3D Inscribed WDM Coupler for Optical Amplifier Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively integrate wavelength division multiplexing and coupling in a single chip during the manufacturing process for optical amplifiers, particularly in submarine telecommunication cables, and lack efficient methods for optically pumping light into cores.
Innovation Solution
A 3-dimensional inscripted wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) coupler is created using a substrate with a direct laser-inscribed 3-dimensional pump waveguide and multicore fiber, where the optical pump laser is split and aligned with signal waveguides to form combined pumped signals, which are then delivered into a multicore fiber within the same substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wavelength division multiplexing and coupling are integrated in a single chip during manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and coupling functions into a single integrated chip structure. The WDM coupler combines multiple input signals at different wavelengths and routes them to appropriate output ports while simultaneously performing coupling operations, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated WDM coupler performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength division multiplexer, a wavelength division demultiplexer, and a coupler all within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle multiple optical signals with different wavelengths through a unified structure, improving manufacturing efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple components are combined into a single core, then productivity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated WDM coupler into distinct functional regions within the single core structure. Each segment handles specific wavelength ranges or performs specific coupling functions, allowing for modular design and easier characterization of individual functions while maintaining the benefits of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary reference structures and test ports within the integrated device that facilitate measurement and characterization. These intermediary elements serve as access points for detecting and measuring the performance of the integrated components without requiring direct measurement of the complex internal structure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical pump laser is split and aligned with multiple signal waveguides, then use of energy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional waveguide structures and spatial multiplexing to distribute the optical pump laser to multiple signal waveguides. By employing vertical stacking and lateral positioning in multiple dimensions, the design achieves efficient pump distribution while managing the complexity through structured spatial arrangement rather than complex planar routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized coupling regions where the pump laser interacts with specific signal waveguides. Each interaction region is optimized for its specific function, allowing efficient energy transfer at each local point while the overall structure maintains manageable complexity through modular organization of these localized interactions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient optical amplification and integration of components within a single core, enhancing signal transmission in optical-based telecommunication networks by effectively combining pump and signal light paths, reducing signal loss, and improving network performance.
Implementation Method 1
a 3-dimensional pump waveguide direct laser inscripted into the substrate
Implementation Method 2
direct laser inscripted into the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A 3-dimensional (3-D) inscripted wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) coupler for optical amplifiers is provided. The 3-D WDM coupler includes a substrate. The 3-D WDM coupler further includes a 3-dimensional pump waveguide direct laser inscripted into the substrate. The 3-D WDM coupler also includes a optical pump laser coupled into the 3-dimensional pump waveguide. The 3-D WDM coupler further includes a multicore fiber coupled into cores in the direct laser inscripted substrate.