Bidirectional Optical Transceiver Alignment and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confocal optical systems face challenges in aligning light sources, pinholes, and detectors with precision due to complex fiber optic coupling arrangements, which are unsuitable for applications requiring high precision and stability beyond microscopy, and introduce noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional optical transceiver component with a housing containing a source, detector, and beamsplitter, where the optical waveguide's end is angled and coupled with a refractive or diffractive optical element, and an optical launch assembly with a matching propagation medium, directing over 50% of received radiation to the detector and minimizing noise through shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple optical fibres are used to connect light source, photodetector and condenser lens, then the construction is simplified, but the coupling precision requirements increase and the system becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and photodetector into a single integrated bidirectional transceiver module, eliminating the need for separate fiber connections to each component. This merging reduces the number of fiber coupling points from multiple separate connections to a single integrated coupling interface, thereby simplifying construction while maintaining manageable precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beamsplitter as an intermediary optical element within the integrated module that directs light from the single fiber connection to both the light source and photodetector. This intermediary component enables functional separation while maintaining physical integration, resolving the contradiction between construction simplicity and coupling precision requirements.
2Ease of operation
If bidirectional module is used for fibre optic communications, then alignment is simplified, but the system introduces noise and crosstalk that hinders performance in confocal optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical paths within the integrated module using a beamsplitter, creating distinct directional paths for light transmission and reception. This segmentation physically separates the forward and backward optical paths, reducing crosstalk between the light source and photodetector while maintaining the alignment simplicity of the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the inherent noise and crosstalk issues by using the beamsplitter to redirect and isolate unwanted light paths. The design converts the potential harmful effect of light leakage and crosstalk into a controlled optical path separation, where the beamsplitter's reflective and transmissive properties actively prevent noise from reaching the photodetector.
3Device complexity
If optical fibre is terminated at the point where it interfaces with optical system, then the system is simplified, but optical reflections from termination increase noise at photodetector
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of terminating the optical fiber perpendicular to its axis (the conventional approach), the patent inverts this arrangement by angling the fiber termination. This angular termination redirects reflected light away from the photodetector path, eliminating the harmful feedback loop while maintaining system simplicity without requiring additional termination components.
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 configuration ensures precise alignment and reduced noise, enhancing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and sensitivity, while simplifying the system and reducing manufacturing costs, making it suitable for applications beyond microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a single optical waveguide is sealingly coupled to the combined input and output port
Implementation Method 2
a second end of the optical waveguide has a surface that extends at a substantially non-perpendicular angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide; an optical launch assembly is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide and comprises a length of propagation medium abutting the second end of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a second end of the optical waveguide has a surface that extends at a substantially non-perpendicular angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide; an optical launch assembly is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide and comprises a length of propagation medium abutting the second end of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 4
the beamsplitter is aligned within the housing with respect to the optical source, the optical detector and the combined input and output port in order to direct optical electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical source to the combined input and output port and to direct optical electromagnetic radiation received from the combined input and output port to the optical detector
Implementation Method 5
an optical detector; wherein the housing has a first side wall, a second side wall and comprises the combined input and output port; the optical detector is sealingly coupled to the second side wall
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~9
AI summary
An optical measurement apparatus (102) containing a bidirectional optical transceiver component (200), the bidirectional optical transceiver component (200) comprising a source of optical electromagnetic radiation (208), an optical detector (214), a beamsplitter, and a combined input and output port (218). The port (218) is arranged to permit, when in use, propagation of optical electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The beamsplitter is aligned within a housing (206) with respect to the optical source (208), the optical detector(214) and the port (218) in order to direct optical electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical source (214) to the port (214) and to direct optical electromagnetic radiation received from the port (214) to the optical detector (208).