Asymmetric Lenslet Array for Compact Optical Launch Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switch systems require complex and costly launch optics arrangements to separate incoming and outgoing optical beams, which are inefficient and costly, especially in wavelength blocker arrays.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric lenslet array is used in conjunction with a V-groove array and a MEMs mirror array to create a compact and cost-effective launch optics arrangement that eliminates the need for circulators by using a different number of coupling and collimating lenses, allowing for spatially overlapped and angularly multiplexed beams to be focused at a virtual focal point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional optical switch system uses circulators and separate fiber arrays to separate incoming and outgoing optical beams, then the optical beams can be effectively separated and switched, but the launch optics arrangement becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of incoming and outgoing fiber arrays into a single shared fiber array, and merges the launch optics for both directions into a single lens array. This eliminates the need for separate circulators and reduces the number of optical components while maintaining effective beam separation through the asymmetric lens configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric lens array where lenses at different positions have different focal lengths - specifically, lenses closer to the fiber array have a first focal length while lenses farther away have a second focal length. This asymmetric design enables the single lens array to independently control and separate incoming and outgoing optical beams without requiring additional circulators, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If circulators are used to separate incoming and outgoing beams in each fiber, then beam separation is achieved, but the cost and number of optical elements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam separation function that would otherwise require expensive circulators in each fiber channel into a single shared asymmetric lens array. This consolidation eliminates the need for N circulators in an N-fiber system, significantly reducing the number of optical elements and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective beam separation through the asymmetric focal length configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a symmetric lens array with equal numbers of coupling and collimating lenses is used, then optical alignment is simplified, but the system cannot achieve spatially overlapped and angularly multiplexed beams without circulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric lens array where the number of coupling lenses differs from the number of collimating lenses, and lenses at different positions have different focal lengths. This asymmetric configuration enables the system to achieve spatially overlapped and angularly multiplexed beams for incoming and outgoing directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for circulators while maintaining alignment feasibility through the structured asymmetric design.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of launch optics while enabling efficient separation and switching of optical beams, allowing for a more economical and efficient optical switch system without the need for additional optical elements like circulators.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface with a plurality of pairs pair of coupling lenses in registration with each optical fiber in the array of optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a second surface with a plurality of collimating lenses in registration with each pair of coupling lenses
Implementation Method 3
Each of the MEMS mirrors is positioned to receive an optical beam from one of the collimating lenses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
An optical launch arrangement comprising a fiber assembly for securing an array of optical fibers; and an asymmetric lenslet array having a first surface with a pair of coupling lenses and a second surface with a collimating lens in registration with the pair of coupling lenses.