25 ohm load impedance and a laser driver has a 12.5 ohm source impedance. To match the laser impedance, a 25 ohm resistor is shunted across the laser. This results in a 12.5 ohm load for the laser driver that, while impedance matched, requires more power to drive than if the laser driver only needed to drive a 25 ohm load. One way to eliminate the need for external components is to create an appropriately designed transmission line that transmits the laser signal from the laser driver to the laser itself, with proper characteristic impedance to match the laser and the laser driver. In this way, the laser driver efficiently supplies power to the 25 ohm load while minimizing harmful reflections. Such transmission lines are often appropriately sized microstrips, striplines, or coplanar waveguides, etc., formed on a printed circuit board using the characteristics of the conductive materials on the circuit board and the substrate on which the conductive materials are placed. As such, whereas transistor headers do not have internal printed circuit boards available, such matching transmissions lines cannot be constructed.

In addition to the need for matching circuits, there is also often a need for other additional circuitry. For example, an externally modulated laser (EML) comprises a laser and a semiconductor modulator. Examples of lasers that can be used with EMLs include a distributed feedback (DFB) laser or a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser. Examples of modulators include an electroabsorptive modulator, in which the modulator absorbs light depending on a control voltage, or various interferometric modulators, such as the Mach-Zehnder modulator, often made with lithium niobate. An eternally modulated laser having an electroabsorptive modulator can be referred to as an EA EML (electroabsorbtive externally modulated laser). The integrated modulator has additional connections that require control signals from devices external to the transistor header that are normally not required when a laser without the integrated modulator is included. As such, without additional connections, lasers, such as EMLs, cannot be implemented in current transistor header designs.

The problems associated with various typical transistor headers are not, however, limited solely to geometric considerations and limitations. Yet other problems relate to the heat generated by components within, and external to, the transistor header. Specifically, transistor headers and their associated subcomponents may generate significant heat during operation. It is generally necessary to reliably and efficiently remove such heat to optimize performance and extend the useful life of the device.

However, transistor headers are often composed primarily of materials, Kovar for example, that are not particularly good thermal conductors, but are instead selected for their properties of minimum thermal expansion and contraction, to match glass-metal seals and guarantee hermeticity. Such poor thermal conductivity does little to alleviate heat buildup problems in the transistor header components and may, in fact, exacerbate such problems. Various cooling techniques and devices have been employed in an effort to address this problem, but with only limited success. Such cooling problems have limited the types of lasers that may be used in transistor header applications. Particularly, such cooling problems have presented significant barriers to using lasers that are adapted for long-range fiber-optic communications such as externally modulated lasers (EMLs) that generate significant amounts of heat.

One drawback of using an EML is the heat that is generated by such a laser. Typically, most EMLs are operated between 25° C. to 30° C. As such, external cooling has commonly been required to pump heat away from the EML to maintain the laser at an appropriate operating temperature. The need for cooling components has previously imposed a limitation on the size of packages into which an EML is integrated. Further, because of the need for active cooling, the power consumption of a device integrating an EML is often greater than that allowed by many of the smaller package size standards such as XFP. Previously, EMLs have not been effectively integrated into smaller packages because of these cooling requirements. Additionally, in order to keep a laser's wavelength stable to enable such applications as DWDM, the temperature must be finely controlled to be fixed regardless of varying ambient temperatures and conditions. One of the best methods to accomplish this temperature control is to have precise control of the same cooler that is used to keep the laser at an appropriate operating temperature.

Solid state heat exchangers may be used to remove some heat from transistor header components. However, the effectiveness of such heat exchangers is typically compromised because, due to variables such as their configuration and/or physical location relative to the primary component(s) to be cooled, such heat exchangers frequently experience a passive heat load that is imposed by secondary components or transistor header structures not generally intended to be cooled by the heat exchanger. The imposition on the heat exchanger of such passive heat loads thus decreases the amount of heat the heat exchanger can effectively remove from the primary component that is desired to be cooled, thereby compromising the performance of the primary component.

As suggested above, the physical location of the heat exchanger or other cooling device has various implications with respect to the performance of the components employed present in the transistor header. One particular problem in the context of thermoelectric cooler (“TEC”) type heat exchangers arises because TECs have hot and cold junctions. The cold junction, in particular, can cause condensation if the TEC is located in a sufficiently humid environment. Such condensation may materially impair the operation of components in the transistor header, and elsewhere.

Solid state coolers, such as TECs, are intrinsically very inefficient devices. State-of-the-art coolers have efficiencies measured in single or low double digits. Thus, the power consumption becomes astronomical when an attempt is made to cool lasers in packages that have significant thermal leaks. This process requires large amounts of power, which is inappropriate for small devices because it causes large temperature rises and because it is not permitted under standards, such as the XFP standard.

Another concern with respect to heat exchangers is that the dimensions of typical transistor headers are, as noted earlier, constrained by various factors. Thus, while the passive heat load placed on a heat exchanger could be at least partly offset through the use of a relatively larger heat exchanger, the diametric and other constraints imposed on transistor headers by form factor requirements and other considerations place practical limits on the maximum size of the heat exchanger.

Finally, even if a relatively large heat exchanger could be employed in an attempt to offset the effects of passive heat loads, large heat exchangers present problems in cases where the heat exchanger, such as a TEC, is used to modify the performance of transistor header components such as lasers. For example, by virtue of their relatively large thermal mass or load, such heat exchangers are not well suited to implementing the rapid changes in laser performance that are required in many applications, because such large heat exchangers cannot transfer the heat rapidly enough. Moreover, the performance of the laser or other component may be further compromised if the heat exchanger is located relatively far away from the laser because the thermal resistance is proportional to the distance between the component and the heat exchanger.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, embodiments of the invention are concerned with a transistor header including various features directed to enhancing the reliability and performance of various electronic devices, such as lasers, included in the transistor header.

In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a transistor header assembly is disclosed. The transistor header assembly includes a base through which a platform extends. The platform includes a conductive pathway that is electrically connected to an EML laser. The EML laser is mechanically secured to the platform. A cap is secured to the base so as to create an enclosed transistor header assembly.

A method of using an EML and an associated laser driving circuit is disclosed herein. The EML is operated at a temperature that is elevated from the ambient temperature. Then, by monitoring optical output from the EML, the laser driving circuit can be adjusted to maintain the optical output at a constant carrier frequency.

The invention also extends to methods for fabricating the transistor headers with EML lasers. The method includes providing a base that has a device side and a connector side. A platform is extended through both the device side and the connector side of the base. The platform includes a conductive pathway. An EML is secured to the platform on the device side of the platform. The EML is electrically connected to the conductive pathway.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a transistor header has a base that is divided into a device side and a connector side. A platform extends through the base. A conductive pathway is disposed on the base. The conductive pathway forms a connector on the connector side of the base. The conductive pathway further forms a mounting location on the device side of the base. The conductive pathway is arranged to form a transmission line for matching the impedance of a device that may be mounted on the component mounting location on the device side of the base to a circuit that may be connected to the connector on the connector side of the base.

These and other, aspects of embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of various embodiments of the claimed invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.

According to the invention, EML lasers are incorporated into a header assembly that permits the EML lasers to be used with small form factor optical transceiver modules. The components of the header assemblies, including the thermoelectric coolers, are disclosed herein. In addition, the use of EML lasers in such header assemblies is disclosed.

An EML is generally constructed from a laser, such as a distributed feedback (DFB) laser or a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser and a modulator. This construction allows the EML to have a narrow line width or channel spacing. Further, the EML has low chirp or frequency drift compared to a directly mounted laser (DML). In addition, EMLs provide a relatively high extinction-ratio (ER) signal, which is easier to detect at long distances. The ER is the ratio of power in a logic “1” compared to a logic “0”, and is thus a measure of contrast or detectability. EMLs are particularly useful in long-distance applications because of these characteristics. Particularly, narrow line width and low chirp allows for a high bit rate as these characteristics cause the transmitted beam to be resistant to the dispersion that causes transmission errors in adjacent transitions. For example, in a 1550 nanometer application, the dispersion in a fiber-optic fiber is high. However using an EML in a 10 Gb/s system, transmissions of 40 to 80 km can be achieved, compared with only about 10 km with a DFB DML. In a 2.5 Gb/s system, 160 km transmissions are possible, compared to only about 40 km that can be achieved using a DFB DML.

In a multiple channel system, narrow line width and low chirp allows for adjacent channels to be propagated near one another while channel crossover is minimized. A stabilized wavelength characterized by narrow line width and low chirp is important so that the fiber-optic channel can operate along a predefined ITU wavelength channel. Typically an ITU wavelength for a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system operates such that the channel spacings are 100 GHz, 50 GHz or 25 GHz. Narrow channel spacings require precise control of the wavelength and low chirp. In addition, a high extinction ratio is important to achieve long distance transmissions. As noted above, EMLs exhibit such characteristics and are suitable for use in DWDM and long-haul systems. According to the present invention, an EML can be used in an XFP optical transceiver module, providing the benefits of both EMLs and the modularity, form factor, low power, and the other advantages of compliance with the XFP standard.

At the time of the filing of this patent application, the XFP standard is the XFP Revision 2.0 Public Draft for Comments, promulgated by the 10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP) Multi Source Agreement (MSA) Group. This XFP Revision 2.0 document is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, a newer XFP Revision 3.0 is being developed, and includes similar requirements. As used herein, the terms “XFP standard” and “XFP Multi Source Agreement” refer to the Revision 2.0 Public Draft for Comments. These terms also refer to any subsequent drafts, such as XFP Revision 3.0 or final agreements to the extent that any such subsequent drafts or final agreements are compatible with Revision 2.0.

FIGS. 1A-3Bare used to describe herein details associated with a header assembly that has a feedthrough assembly for providing electrical connection within a hermetically sealed chamber.FIGS. 4A-5are referred to herein to describe header assemblies with integrated thermoelectric coolers that can be used to dissipate heat from active components within the header assemblies, including EML lasers or other types of lasers.FIG. 5illustrates a TOSA with an EML laser housed within a header assembly with an integrated thermoelectric cooler constructed according to the invention.

Reference is first made toFIGS. 1A and 1Btogether, which illustrate perspective views of one presently preferred embodiment of a header assembly, designated generally at200. In the illustrated example, the header assembly200includes a substantially cylindrical metallic base10. The base10includes two flanges90for releasably securing the header200to a receptacle (not shown) on a higher level opto-mechanical assembly. The base can be formed of Alloy 42, which is an iron nickel alloy, as well as cold-rolled steel, Vacon VCF-25 Alloy, or Kovar. The base10also includes a ceramic platform70extending perpendicularly through the base as shown. The ceramic platform is hermetically sealed to the base to provide mechanical and environmental protection for the components contained in the TO package. Ceramic materials may include alumina (Al2O3) or aluminum nitride (AlN).

The hermetic seal between the base10and the platform70is created by electrically insulating glass-to-metal seals. Alternatively, the platform70may incorporate two additional ceramic outer layers to electrically isolate the outermost conductors. In this second case, a metal braze or solder can be used to hermetically seal the platform70to the metal base. This solution overcomes the principal shortcomings of glasses, namely their low strength, brittleness, and low thermal conductivity.

The platform70is structured to house multiple electrical components50and100, and active devices60on either side of the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the active device60comprises a semiconductor laser, and the components50and100may include resistors, capacitors, and inductors that are used to balance the driving impedance of the laser with the component impedance. As discussed in more detail below, impedance matching circuits may also be created by etching electrical traces that have various capacitive, inductive or resistive properties, on platform70. In addition to matching, components may have peripheral functions such as measuring temperature, sensing laser optical power or wavelength, etc. As it is important for a semiconductor laser to be precisely positioned perpendicularly to the base10, platform70is, therefore, precisely positioned perpendicularly with respect to the base10.

Where active device60comprises a semiconductor laser, a small deviation in the position of active device60, in relation to base10can cause a large deviation in the direction of the emitted laser beam. Accurate perpendicularity between the platform and the base can be achieved by incorporating a vertical pedestal feature in the base material, as shown on FIG.1A. The vertical pedestal houses the photodiode30in the embodiment shown in FIG.1A. Such feature can be machined, stamped, or metal injection molded directly with the base thus providing a stable and geometrically accurate surface for mating with the platform.

The platform70further includes multiple electrically isolated conductive pathways110extending throughout the platform70and consequently pathways110provide the electrical connections necessary between electrical devices or components located throughout the platform70. The conductive pathways110form a connector on that side of the base that does not include the semiconductor laser60, also referred to herein as the “connector side” of the base. Note in connection with the foregoing that the side of the base where the active device60is located may in some instances be referred to herein as the “device side” of the base.

The connector formed by the conductive pathways110is used to electrically connect the header assembly200to a second electrical subassembly, such as a printed circuit board, either directly (for example, by solder connection) or indirectly by an intermediary device such as a flexible printed circuit. The semiconductor laser60is electrically connected to the electrical components50and100via the conductive pathways110.

The platform70may also comprise multiple layers wherein each layer may have a conductive layer with various conductive pathways110. In this way numerous conductive pathways110may be constructed for use with various components disposed on the platform70. Generally, the layers are electrically isolated from one another, however various conductive pathways110on different layers may be connected by a via such as is commonly known in printed circuit board arts.

Further, the conductive pathways110can be shaped and placed such that they have controlled capacitive, inductive, or resistive effects to create waveguides such as a microstrip or stripline (cpw, etc.). For example, knowing certain characteristics about the materials used in making the conductive pathways110and the materials of the various layers of the platform70, passive electrical devices can be constructed by appropriately configuring the conductive pathways110. In this way, a transmission line with known characteristics can be created for use with active devices60attached to the platform70. As noted above, by matching the characteristics of the transmission line connected to active devices60with the active devices'60load impedance, electrical reflections that cause transmission errors and lower power output can be reduced or in many cases eliminated.

By constructing a transmission line that matches active device60impedance on the platform70from the conductive traces110, the need to add additional discrete matching components is eliminated often resulting in better overall circuit performance. In fact, previously due to the lack of adequate matching circuits, applications involving transistor headers have been limited to 10 Gb/s. With the improvements of using a transmission line constructed on the platform70, applications up to 40 Gb/s or more can be implemented.

While the preceding description has discussed active devices60in terms of lasers, it should be noted that the transmission lines may also be formed such that a matching circuit for other semiconductor devices is constructed. For example, the transmission lines may be used to connect directly to a laser, such as in the case of DFB lasers. Alternately, the transmission lines may be used to connect to an EA modulator, for example, such as in the case of EMLs that incorporate a DFB laser and an EA modulator. As discussed herein, the impedance values of the impedance matching transmission lines depend on the load impedance of the active devices attached to the platform70.

External components, while still useful, are not ideal for impedance matching because they often represent an additional load that must be driven by the power supply driving the electronic component, such as when resistors are used to match the active device60load impedance. Additionally, although the external components may be placed reasonably close to the active devices60, there is always some small distance between the external components and the active devices60that acts as an unmatched transmission line.

The use of advanced ceramic materials, examples of which include aluminum nitride and beryllia, allows the header assembly200to achieve substantially lower thermal resistances between the devices inside the package and the outside world where heat is ultimately transferred. As discussed in further detail below in the context of an alternative embodiment of the invention, a cooling device, such as a thermoelectric cooler (“TEC”), a heat pipe or a metal heat spreader, can be mounted directly on the platform, thereby providing for a very short thermal path between the temperature sensitive devices on the platform and a heat sink located outside the header assembly.

As is further shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the header assembly200additionally includes two conductive leads40extending through and out both sides of the base10. The conductive leads40are hermetically sealed to the base10to provide mechanical and environmental protection for the components contained in the TO package between the conductive leads40and the base10. The hermetic seal between the conductive leads40and the base10is created, for example, by glass or other comparable hermetic insulating materials that are known in the art. The conductive leads40can also be used to electrically connect devices and/or components located on opposite sides of the base.

In the illustrated embodiment at least, the conductive leads40extend out from the side of the base10that does not contain the semiconductor laser60, in a manner that allows for the electrical connection of the header assembly200with a specific header receptacle located on, for example, a printed circuit board. It is important to note that conductive pathways110and conductive leads40perform the same function and that the number of potential conductive pathways110is far greater than the potential number of conductive leads40. Alternative embodiments can incorporate even more conductive pathways110than shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The platform70further includes steps and recessed areas that permit mounting devices with various thicknesses flush with the metal pads on the ceramic. This allows the use of the shortest electrical interconnects, wire bonds for example, having improved electrical performance and characteristics. This also provides optical benefits by, for example, aligning the active region of a laser mounted on the platform with the optical axis of the package.

The photodiode30is used to detect the signal strength of the semiconductor laser60and relay this information back to control circuitry of the semiconductor laser60. In the illustrated embodiment, the photodiode can be directly connected to the conductive leads40. Alternatively, the photodiode can be mounted directly onto the same platform as the laser, in a recessed position with respect to the light emitting area. This recessed position allows the photodiode to capture a fraction of the light emitted by the laser, thus allowing the photodiode to perform the same monitoring function.

This configuration of the monitoring photodiode allows for eliminating the need of conductive leads40, and lends itself to simplified electrical connections, such as wire bonds, to the conductive pathways110of the platform70. In an alternative embodiment, the photodiode light gathering can be increased by positioning an optical element on the base for focusing or redirecting light, such as a mirror, or by directly shaping and/or coating the base metal to focus additional light onto the photodiode.

As is further shown inFIG. 1A, the base10includes a protruding portion45that is configured to releasably position or locate a cap (not shown) over one side of the base10. A cap can be placed over the side of the base10containing the semiconductor laser60for the purpose of protecting the semiconductor laser60from potentially destructive particles. A transparent cap is preferable for the illustrated embodiment so as to allow the laser light to escape the region between the cap and the base10.

Reference is next made toFIGS. 2A and 2B, which illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a header assembly, designated generally at300. This alternative embodiment shows an optical receiver360mounted horizontally on the platform370perpendicularly bisecting the base310of the header assembly300. The optical receiver can be a photodetector or any other device capable of receiving optical signals. The optical receiver360is mounted flat on the platform370and detects light signals through the side facing away from the base310. This type of optical receiver is sometimes referred to as an “edge detecting” detector. The base310and platform370are described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The platform370contains electrical components350,400on either side of the base for operating the optical receiver360. The platform370also includes conductive pathways410for electrically connecting devices or components on either side of the base310. This embodiment of a header assembly does not contain conductive leads and therefore all electrical connections are made via the conductive pathways410.

Reference is next made toFIGS. 3A and 3B, which illustrate perspective views of yet another alternative embodiment of a header assembly, designated generally at500. This alternative embodiment also shows an optical receiver530mounted vertically on the base510. The optical receiver can be a photodetector or any other device capable of receiving optical signals. This is an optical receiver530which detects light signals from the top of the device. The base510and platform570are described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B. The platform570contains electrical components550,600on either side of the base for operating the optical receiver530. The platform570also includes conductive pathways510for electrically connecting devices or components on either side of the base510. This embodiment of a header assembly does not contain conductive leads and therefore all electrical connections are made via the conductive pathways410.

In other embodiments of the invention, the optical receiver360or optical receiver530is an avalanche photodiode (APD). Generally, APDs represent a good choice for an optical receiver because they have good noise and gain characteristics. Specifically, the wide gain bandwidth product of APDs allows for more versatility in design such that noise can be reduced and transmission distances increased. Unlike the transmitter designs disclosed herein, these receivers often include active semiconductor integrated circuits mounted next to the receiver pin diode or APD, generally in the form of a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) or a TIA with a limiting amplifier (TIALA).

2. Thermoelectric Coolers Used with Header Assemblies

Directing attention now toFIGS. 4A through 4D, various aspects of an alternative embodiment of a header assembly, generally designated at700, are illustrated. The embodiment of the header assembly illustrated inFIGS. 4A through 4Dis similar in many regards to one or more of the embodiments of the header assembly illustrated inFIGS. 1A through 3B. Accordingly, the discussions ofFIGS. 4A through 4Dwill focus primarily on certain selected aspects of the header assembly700illustrated there. Note that in one embodiment of the invention, header assembly700comprises a transistor header. However, header assembly700is not limited solely to that exemplary embodiment.

As indicated inFIGS. 4A through 4D, header assembly700generally includes a base702through which a platform800passes. The platform800is configured to receive a cooling device900upon which various devices and circuitry are mounted. Note that while it may be referred to herein as a “cooling” device900, the cooling device900may, depending upon its type and the application where it is employed, serves both to heat and/or cool various components and devices. Finally, a cap704mounted to, and cooperating with, base702, serves to define a hermetic chamber706which encloses cooling device900and the mounted devices and circuitry.

As discussed in further detail below, a variety of means may be employed to perform the functions disclosed herein, of a cooling device. Thus, the embodiments of the cooling device disclosed and discussed herein are but exemplary structures that function as a means for transferring heat. Accordingly, it should be understood that such structural configurations are presented herein solely by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Rather, any other structure or combination of structures effective in implementing the functionality disclosed herein may likewise be employed.

With continuing attention toFIGS. 4A and 4B, and directing attention also toFIGS. 4C and 4D, further details are provided concerning various aspects of platform800. In the illustrated embodiment, platform800is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to base702. In particular, base702includes a device side702A and a connector side702B, and platform800passes completely through base702, so that an inside portion801A of platform800is disposed on device side702A of base700and outside portion801B of platform800is disposed on connector side702B of base702. However, this arrangement of platform800is exemplary only, and various other arrangements of platform800may alternatively be employed consistent with the requirements of a particular application.

In the illustrated embodiment, platform800includes a first feedthrough802having a multi-layer construction that includes one or more layers804of conductive pathways806(see FIG.4A). In general, conductive pathways806permit electrical communication among the various components and devices (removed for clarity) disposed on platform800, while also permitting such components and devices to electrically communicate with other components and devices that are not a part of platform800. Moreover, conductive pathways806cooperate to form a connector810situated on the outside portion801B of platform800, on the connector side702B of base700. In general, connector810facilitates electrical communication between header assembly700and other components and devices such as, but not limited to, printed circuit boards (see FIG.4E). In one embodiment, connector810comprises an edge connector, but any other form of connector may alternatively be used, consistent with the requirements of a particular application. As discussed in further detail below, first feedthrough802may include cutouts811or other geometric features which permit direct access to, and electrical connection with, one or more conductive pathways806disposed on an inner layer of first feedthrough802.

In addition to the first feedthrough802, platform800further includes a second feedthrough812to which the first feedthrough802is attached. Note that in the exemplary illustrated embodiment, first feedthrough810, with the exception of conductive pathways806, often is formed from a ceramic material that is generally resistant to heat conduction. However, other ceramic materials, such as AIN, are conductive of heat and can be used to assist in the transfer of heat out of the package. Second feedthrough812in the illustrated embodiment comprises a material that is generally useful as a heat conductor, such as a metal. Copper and copper alloys, such as CuW, are examples of metals that are suitable in some applications. Thus, platform800is generally configured to combine heat conductive elements with non-heat conductive elements so as to produce a desired effect or result concerning the device wherein platform800is employed.

In connection with the foregoing, it should be noted further that ceramics and metals are exemplary materials only and any other material or combination thereof that will facilitate implementation of the functionality disclosed herein may alternatively be employed. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention may employ different arrangements and numbers of, for example, conductive and non-conductive feedthroughs, or feedthroughs having other desirable characteristics. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

With respect to their configurations, the geometry of both first feedthrough802and second feedthrough812may generally be configured as necessary to suit the requirements of a particular application or device. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4A through 4D, second feedthrough812incorporates a step812A feature which serves to, among other things, provide support for cooling device900and, as discussed in further detail below, to ensure that devices mounted to cooling device900are situated at a desirable location and orientation. As further indicated inFIG. 4D, for example, second feedthrough812defines a semi-cylindrical bottom that generally conforms to the shape of cap704and contributes to the stability of cooling device900, as well as providing a relatively large conductive mass that aids in heat conduction to and/or from, as applicable, cooling device900and other devices.

As suggested earlier, platform800also serves to provide support to cooling device900. Directing renewed attention now toFIGS. 4A through 4D, details are provided concerning various aspects of cooling device900. In particular, a cooling device900is provided that is mounted is directly to platform800. In an exemplary embodiment, cooling device900comprises a thermoelectric cooler (“TEC”) that relies for its operation and usefulness on the Peltier effect wherein electrical power supplied to the TEC may, according to the requirements of a particular application, cause selected portions of the TEC to generate heat and/or provide a cooling effect. Exemplary construction materials for the TEC may include, but are not limited to, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), and other such materials designed to maximize the thermo-electric effect. These materials are selected to have minimum thermal conductivity, since it is directly parasitic to the cooling/heating effect (one side gets cold, the other hot, and the device itself is a direct short). The platform800is highly thermally conductive, and can be formed from Cu or CuW.

Note that the TEC represents an exemplary configuration only, and various other types of cooling devices may alternatively be employed as required to suit the dictates of a particular application. By way of example, where active temperature control of one or more electronic devices1000, aspects of which are discussed in more detail below, is not required, the TEC may be replaced with a thermally conductive spacer, laser control circuitry, laser power supply circuitry or other similar devices. Furthermore, a combination of devices may be placed into transistor header in the location showing the TEC inFIGS. 4a-4d.

In addition to providing heating and/or cooling functionality, cooling device900also includes a submount902that supports various electronic devices1000such as, but not limited to, resistors, capacitors, and inductors, as well as optical devices such as mirrors, lasers, and optical receivers. Thus, cooling device900is directly thermally coupled to electronic devices1000.

In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic devices1000include a laser1002, such as a semiconductor laser, or other optical signal source. With regard to devices such as laser1002, at least, cooling device900is positioned and configured to ensure that laser1002is maintained in a desired position and orientation. By way of example, in some embodiments of the invention, cooling device900is positioned so that an emitting surface of laser102is positioned at, and aligned with, a longitudinal axis A—A of header assembly700(FIG.4C).

Note that although reference is made herein to the use of a laser1002in conjunction with cooling device900, it should be understood that embodiments employing laser1002are exemplary only and that additional or alternative devices may likewise be employed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be construed to be limited solely to lasers and laser applications.

In at least some of those embodiments where a laser1002is employed, a photodiode1004and thermistor1006are also mounted on, or proximate to, submount902of cooling device900. In general, photodiode1004is optically coupled with laser1002such that photodiode1004receives at least a portion of the light emitted by laser1002, and thereby aids in gathering light intensity data concerning laser1002emissions. Further, thermistor1006is thermally coupled with laser1004, thus permitting the gathering of data concerning the temperature of laser1002. There may also be a wavelength locking circuit having two separate photodiodes with different wavelength-sensitive responses, which is known as a wavelocker.

In some embodiments, photodiode1004comprises a 45 degree monitor photodiode. The use of this type of diode permits the related components, such as laser1002and thermistor1006for example, to be mounted and wirebonded on the same surface. Typically, the 45 degree monitor diode is arranged so that light emitted from the back of laser1002is refracted on an inclined surface of the monitor diode and captured on a top sensitive surface of the monitor diode. In this way, the monitor diode is able to sense the intensity of the optical signal emitted by the laser.

Note that in those embodiments where a laser1002is employed, cap704includes an optically transparent portion, or window,704A through which light signals generated by the laser1002are emitted. Similarly, in the event electronic device1000comprises other optical devices, such as an optical receiver, cap704would likewise include a window704A so as to permit reception, by the optical receiver, of light signals. As suggested by the foregoing, the construction and configuration of cap704may generally be selected as required to suit the parameters of a particular application.

In view of the foregoing general discussion concerning various electronic devices1000that may be employed in conjunction with cooling device900, further attention is directed now to certain aspects of the relation between such electronic devices1000and cooling device900. In general, cooling device900may be employed to remove heat from, or add heat to, one or more of the electronic devices1000, such as laser1002, to achieve a desired effect. As discussed in further detail herein, the capability to add and remove heat, as necessary, from a device such as laser1002, may be employed to control the performance of laser1002, such as wavelength stability for DWDM applications

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating and cooling, as applicable, of electronic devices1000is achieved with a cooling device900that comprises a TEC. Various aspects of the arrangement and disposition of electronic devices1000, as well as cooling device900, serve to enhance these ends. By way of example, because electronic devices1000are mounted directly to cooling device900results in a relatively short thermal path between electronic devices1000and cooling device900. Generally, such a relatively shorter thermal path between components translates to a corresponding increase in the efficiency with which heat may be transferred between those components. Such a result is particularly useful where devices whose operation and performance is highly sensitive to heat and temperature changes, such as lasers, are concerned. Moreover, a relatively short thermal path also permits the transfer of heat to be implemented relatively more quickly than would otherwise be the case. Because heat transfer is implemented relatively quickly, this exemplary arrangement can be used to effectively and reliably maintain the temperature of laser1002or other devices.

Another aspect of at least some embodiments relates to the location of cooling device900relative, not just to electronic devices1000, but to other components, devices, and structures of header assembly700. In particular, because cooling device900is located so that the potential for heat transmission, whether radiative, conductive, or convective, from other components, devices, and structures of header assembly700to cooling device900is relatively limited, the passive heat load imposed on cooling device900by such other components and structures is relatively small. Note that, as contemplated herein, the “passive” heat load generally refers to heat transferred to cooling device900by structures and devices other than those upon which cooling device900is primarily intended to exert a heating and/or cooling effect. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, “passive” heat loads refers to all heat loads imposed on cooling device900except for those heat loads imposed by electronic devices1000.

The relative reduction in heat load experienced by cooling device900as a consequence of its location has a variety of implications. For example, the reduced heat load means that a relatively smaller cooling device900may be employed than would otherwise be the case. This is a desirable result, particularly in applications such as header assemblies where space may be limited. As another example, a relatively smaller cooling device900, at least where cooling device900comprises a TEC, translates to a relative decrease in the amount of power required to operate cooling device900. This effect is quite significant, since TECs are very inefficient. The power to effectively cool is much more than the load, so any reduction in load has a multiplicative benefit. Another consideration relating to the location of cooling device900concerns the performance of laser1002and the other electronic components1000disposed in hermetic chamber706. In particular, the placement of cooling devices900, such as TECs that include a “cold” connection, in hermetic chamber706substantially forecloses the occurrence of condensation, and the resulting damage to other components and devices of header assembly700, caused by the cold connection, that might otherwise result if cooling device900were located outside hermetic chamber706.

In addition to the heat transfer effects that may be achieved by way of the location of cooling device900, and the relatively short thermal path that is defined between cooling device900and the electronic devices1000mounted to submount902of cooling device900, yet other heat transfer effects may be realized by way of various modifications to the geometry of cooling device900. In connection with the foregoing, it is generally the case that by increasing the size of cooling device900, a relative increase in the capacity of cooling device900to process heat will be realized.

In this regard, it should be noted that it is the case in many applications that the diameter of base702is often constrained to fit within certain predetermined form factors or dimensional requirements and that such form factors and dimensional requirements, accordingly, have certain implications with respect to the geometric and dimensional configuration of cooling device900.

By way of example, the diametric requirements placed on base702may serve to limit the overall height and width of cooling device900(see, e.g., FIG.4D). In contrast however, the overall length of header assembly700is generally not so rigidly constrained. Accordingly, certain aspects of cooling device900, such as its length for example, may desirably be adjusted to suit the requirements of a particular application. In the case of a TEC, for example, such a dimensional increase translates into a relative increase in the amount of heat that cooling device900can process. As noted earlier, such heat processing may include transmitting heat to, and/or removing heat from, one or more of the electronic components1000, such as laser1002.

Moreover, various dimensions and geometric aspects of cooling device900may be varied to achieve other thermal effects as well. By way of example, in the event cooling device900comprises a TEC, a relatively smaller cooling device900with a correspondingly low load and thermal mass will permit relatively quicker changes in the temperature of electronic devices1000mounted thereto. The low thermal mass of the load of the TEC enables rapid thermal servoing and thus high-bandwidth temperature control. In the case where electronic device1000comprises a laser, this capability is particularly desirable as it lends itself to control of laser performance through the vehicle of temperature adjustments.

Turning now to consideration of the power requirements for cooling device900, at least where it comprises a TEC, and electronic devices1000, it was suggested earlier herein that those devices typically rely for their operation on a supply of electrical power. Generally, the TEC must be electrically connected with platform800so that power for the operation of the TEC, transmitted from a power source (not shown) to platform800, can be directed to the TEC. Additionally, power is supplied to electronic devices1000by way of platform800, and electronic devices1000must, accordingly, be connected with one or more of the conductive pathways806of platform800.

The foregoing electrical connections and configurations may be implemented in a variety of ways. Various aspects of exemplary connection schemes are illustrated inFIGS. 4A,4B and4E. With reference first toFIG. 4B, the underside of submount902of cooling device900is connected with conductive elements814disposed on the underside of first feedthrough802, by way of connectors816such as, but not limited to, wire bonds. Such conductive elements814may be electrically connected with selected conductive pathways806(seeFIG. 4A) and/or connector810, that are ultimately connected with an electrical power source (not shown).

Directing attention next toFIG. 4A, details are provided concerning various aspects of the electrical connection of electronic devices1000disposed on submount902. As noted earlier, and illustrated inFIG. 4A, some embodiments of platform800include one or more cutouts811, or other geometric feature that, that permits direct connection of electronic devices1000, such as laser1002to one or more conductive pathways806disposed within first feedthrough802of platform800. This connection may be implemented by way of connectors816, such as bond wires, or other appropriate structures or devices. In addition to the aforementioned connection, and as illustrated inFIG. 4E, at least some embodiments of the invention further include a flex circuit820, or similar device, which serves to electrically interconnect platform800of header assembly700with another device, such as a printed circuit board.

With attention now toFIGS. 4A through 4D, details are provided concerning various operational aspects of header assembly700. In general, power is provided to laser1002and/or other electrical components1000by way of connector810, conductive pathways806, and connectors818. In response, laser1002emits an optical signal. Heat generated as a result of the operation of laser1002, and/or other electronic components1000, is continuously removed by cooling device900, which comprises a TEC in at least those cases where a laser1002is employed in header assembly700, and transferred to second feedthrough812upon which cooling device900is mounted. Ultimately, second feedthrough812transfers heat received from cooling device900out of header assembly700.

Because cooling device900is disposed within hermetic chamber706, the cold junction on cooling device900, where it comprises a TEC, does not produce any undesirable condensation that could harm other components or devices of header assembly700. Moreover, the substantial elimination of passive heat loads on cooling device900, coupled with the definition of a relatively short thermal path between electronic components1000, such as laser1002, and cooling device900, further enhances the efficiency with which heat can be removed from such electronic components and, accordingly, permits the use of relatively smaller cooling devices900. And, as discussed earlier, the relatively small size of cooling device900translates to a relative decrease in the power required to operate cooling device900. Yet other operational aspects of embodiments of the invention are considered in further detail below in the context of the discussion of a laser control system.

While, as noted earlier in connection with the discussion ofFIGS. 4A through 4D, certain effects may be achieved by locating cooling device900within hermetic chamber706, it is nevertheless desirable in some cases to locate the cooling device outside of the hermetic chamber. Aspects of an exemplary embodiment of such a configuration are illustrated inFIG. 4F, where an alternative embodiment of a header assembly is indicated generally at1100. As the embodiment of the header assembly illustrated inFIG. 4Fis similar in many regards to one or more of the embodiments of the header assembly discussed elsewhere herein, the discussion ofFIG. 4Fwill focus primarily on certain selected aspects of the header assembly1100illustrated there.

Similar to other embodiments, header assembly1100includes a base1102having a device side1102A and a connector side1102B, through which a platform1200passes in a substantially perpendicular orientation. The platform1200includes an inside portion1202A and an outside portion1202B. One or more electronic devices1300are attached to inside portion1202A of platform1200so as to be substantially enclosed within a hermetic chamber1104defined by a cap1106and base1102. In the event that electronic device1300comprises an optical device, such as a laser, cap1106may further comprise an optically transparent portion, or window,1106A to permit optical signals to be transmitted from and/or received by one or more electronic devices1300disposed within hermetic chamber1104.

With continuing reference toFIG. 4F, platform1200further comprises a first feedthrough1204, upon which electronic devices1300are mounted, joined to a second feedthrough1206that includes an inside portion1206A and an outside portion1206B. The outside portion1206B of second feedthrough1206is, in turn, thermally coupled with a cooling device1400. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling device1400comprises a TEC. However, other types of cooling devices may alternatively be employed.

In operation, heat generated by electronic devices1300is transferred, generally by conduction, to second feedthrough1206. The heat is then removed from feedthrough1206by way of cooling device1400which, in some embodiments, comprises a TEC. As in the case of other embodiments, a TEC may also be employed, if desired, to add heat to electronic devices300.

Thus positioned and arranged, cooling device1400is able not only to implement various thermal effects, such as heat removal or heat addition, with respect to electronic devices1300located inside or outside hermetic chamber1104, but also operates to process passive heat loads, which may be conductive, convective and/or radiative in nature, imposed by various components such as the structural elements of header assembly1500. As noted herein in the context of the discussion of various other embodiments, variables such as, but not limited to, the geometry, placement, and construction materials of platform1200and cooling device1400may be adjusted as necessary to suit the requirements of a particular application.

Further, by locating the cooling device900external to the hermetic chamber, additional space is available in the hermetic chamber for devices such as laser control circuits, laser power supplies, etc.

As suggested earlier, the cooling devices constructed and operated according to the invention may be usefully employed in the context of a laser control system. The laser control system includes a master control circuit, which may be a system that uses, for example, analog feedback or a digital microcontroller or microprocessor using A/D and D/A circuits The master control circuit directly controls two or, in some instances, three outputs. These outputs include the laser output irradiance and the TEC power (through a “power source” or TEC driver). It optionally, in the case of an EML, the master control circuit also controls modulator bias. Feedback to the control system is involves two, or in some instances, three inputs. These inputs include laser launch irradiance detected by means of a monitor photodiode (MPD), or back facet (BF) monitor and laser temperature detected by means of a thermistor or another temperature sensor. The inputs can also include wavelength detected by means of a wavelength locker, using two diodes or another suitable system. The sensors for measuring the inputs are in the header, while the bulk of the control circuit is on an external PCB.

Because the TEC facilitates the transfer of heat from the laser, the laser control system maintains the temperature of the laser below a critical value at which laser performance begins to degrade and reliability becomes an issue. In addition, embodiments of the laser control system of the invention also enable control of the temperature of the laser within a specified range independent of ambient temperature conditions, so as to achieve certain ends such as wavelength stabilization. This permits the laser to be used for a DWDM application, for example.

3. Externally Modulated Lasers Used with Header Assemblies

When designing a transistor header for implementation in a transceiver module, it is desirable to limit the power consumption of the module such that the power consumption is within the specification of a particular standard for which the transceiver is designed. For example, it may be desirable to limit the power consumption of the transceiver to 3.5 W or another specified value to comply with, for example, the XFP standard. This power consumption includes the power required to operate the active devices such as lasers and control circuitry and the power required to actively pump heat away from heat generating devices in the module. The active temperature control, using devices such as a TEC, effectively conducts heat from the active devices within the header so the heat can be dissipated outside of the header using passive cooling devices, such as heat sinks. To stay within the 3.5 W or other specified limits, the TEC or other active cooling system and the heat sinks or other passive cooling devices must cooperate to transfer the thermal energy from the laser, thereby actively controlling the temperature of the laser. The active temperature control provided by the TEC controls wavelength stability of the laser and can enable the operating temperature of the laser to be selected.

The ability to dissipate heat from an assembly utilizing a transistor header via a passive cooling device is dependant on several factors including the materials used in the assembly, the surface area of the materials at various points, the temperature at which the heat generating components operate and the ambient temperature in which the assembly operates. The factors can be summarized by the equation:H=kA⁢⁢(To-Ta)L
Where H is the amount of heat transferred, k is a material constant, A is a surface area, Tois the operating temperature of the transistor header assembly, Ta is the ambient temperature in which the transistor header assembly is operated and L is the length of the passive cooling device. Thus, heat flow is dependant on the temperature differential between the ambient temperature and the operating temperature. As such, if all other factors are held constant, an increase in the operating temperature causes a greater amount of heat to be transferred through the passive cooling device.

In one embodiment of the invention using an EML, although other types of lasers and active devices may be used in similar embodiments, by operating the EML at 40° C., the passive cooling achieved by conducting the heat generated by the laser and other devices such as the laser driver to an external heat sink is increased as compared to operating the embodiment at 25° C. or 30° C. because the differential between the operating temperature and the ambient temperature is increased. Given a certain amount of power dissipation within a header, there is a certain amount of heat that must leave the header and be dissipated into the environment to reach thermal equilibrium. The thermal resistance of the thermal path then determines the temperature difference between the inside of the header and the ambient temperature, according to the equation above. Assuming an ambient environment of 25° C. or so, the laser, while operating, may get up to an idle temperature in the range of 45° C. to 50° C. without any active cooling because of this thermal resistance. If a TEC were used to cool the EML down nearly to the ambient temperature of 25° C., the inefficiencies of the TEC would require very large amounts of power. The power required to operate the TEC can be reduced by cooling the EML from the idle temperature of 45° C. to 50° C. to only 40° C. to 45° C. Thus, the amount of active temperature control that would otherwise be required can be reduced. Alternatively, the active temperature control may be located outside of the transistor header.

While this increase in operating temperature compared to an operating temperature of 25° C. has some effect on the wavelength of the laser beam transmitted by the EML (as well as other operating parameters), this effect can be counteracted by varying the current supplied to the EML or by adjusting the signal to the EML driver. In an alternative embodiment, the EML may be specifically optimized to operate efficiently at 40° C. This optimization can be done by adjusting the electro-absorption band-gap of the modulator when manufacturing the modulator.

Directing attention now toFIG. 5, the illustration shows an EML 2160 implemented in a transistor header2102wherein the transistor header2102is implemented in an optical subassembly2100. The EML optical subassembly2100may be later installed in other components such as a pluggable transceiver module or any other suitable device. The EML optical subassembly2100incorporates a transistor header2102with a collimating lens assembly2104, an isolator2106, and a receptacle2110.

The subassembly2100generally comprises an outer casing2108for containing or stabilizing the other components including the transistor header2102, the collimating lens assembly2104, the isolator2106, and the receptacle2108. The outer casing2108may be constructed of any suitable material, such as stainless steel.

In one embodiment of the invention, internal to the casing2108and disposed in the transistor header2102is a laser diode2160. The laser diode2160may be any laser suitable for the particular application. For example, in a DWDM network, it may be desirable to use EMLs to take advantage of their narrow line width and low chirp values. In applications where precise wavelength control is not required, other types of lasers such as DFB lasers may be used. Alternatively, when the subassembly2100is intended to be used as a receiver, a photodiode such as an APD or pin diode or any other suitable diode may be used.

A collimating lens assembly2104is optically coupled to the laser diode2160. The collimating lens assembly2104may be any suitable combination of lenses adapted to focus light from the laser diode2160such that the light can be further propagated in a fiber optic network. In a receiver application when a photo diode is used, the collimating lens assembly2104is adapted to focus light from the fiber optic network onto the photo diode.

The isolator2106is adapted to prevent back reflection of light into the laser diode2160. Back-reflections are generally caused when light travels from a medium having a first index of refraction into a medium with a second, different index of refraction. Reflections back into a laser look like another cavity of the laser other than the primary, and destabilize the amplitude and wavelength of the laser light. Certain standards have been developed that specify acceptable amounts of back-reflection. For example, SONET specifications require that a receiver have a back-reflection ratio no greater than −27 dB. Other techniques can be used at the receiver to reduce optical return loss or back reflections, including a variety of index matching and anti-reflection techniques, such as a combination of fiber stubs, angle polished fibers or stubs, anti-reflection coatings, and glass plates.

A receptacle2110is optically coupled to the isolator2106. The receptacle is adapted to couple to other fiber-optic device in a pluggable manner. In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle complies with the XFP standard receptacle size for implementation in an XFP system, which is an LC fiber-optic cable receptacle. Other common receptacles are the SC and FC connectors.

Further disposed in the transistor header2102as described elsewhere above, is a TEC cooler2112. Also as noted above, the TEC cooler may be removed or replaced with other types of circuits when the subassembly design allows for less cooling, or when there is no need for active wavelength stabilization in, for example, CWDM systems or systems that do not use wavelength division multiplexing.

As such, a transmitter optical subassembly utilizing lasers such as EMLs not previously able to be used in pluggable applications, is effectively implemented. Such transmitter optical subassemblies can be further integrated into optical systems to create a modular optical transmission network with good bandwidth and transmission distance characteristics.