Bidirectional Optical Module with Orthogonal Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidirectional optical modules for OTDRs become complex and costly when multi-wavelength measurements are required, leading to increased manufacturing costs and difficulty in miniaturization due to the need for multiple optical separators and complex multiplexing/demultiplexing couplers.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional optical module design featuring multiple light emitting elements with orthogonal polarization planes, a non-reciprocal unit, and a multiplexing/demultiplexing filter, which allows for different optical paths in the forward and backward directions, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for complex couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical separators and multiplexing/demultiplexing couplers are used for multi-wavelength measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-reciprocal unit is designed to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously through a single structure, eliminating the need for separate optical separators for each wavelength. This universal component performs both wavelength separation and directional control functions that previously required multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple optical separators and multiplexing/demultiplexing couplers into a single non-reciprocal unit. By combining these previously separate components into one integrated structure, the device achieves multi-wavelength capability while reducing overall component count and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical separators and multiplexing/demultiplexing couplers are used for multi-wavelength measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-reciprocal unit serves as a universal component that handles all wavelength separations and directional controls in a single structure, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate optical separators and couplers, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple expensive optical components into one non-reciprocal unit, the invention reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled, leading to significant cost reductions in the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical separators and multiplexing/demultiplexing couplers are used for multi-wavelength measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The non-reciprocal unit provides a compact universal solution that performs all necessary optical separation and directional control functions in a single small component, enabling miniaturization while maintaining multi-wavelength measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple bulky optical components into one compact non-reciprocal unit, dramatically reducing the overall volume required for the optical module while preserving full multi-wavelength functionality.
4Reliability
If conventional bidirectional optical module design is used, then optical path separation is achieved, but coupling losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the directional control function from complex multi-component systems and implements it directly within the non-reciprocal unit through integrated waveguide design, eliminating intermediate coupling interfaces and reducing associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-reciprocal unit acts as an intermediary that provides direct optical coupling between forward and backward paths without requiring multiple intermediate components, thereby minimizing coupling losses while maintaining effective optical path separation.
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 design achieves high optical power and sensitivity while minimizing component count, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling miniaturization of the optical module, with low coupling losses and simplified manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a non-reciprocal unit for making an optical path in a forward direction from the light emitting element to the optical fiber and an optical path in a backward direction from the optical fiber to the light emitting element different
Implementation Method 2
polarization planes of light incident on the optical fiber after being emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements are mutually orthogonal
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional optical module according to the present invention emits light to an optical fiber and allows returning light from the optical fiber to enter and includes a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light to enter the optical fiber, a light receiving element that receives light having exited the optical fiber, and a non-reciprocal unit for making an optical path in a forward direction from the light emitting element to the optical fiber and an optical path in a backward direction from the optical fiber to the light emitting element different. Then, polarization planes of light incident on the optical fiber after being emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements are mutually orthogonal, and the non-reciprocal unit emits returning light of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements from the optical fiber toward the light receiving element to one light receiving element.