Optical beam splitter for use in an optoelectronic module, and a method for performing optical beam splitting in an optoelectronic module

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are provided for mechanically coupling an optics system holder of an optoelectronic module with an optical connector of the optoelectronic module. The apparatus comprises first and second retention features formed on opposite ends of the optics system holder and first and second latches formed on opposite ends of the optical connector. When a lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against an upper surface of the optics system holder, the first and second retention features engage the first and second latches, respectively, such that the first and second latches flex to a limited degree and exert a spring force on the optical connector that firmly presses the lower surface of the optical connector against the upper surface of the optics system holder.

1 . An apparatus for mechanically coupling an optics system holder of an optoelectronic module with an optical connector of the optoelectronic module, the apparatus comprising:
 first and second retention features formed on opposite ends of the optics system holder; and   first and second latches formed on opposite ends of the optical connector, wherein when a lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against an upper surface of the optics system holder, the first and second retention features engage the first and second latches, respectively, such that the first and second latches flex to a limited degree and exert a spring force on the optical connector that firmly presses the lower surface of the optical connector against the upper surface of the optics system holder.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the optical connector has one or more pins that protrude from the lower surface of the optical connector, and wherein the optics system holder has one or more holes formed in the upper surface thereof, and wherein when the lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against the upper surface of the optics system holder to cause the first and second retention features to engage the first and second latches, respectively, respective pins of said one or more pins engage respective holes of said one or more holes to align the optical connector with the optics system holder. 
     
     
         3 . A method for mechanically coupling an optics system holder of an optoelectronic module with an optical connector of the optoelectronic module, the method comprising:
 providing an optics system holder that holds an optics system, the optics system holder having first and second retention features formed on opposite ends;   providing an optical connector having first and second latches formed on opposite ends thereof;   pressing a lower surface of the optical connector against an upper surface of the optics system holder to cause the first and second retention features to engage the first and second latches, respectively, wherein when the first and second retention features engage the first and second latches, respectively, the first and second latches flex to a limited degree and exert a spring force on the optical connector that firmly presses the lower surface of the optical connector against the upper surface of the optics system holder.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the optical connector has one or more pins that protrude from the lower surface thereof, and wherein the optics system holder has one or more holes formed in the upper surface thereof, and wherein when the lower surface of the optical connector is pressed against the upper surface of the optics system holder to cause the first and second retention features to engage the first and second latches, respectively, respective pins of said one or more pins engage respective holes of said one or more holes to align the optical connector with the optics system holder.