Bidirectional optical communications module having an optics system that reduces optical losses and increases tolerance to optical misalignment

Abstract

In a bidirectional optical communications module, an optics system is provided having a lens block that uses a single surface for reflecting light into or reflecting light passing out of the end of the optical fiber and a single surface for reflecting light toward a monitor photodetector. No other surfaces in the lens block are used to turn the light path. A filter block of the optics system that is adjacent to the lens block performs wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing. The filter block reflects light at either its lower or upper surface back toward the lens block. In some embodiments, a portion of light passes through the upper surface of the filter block to provide some attenuation of light being transmitted so that the light is not coupled back into the light source. Because the upper surface of the filter block is the topmost surface of the optics system, the optics system can be very compact while also limiting the number of surfaces that turn the light path. Limiting the number of surfaces in the optics system that turn the light path reduces optical losses and increases tolerance to optical misalignment.