Enhanced design optimization of micro-thermoelectric cooler in optical module

Abstract

Optical modules serve as crucial components for converting signals between optical and electrical forms in high-speed communication and sensing systems, with their performance dependent on precise temperature control. Thermoelectric devices (TED) provide a solution utilizing the Peltier effect and their efficiency is constrained by the design of their geometric structure. However, while traditional research methods have shown some effectiveness in optimizing the size of single-stage thermoelectric coolers, they may face the trap of local optimal solutions when dealing with complex multi-variable and multi-objective optimization problems, and the search efficiency for global optimal solutions is relatively low. The primary focus of this study is the utilization of thermoelectric devices in 5G/6G optical modules, employing finite element numerical simulation methods to deeply analyze the impact of different geometric parameters (leg height l, leg width w, number of leg pairs p_d) and environmental parameters (ambient temperature T_m, cooling capacity Q_c) on the performance of the devices. To enhance the efficiency of choosing optimal device parameters and meet various performance criteria, a proposed multi-objective optimization strategy is employed. Under the condition of T_m = 90 °C and Q_c = 1 W, the optimal device geometry is as follows: p_d = 224 legs/cm², w = 0.5 mm, l = 0.8 mm, and P_min = 1.5 W. Under the condition of T_m = 90 °C and Q_c = 1.5 W, the optimal device geometry is as follows: p_d = 224 legs/cm², w = 0.5 mm, l = 0.5 mm, and P_min = 2.42 W.