Lens arrangement for optical rotary joints
According to one embodiment, an optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, with the latter being rotatably supported relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the first and second collimator arrangements as a derotating element. The first and second collimator arrangements have at least one micro-lens array on which light-waveguides with associated ferrules are disposed. In order to avoid tensile forces from arising in the arrangement, or as a result of individual ferrules becoming interconnected by an applied adhesive, trenches, barriers, or also coatings are provided between the individual ferrules.
1. A lens system, comprising:
a micro-lens array;
a plurality of ferrules enclosing end-portions of light-waveguides, wherein the plurality of ferrules are adhesively fastened in a spaced relationship from each other to one side surface of the micro-lens array by means of an adhesive; and
wherein bonding between the adhesive of neighboring ferrules is prevented by providing adhesive-repellant coatings on the one side surface of the micro-lens array between each of the ferrules adhesively fastened on the one side surface of the micro-lens array.
2. The lens system according to claim 1 , wherein one or more light-guiding structures are provided in the ferrules, or between the ferrules and the one side surface of the micro-lens array, for directing UV radiation onto the adhesive.
3. The lens system according to claim 2 , wherein the light-guiding structures are selected from a group comprising: bores, light-guiding fibers inserted within bores, a honeycomb structure, a partially light-transmitting porous structure, or an intermediate substrate of glass.
4. The lens system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ferrules are arranged on the micro-lens array in a rectangular matrix, such that the neighboring ferrules are arranged diagonally relative to each other.
5. A lens system, comprising:
a micro-lens array;
a plurality of light-waveguides adhesively fastened in a spaced relationship from each other to one side surface of the micro-lens array by means of an adhesive; and
wherein bonding between the adhesive of neighboring light-waveguides is prevented by providing adhesive-repellant coatings on the one side surface of the micro-lens array between each of the light-waveguides adhesively fastened on the one side surface of the micro-lens array.
6. An optical rotary joint for transmitting modulated optical signals, comprising:
two units supported to be rotatable relative to each other;
a derotating optical element disposed within a beam path between the two units; and
at least one lens system disposed on one of the two units, the at least one lens system comprising:
a micro-lens array;
a plurality of ferrules enclosing end-portions of light-waveguides, wherein the plurality of ferrules are adhesively fastened in a spaced relationship from each other to one side surface of the micro-lens array by means of an adhesive; and
wherein bonding between the adhesive of neighboring ferrules is prevented by providing adhesive-repellant coatings on the one side surface of the micro-lens array between each of the ferrules adhesively fastened on the one side surface of the micro-lens array.