Broadband Light Splitter Using Complementary Couplers and Phase Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems for light splitting and monitoring in compact electronic devices face challenges due to size, cost, and complexity, particularly when handling multiple wavelengths, limiting their suitability for applications like mobile phones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A compact broadband light splitting device using cascaded two-by-two directional or tapered couplers with a phase delay between them, allowing for broader bandwidth operation by combining couplers with complementary splitting power relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light inputs and wavelengths are used to measure various types of information, then the functionality and measurement capability of the optical system is improved, but the size, cost, and complexity of the optical system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple two-by-two couplers, each handling a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple wavelengths through modular units rather than a monolithic complex structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each two-by-two coupler is designed to be universally applicable across different wavelength ranges through the use of phase delays. The same basic coupler structure can function across multiple wavelength bands when combined with appropriate phase delay elements, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each wavelength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of monitored wavelengths is increased, then the information measurement capability is improved, but the size of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple two-by-two couplers are merged into a single integrated optical system where each coupler handles a specific wavelength range. By combining these modular units in a compact arrangement with shared phase delay elements, the system achieves broad wavelength coverage without proportionally increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from handling single wavelength in one dimension to managing multiple wavelengths by introducing a phase delay dimension. This allows the couplers to differentiate between wavelengths through phase relationships rather than requiring separate spatial components for each wavelength, thereby compacting the overall device footprint.
3Area of stationary object
If existing optical systems are designed for narrow wavelength ranges, then the device size is reduced, but the system cannot efficiently function in different or broad wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system incorporates adjustable phase delays that can be dynamically configured to match different wavelength ranges. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same compact device structure to efficiently function across various wavelength bands by modifying the phase delay parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
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 enables efficient light splitting across a wider bandwidth while maintaining a compact form factor, addressing the limitations of existing systems in size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a phase delay positioned between the light couplers
Implementation Method 2
a first coupler that couples light over an operating bandwidth of wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Configurations for a light splitting device used for light splitting over an operating bandwidth of wavelengths are disclosed. The light splitting device may include a first coupler and a second coupler, where the first coupler has a first splitting power relationship and the second coupler has a second splitting power relationship and the first and second splitting power relationships are complementary to one another over the operating bandwidth of wavelengths. The light splitting device may further include a phase delay positioned between the first and second couplers. The phase delay may result in the output light having an approximately even optical power distribution across the operating bandwidth of wavelengths. In some embodiments, the first and second couplers may be directional couplers and, in other embodiments, the first and second couplers may be tapered couplers.