Bidirectional Optical Sub-Assembly for Precise Wavelength Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional optical sub-assemblies for optical fiber communication systems have complex structures and limited receiving accuracy when handling optical signals with different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional optical sub-assembly design featuring a housing with specific openings and a combination of filters and a glass crystal with inclined faces, allowing for the precise separation and transmission of optical signals with different wavelengths, with attachment angles controlled to within ±0.2°, simplifying the structure and improving receiving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing bidirectional optical sub-assembly structures are used to receive multiple optical signals with different wavelengths, then the receiving function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and receiving accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filters and a glass crystal with parallel inclined faces into an integrated optical signal separation structure. The first filter, second filter, and glass crystal work together as a unified system to separate multiple optical signals with different wavelengths, replacing complex existing structures and improving receiving accuracy while simplifying the overall device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The glass crystal with parallel inclined faces acts as an intermediary element that receives optical signals from the first filter and directs them to the second filter. This intermediary structure enables precise wavelength-based signal routing with high receiving accuracy, while the parallel inclined faces maintain a simple geometric configuration that avoids structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If the glass crystal inclined faces are manufactured with high precision (±0.2°), then the receiving accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise inclination angle parameter of ±0.2° for the glass crystal faces and filter attachments. This parameter optimization achieves high receiving accuracy while remaining within manufacturable tolerances. The parallel configuration of the inclined faces provides a reference geometry that simplifies the manufacturing process compared to non-parallel or multi-angle configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The glass crystal is manufactured with pre-established parallel inclined faces at the specified ±0.2° angle before assembly. This preliminary precision manufacturing of the crystal structure provides a stable foundation for subsequent filter attachments, ensuring receiving accuracy while avoiding the need for complex post-assembly angle adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters and reflection structures are added to separate optical signals by wavelength, then the signal separation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass crystal with parallel inclined faces serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for filter attachments, provides optical signal routing through its inclined faces, and maintains precise angular relationships for wavelength-based separation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reflection structures and other components, improving signal separation capability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension created by the parallel inclined faces of the glass crystal to separate optical signals by wavelength. The inclined faces create distinct optical paths in different spatial directions, enabling wavelength-based signal separation without requiring additional complex reflection structures or multi-layer configurations
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 design enables accurate separation and transmission of multiple optical signals with small wavelength differences, enhancing the receiving precision and simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the need for complex angle adjustments and additional reflection structures.
Implementation Method 1
the first filter is configured to reflect the first optical signal to the first inclined face of the glass crystal
Implementation Method 2
the glass crystal is configured to transmit, to the second inclined face, the first optical signal received by the first inclined face
Implementation Method 3
the second filter is configured to transparently transmit, to the first receiving optical sub-assembly of the second opening, a second optical signal that is in a first wavelength range and that is in the first optical signal received by the second inclined face
Implementation Method 4
the second filter is further configured to reflect, to the first inclined face, a third optical signal that is in a second wavelength range and that is in the first optical signal received by the second inclined face
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional optical sub-assembly and an optical module, where the bidirectional optical sub-assembly can receive a plurality of optical signals with different wavelengths. The bidirectional optical sub-assembly includes a housing defining a cavity with a plurality of openings in communication with the cavity. A plurality of filters and a glass crystal are disposed in the cavity, which are configured to reflect or transmit an optical signal from an optical fiber coupled to one of the openings. The optical module includes the bidirectional optical sub-assembly, which is electrically connected to a printed circuit board.