Bidirectional Optical Module Lens Block Reducing Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional optical communication modules face challenges with high optical losses and sensitivity to misalignment, particularly at higher data rates, limiting the scalability and efficiency of optical fiber links.
Innovation Solution
A compact optics system with a lens block using only two surfaces to turn the light path and a filter block for wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing, reducing optical losses and improving tolerance to misalignment by minimizing the number of surfaces that redirect the light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional optics systems with multiple reflective and refractive surfaces are used in bidirectional optical modules, then the optical paths can be redirected, but optical losses increase and tolerance to misalignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (reflection, refraction, wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing) into a single integrated lens block with only two surfaces. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate reflective elements and refractive elements, reducing the total number of optical surfaces from multiple individual components to just two surfaces in the lens block, thereby reducing optical losses and improving alignment tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light paths, performs wavelength multiplexing, and performs wavelength demultiplexing. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate optical elements, reducing the overall complexity and number of surfaces in the optics system.
2Productivity
If more optical surfaces are used to redirect light paths, then the optical communication module can handle higher data rates, but sensitivity to misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical functions into the two-surface lens block, the patent reduces the cumulative alignment sensitivity that would result from having multiple separate optical surfaces. Each additional surface in a traditional system adds alignment complexity, but the integrated design consolidates these functions, improving manufacturing precision and alignment tolerance while maintaining high data rate capabilities.
3Productivity
If bidirectional optical links are designed to increase bandwidth, then data transmission capacity improves, but optical losses and sensitivity to misalignment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated lens block design enables bidirectional optical links to achieve higher bandwidth by consolidating optical functions into fewer surfaces. This reduction in the number of surfaces directly reduces optical losses while maintaining the bandwidth enhancement capabilities, resolving the contradiction between increasing productivity and reducing energy loss.
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
The solution reduces optical losses, enhances signal-to-noise ratio, and improves alignment tolerance, enabling more compact and scalable bidirectional optical communication modules with increased bandwidth capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A lens block of the optics system uses a single surface for reflecting light into and for reflecting light passing out of the end of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
A lens block of the optics system uses a single surface for reflecting light into and for reflecting light passing out of the end of the optical fiber and a single surface for reflecting light toward a monitor photodetector
Implementation Method 3
a filter block for wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing
Data Source
AI summary
In a bidirectional optical communications module, an optics system is provided having a lens block that uses a single surface for reflecting light into or reflecting light passing out of the end of the optical fiber and a single surface for reflecting light toward a monitor photodetector. No other surfaces in the lens block are used to turn the light path. A filter block of the optics system that is adjacent to the lens block performs wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing. The filter block reflects light at either its lower or upper surface back toward the lens block. In some embodiments, a portion of light passes through the upper surface of the filter block to provide some attenuation of light being transmitted so that the light is not coupled back into the light source. Because the upper surface of the filter block is the topmost surface of the optics system, the optics system can be very compact while also limiting the number of surfaces that turn the light path. Limiting the number of surfaces in the optics system that turn the light path reduces optical losses and increases tolerance to optical misalignment.