Angled Fiber End Face Optical Amplifier ASE Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backward amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in optical amplifiers interferes with forward optical signals and monitoring components, limiting signal gain and causing inaccurate power measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical amplifier design featuring an angled input end face on the optical fiber to redirect backward ASE away from the signal path, utilizing an optical component to further direct, block, or absorb this emission, thereby minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the optical fiber has a perpendicular input end face, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but backward ASE interferes with forward optical signals and monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The input end face of the optical fiber is angled at a specific angle (e.g., 8 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis, creating an asymmetric geometry that redirects backward ASE away from the forward optical signal path and monitoring components, thereby resolving the interference problem while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The angled end face configuration converts the potentially harmful backward ASE into a beneficial directional emission that exits the fiber at an angle, preventing it from interfering with the forward signal and monitoring photodiodes while still allowing the amplification function to operate effectively
2Device complexity
If backward ASE is allowed to propagate freely, then the device structure remains simple, but signal gain is limited and power measurements become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The angled input end face creates asymmetric light propagation paths where backward ASE is directed at an angle away from the monitoring photodiodes, ensuring accurate power measurements without requiring additional complex filtering or blocking components
Solution Approach 2:
By angling the end face, the patent redirects backward ASE into a different spatial dimension (angular direction), separating it from the forward signal path and monitoring component plane, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity
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 enhances the gain of forward optical signals and improves the accuracy of power monitoring by reducing interference from backward ASE.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber to propagate a forward optical signal in a path of propagation of the optical amplifier, the optical fiber having an input end face that is angled non-perpendicular to the path of propagation
Implementation Method 2
an optical component, in optical communication with the input end face of the optical fiber, to direct a backward optical emission away from the path of propagation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical amplifier may include an optical fiber to propagate a forward optical signal in a path of propagation of the optical amplifier. The optical fiber may have an input end face that is angled non-perpendicular to the path of propagation. The optical amplifier may include an optical component, in optical communication with the input end face of the optical fiber, to direct a backward optical emission away from the path of propagation.