Anamorphic Beam Shaping for Optical Switch Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-selective optical-switch devices face challenges in optical design flexibility and efficiency due to the difficulty in positioning the diffraction grating at the beam-waist of the signal light, leading to optical loss and reduced coupling efficiency when using an anamorphic prism pair between the collimator lens array and the diffraction grating.
Innovation Solution
The optical switching device incorporates a condensing lens system with distinct first and second focal distances in the beam-diameter-expanding and optical-switching directions, respectively, allowing for increased design freedom and optimal positioning of the diffraction grating and optical switching element, thereby enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If an anamorphic prism pair is disposed between the collimator lens array and the diffraction grating to expand the beam diameter, then the beam diameter is expanded in the dispersion direction, but the beam shape becomes oval with the major axis perpendicular to the dispersion direction, which complicates the optical design and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam shaping optical system as an intermediary component between the collimator lens array and the diffraction grating. This beam shaping optical system includes anamorphic optical systems that expand the beam diameter in the dispersion direction while maintaining a circular beam shape, rather than producing an oval shape. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary beam diameter expansion without the detrimental oval shape transformation, thereby maintaining optical design flexibility.
2Area of moving object
If the beam diameter incident into the condensing lens is large, then the condensed light is small in beam diameter, but if the beam diameter incident into the condensing lens is small, then the condensed light is large in beam diameter, creating an inverse relationship that complicates alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the beam shaping optical system to pre-form the beam into a desired circular shape with appropriate diameter before the light reaches the diffraction grating and condensing lens. This preliminary beam shaping ensures that the beam incident on the condensing lens has the optimal diameter and shape characteristics, thereby achieving precise alignment and condensation without the inverse relationship complications. The beam is prepared in advance with the correct parameters to avoid alignment issues downstream.
3Reliability
If the diffraction grating is not positioned at the beam-waist of the signal light, then optical loss increases and coupling efficiency decreases, but achieving precise positioning reduces design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically adjusting the focal distances of the condensing lens system in two different directions (first focal distance and second focal distance). This allows independent optimization of the beam parameters at the diffraction grating position. By changing these focal distance parameters, the system achieves precise positioning of the diffraction grating at the beam-waist while maintaining design flexibility. The parameter optimization ensures maximum coupling efficiency without compromising the ability to adapt the design to different configurations.
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 configuration improves the optical characteristics of the switching device by allowing for precise alignment of the beam-waist with the optical switching element, reducing optical loss, and increasing the degree of freedom in optical design, thus enhancing the switching efficiency and flexibility of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an anamorphic optical system being disposed between the light input and output port and the condensing lens system and expanding a beam diameter of the light input from a side of the light input and output port in a beam-diameter-expanding direction
Implementation Method 2
a condensing lens system being disposed between the light input and output port and the light-operating element and coupling the light input and output port with the light-operating element optically; In the condensing lens system, a first focal distance in the beam-diameter-expanding direction and a second focal distance in a direction perpendicular to the beam-diameter-expanding direction differ from each other
Implementation Method 3
a light-operating element reflecting a light input from any one of the ports of the light input and output port and outputting the reflected light to any one of the ports of the light input and output port
Data Source
AI summary
A light operation device includes: an light input and output port; an light-operating element reflecting a light input from any one of the ports of the light input and output port and outputting the reflected light to any one of the ports of the light input and output port; a condensing lens system disposed between the light input and output port and the light-operating element and optically-coupling the light input and output port with the light-operating element; an anamorphic optical system disposed between the light input and output port and the condensing lens system and expanding a beam diameter of the light input from a side of the light input and output port in a beam-diameter-expanding direction. In the condensing lens system, a first focal distance in the beam-diameter-expanding direction and a second focal distance in a direction perpendicular to the beam-diameter-expanding direction differ from each other.