Bi-directional Fiber Optic Coupling Lens with Integral Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for coupling laser light to waveguides and detecting light from these waveguides are complex and require specialized equipment, particularly in applications like OTDR, OFDR, and bi-directional data communications, making them difficult to implement efficiently, especially in harsh environments and remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for bi-directional optical coupling using a multi-sided transparent body with integral lenses and a light splitting surface, allowing efficient transmission and reflection of light between lenses, which includes a reflector to direct light from the third lens to the light splitting surface and back to the third lens, enabling efficient coupling of light from a light emitter to a waveguide and from the waveguide to a detector without the need for separate lenses or polarization control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used to couple light from light emitter to waveguide and from waveguide to detector, then light coupling can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light coupling from emitter to waveguide, light coupling from waveguide to detector, and light path splitting) into a single integrated optical component. The component includes a first lens for coupling light from the emitter, a second lens for coupling light to the detector, and a beam splitter that directs light between these paths, all merged into one device that simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it couples light from the light emitter to the waveguide, couples light from the waveguide to the light detector, and splits light paths using a beam splitter. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining high coupling efficiency.
2Reliability
If specialized equipment is used for bi-directional optical coupling, then coupling efficiency can be maintained, but the system becomes difficult to implement in harsh environments and remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all necessary optical functions into a single integrated component, the system becomes more robust and easier to deploy in harsh environments. The integrated design eliminates multiple alignment-critical interfaces and reduces the number of separate components that could fail or require recalibration, thereby improving ease of implementation while maintaining coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter is configured to automatically direct light from the waveguide to either the light detector or back to the light emitter based on the direction of light travel. This self-directional capability eliminates the need for external control mechanisms or complex switching equipment, making the system easier to implement and maintain in remote locations.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate lenses are used for coupling light to and from the waveguide, then optical alignment can be optimized, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lenses and optical elements into a single compact component structure. The first lens, second lens, and beam splitter are all incorporated into one device, maintaining precise optical alignment between the light emitter, waveguide, and light detector while significantly reducing the overall device volume compared to using separate lenses for each function.
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 provides high efficiency in coupling light between a light emitter and waveguide, and from the waveguide to a detector, achieving coupling efficiencies greater than 70% and 50% respectively, while being cost-effective, mechanically robust, and capable of operating in harsh conditions, and can be integrated into existing transmitter components without increasing size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light splitting surface formed integral to an interior end of the indent, capable of passing and reflecting split light
Implementation Method 2
light from the first lens and light emitter combination is bent towards the second lens and waveguide combination, and light from the second lens and waveguide combination is bent towards the third lens and light detector combination
Implementation Method 3
a reflector supporting angled surface formed integral to an exterior end of the indent, wherein a reflector positioned on the angled surface directs light from the third lens to the light splitting surface and directs light from the light splitting surface to the third lens
Implementation Method 4
a first lens formed integral to a first side of the body; a second lens formed integral to a second side of the body, wherein the first lens and second lens are disposed in a reflected split light path of each other
Data Source
AI summary
A component for coupling light bi-directionally between optical waveguides and optoelectronic devices is described. This component can be inexpensively manufactured and fits within the existing form-factor of fiber optic transceivers or transmitters, and has features for efficiently coupling laser light to a waveguide and light from the same waveguide to a detector. The described components can be formed as an array to operate within system that operation over parallel optical fibers. Applicability for these components is for optical time domain reflectometry, bi-directional optical communications, remote fiber sensing, and optical range finders.