Compound Optical Combiner Reducing Power Loss via Polarization Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical combiners, such as MMI couplers and wavelength combiners, suffer from significant power loss and signal distortion when combining multiple optical signals, particularly due to inherent power loss and the difficulty in precise dimension control.
Innovation Solution
A compound optical combiner is designed using a combination of polarization and non-polarization combiners, which preserves and converts signal polarizations to minimize power loss and optimize signal power, reducing the need for precise wavelength control and minimizing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MMI couplers are used to combine multiple optical signals, then the signals can be combined into a single output, but significant power loss occurs (at least 6 dB per signal)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal combination process into two stages: first using non-polarization combiners to combine signals while preserving polarization, then using polarization combiners to combine signals of different polarizations. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, reducing overall power loss compared to a single-stage MMI coupler.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of signals during the combination process. Non-polarization combiners preserve polarization, while polarization combiners actively convert and combine signals of different polarizations. This parameter change enables efficient combination without the power loss inherent in traditional MMI couplers.
2Loss of energy
If wavelength combiners are used to combine optical signals, then power loss can be minimized theoretically, but precise dimension control is difficult and small errors lead to large insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wavelength-dependent mechanisms (which require precise dimensional control) with polarization-dependent mechanisms. Polarization combiners use polarization converters and interferometers that are less sensitive to dimensional variations, substituting a mechanical precision requirement with an optical property that is more tolerant to manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from controlling wavelength parameters (which require precise dimensions) to controlling polarization parameters. By using polarization combiners that operate on polarization states rather than wavelength differences, the system achieves robust performance with relaxed manufacturing precision requirements.
3Loss of energy
If wavelength combiners are used, then small power loss is theoretically achieved, but the combiners are narrow-band and cause signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal combiner structure that can handle signals across a broad bandwidth. The polarization combiner architecture combines signals based on polarization states rather than wavelength, making the device universally applicable to multiple wavelengths simultaneously, thus achieving both low power loss and wide bandwidth without signal distortion.
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 compound optical combiner effectively combines multiple optical signals with minimal power loss and increased bandwidth, outperforming traditional power and wavelength combiners by eliminating inherent losses and simplifying fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization combiner can combine optical signals of specific polarizations with minimal loss of the power of the combined optical signals
Implementation Method 2
the non-polarization combiner combines the optical signals into signals suitable for the polarization combiner
Data Source
AI summary
A compound optical combiner for combining multiple optical signals includes a set of combiners. The set of combiners includes at least one polarization combiner optically connected to at least one non-polarization combiner. The non-polarization combiner combines a first set of input signals while preserving a polarization of each input signal in the first set of signals. The polarization combiner combines a second set of input signals while converting the polarization of at least one input signal in the second set of signals.