Alps Develops and Commences Mass Production of “FLGS3 Series” Lead-Free Aspherical Glass Lens for Optical Communication Using Wide-Angle Laser Diodes

The rising popularity of smartphones in markets worldwide and increasing use of the Internet for activities like video distribution have boosted demand for fast, high-capacity communication networks. High-speed, low-loss optical technology enables broad application of fast, high-capacity communication, in submarine cable networks linking the countries of the world through to short-distance subscriber networks (FTTH) for offices and households. Optical communication is the transmission of data which has been converted into light signals. The medium is usually via optical fiber, which is exceptionally light and robust and has the advantage of low susceptibility to the effects of electromagnetic waves.



Transceiver modules employing glass lenses are used for optical communication, in submarine cables and base stations. Aspherical glass lenses, in particular, are ideal for transmitting light signals to optical fiber with low loss and have recently been incorporated into palm-size projectors. Consumer appliance applications are growing.



The FLGS3 Series is a highly efficient 1 × 1mm square aspherical glass lens—the industry’s smallest.



Alps harnessed technologies accumulated through more than 20 years serving the optical communication market—in the areas of optical design, mechanical design, mold and die manufacturing, molding, and simulation—to expand the effective numerical aperture (NA) to 0.65 × 0.13 (from 0.5 × 0.1) while retaining the industry’s smallest size, and as a result raise optical coupling efficiency, which is a measure of light transmission efficiency, to 73% from 68%. With low loss, the light input required for a given output is smaller. This contributes to low power consumption, and also restricts heat generation, thereby enabling application in low-price modules that do not require Peltier devices*1 or other cooling components. The lens is also ideal for high-brightness projector applications.



Furthermore, the FLGS3 Series lens is made from lead-free glass, achieving compliance with both RoHS 6*2 and REACH regulations. This is one product which, as well as contributing to reduced power consumption by optical communication modules, helps to lower environmental impact.

*1 A Peltier device uses the Peltier effect to move heat from one metal to another when electricity is passed through a junction between the two metals. Such devices facilitate size reductions and are often used as cooling components in compact equipment, contrasting with heat pumps used in appliances like air conditioners.

*2 The European Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive) took effect on July 1, 2006. The directive prohibits the sale within the EU of electrical and electronic products containing more than the specified level of six hazardous materials—lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ether. Optical glass normally contains lead, but lead content in optical glass was excluded from the normal RoHS Directive. Under RoHS 6, this lead content is also restricted.



Features



Lead-free aspherical glass lens achieving high optical coupling efficiency while retaining the industry’s smallest size



1. Optical coupling efficiency improved to 73%.

2. Lead-free glass material complies with RoHS 6 and REACH.

3. Compatible with standard optical communication wavelengths (1260nm – 1625nm) and visible light option also available.