Free-Space CWDM MUX/DEMUX Assembly for Silicon Photonics Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CWDM multiplexing and demultiplexing technologies are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient due to complexity, time consumption, and limited responsivity, particularly when integrating with grating coupler-based silicon platforms.
Innovation Solution
A free space CWDM MUX/DEMUX system integrated with a grating coupler-based silicon platform using a thin film filter external MUX/DEMUX assembly, comprising a lens array, angled mirror, spacers, and thin film filters, which efficiently demultiplexes and multiplexes optical signals by reflecting and focusing them through specific wavelength-selective filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If free space CWDM multiplexers/demultiplexers are integrated with silicon photonics transceivers, then component count and assembly complexity are reduced, but chromatic dispersion management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A dispersion compensation device is introduced as an intermediary component between the free space CWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer and the silicon photonics transceiver. This mediator compensates for chromatic dispersion effects, enabling the integration of different technologies while managing their incompatible characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines free space CWDM multiplexing/demultiplexing functionality with silicon photonics transceivers into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly, while the integrated design allows for optimized signal path management.
2Quantity of substance
If free space optics are used for wavelength division multiplexing, then bandwidth capacity is increased, but alignment precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs free space optics to add wavelength as an additional dimension for data transmission. By utilizing multiple wavelength channels simultaneously, the system increases bandwidth capacity beyond what single-mode fiber alone could provide, while the free space approach allows for more tolerant coupling interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses grating structures that create multiple copies of optical signals at different wavelengths. The diffraction grating separates incoming multi-wavelength light into multiple spatial paths, effectively copying and routing different wavelength channels to appropriate outputs, which enables WDM functionality with relaxed alignment tolerances compared to direct coupling methods.
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 system provides efficient wavelength separation and coupling of optical signals, enhancing integration and reducing complexity and costs by leveraging planar lightwave circuit technology and thin film filters.
Implementation Method 1
A diffraction grating may be used to separate the different wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 2
The core and cladding layers may be configured to guide an optical signal along an optical waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Methods and systems for a free space CWDM MUX/DEMUX for integration with a grating coupler based silicon platform may include an optical assembly coupled to a photonic chip. The optical assembly includes a lens array on the top surface of the chip, an angled mirror, a plurality of transparent spacers, and a plurality of thin film filters. The optical assembly may receive an input optical signal comprising a plurality of optical signals at different wavelengths via an optical fiber coupled to the optical assembly, communicate the plurality of optical signals through a first of the plurality of transparent spacers, pass a first of the plurality of optical signals through a corresponding one of the plurality of thin film filters while reflecting others of the plurality of optical signals back into the first of the plurality of transparent spacers, and reflect the others of the plurality of signals towards a second of the plurality of thin film filters.