OPTICAL MODULE AND OPTICAL DEVICE

Organization Name

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

Yuuki Ishii of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

Yuka Tanaka of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

Katsuhiro Tabuchi of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

Takahide Nakadoi of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

Noritaka Kishi of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

Hitoshi Sakaguchi of Nagaokakyo-shi (JP)

OPTICAL MODULE AND OPTICAL DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18652018 titled 'OPTICAL MODULE AND OPTICAL DEVICE

The patent application describes an optical module with a translucent portion, a tubular vibrator supporting the translucent portion, a piezoelectric element to vibrate the vibrator, and an inner-layer optical component at the inner side of the vibrator.

The translucent portion has a recess with a curvature facing the inner-layer optical component.
The inner-layer optical component includes an inner-layer lens with a first portion protruding towards the translucent portion and a second portion at the outer periphery of the first portion.
There is a first gap between the first portion and the translucent portion, and a larger second gap between the second portion and the translucent portion.

Potential Applications: - This technology could be used in optical devices such as cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. - It may find applications in medical imaging equipment and industrial inspection systems.

Problems Solved: - Provides a stable and precise optical alignment within the module. - Enhances the performance and accuracy of optical components.

Benefits: - Improved optical quality and clarity. - Increased durability and reliability of optical modules.

Commercial Applications: - This technology could be valuable in the manufacturing of high-end optical instruments for various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and research.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the curvature in the translucent portion enhance the performance of the inner-layer optical component? 2. What are the specific advantages of using a piezoelectric element in this optical module design?

Original Abstract Submitted

An optical module includes a translucent portion, a tubular vibrator supporting the translucent portion, a piezoelectric element at the vibrator to vibrate the vibrator, and an inner-layer optical component at an inner side portion of the vibrator. A recess recessed in a thickness direction of the translucent portion and includes a curvature at a surface of the translucent portion facing the inner-layer optical component, the inner-layer optical component includes an inner-layer lens that faces the translucent portion and includes a first portion that protrudes toward the translucent portion and includes a curvature and a second portion at an outer periphery of the first portion, a first gap is located between the first portion and the translucent portion in the outer periphery of the first portion, a second gap is located between the second portion and the translucent portion, and the second gap is larger than the first gap.