Compact Optical Fiber Amplifier Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size of conventional optical fiber amplifier modules is too large, limiting the miniaturization of communication systems and devices, as the optical fibers must maintain a certain radius of curvature to prevent signal loss, making it difficult to reduce the module size further.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical fiber amplifier design where optical fibers, including connection and amplification fibers, are wound and disposed outside the optical module, allowing for a smaller module size while maintaining the necessary curvature to prevent signal loss, and optionally using multiple optical modules with separate active and passive elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If optical fibers are wound inside the module to minimize installation space, then the module size can be reduced, but the transmission loss increases due to excessive bending of the optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are extracted from the module housing and disposed outside the module. This separates the optical fiber routing from the module volume constraints, allowing the module itself to be compact while the fibers maintain adequate curvature radii in the external space, thereby resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and transmission loss.
2Reliability
If the radius of curvature of optical fibers is maintained above a predetermined level to prevent transmission loss, then transmission quality is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are routed in three-dimensional space outside the module rather than being constrained to two-dimensional planar winding inside the module. This dimensional freedom allows the fibers to achieve the required curvature radii for low loss transmission while occupying minimal footprint area on the mounting board.
3Weight of stationary object
If multiple communication modules are disposed on a reduced-size board to minimize system weight, then system weight is reduced, but the board space becomes insufficient for proper module installation
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the optical fiber routing from the module housing, the module footprint on the board is minimized to only what is necessary for the optical elements and electrical connections. The fiber optic interconnections are routed externally, freeing up board space that would otherwise be required for fiber management structures, thus enabling higher module density while maintaining transmission quality.
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 significantly reduces the size of the optical fiber amplifier module, increasing the installation flexibility and allowing for a smaller communication board, thereby enhancing the design freedom and reducing the overall system size.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber amplifier employs an erbium-doped fiber, for example, as an optical amplifying means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a compact optical fiber amplifier, which can minimize the size of an optical module and increase the degree of freedom in mounting the module on a board. The compact optical fiber amplifier according to the present invention includes: an optical module including a plurality of optical elements provided therein, an input port for introducing an optical fiber thereinto, and an outlet port for extract the optical fiber to the outside of the module; and a plurality of optical fibers introduced into or extracted from the optical module through the input port or the outlet port of the optical module and disposed above a predetermined radius of curvature on the outside of the optical module.