Optical transmission device

• Main Author: Kropp, Jörg-Reinhardt
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.04.2002

The invention lies in the field of light-emitting transmission devices, particularly for optical data transmission purposes, which are equipped with a so-called monitoring unit for power control. Specifically, for many applications, it is desirable or essential, for example for safety reasons, to stabilize the output power of a transmitter, which is usually a laser, irrespective of temperature fluctuations and aging effects, for example. In the case of edge or side-radiating lasers, a power monitor can be arranged on that laser side or laser edge which is not intended for useful power output. The radiation (loss) emanating at that side can thus be used for control purposes. The optical transmission device comprises a transmitter which emits radiation vertically with respect to a covering surface. A reflection surface reflects a portion of the emitted radiation back onto an optically sensitive reception zone of a monitor receiver which is disposed on the same side as the transmitter. An intermediate body with a reflecting circumferential surface is disposed between the reflection surface and the reception zone. At least a portion of the reflected radiation passes from the circumferential surface to the reception zone, which significantly increases the yield of the reflected portion used for monitoring purposes.