Wavelength De-multiplexing System with Beam Diameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed optical communication systems face challenges in maintaining wavelength selective function of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) filters at larger incident angles, leading to reduced transmittance and potential signal mixing, while also dealing with quasi-collimated beams that diverge due to non-point source outputs from coupling fibers.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength de-multiplexing system comprising a lens, a lens unit, and optical de-multiplexers with wavelength selective filters, where the lens converts the wavelength multiplexed signal into a quasi-collimated beam, and the lens unit adjusts the beam diameter, allowing for de-multiplexing of signals with different optical paths and preventing interference by ensuring beam diameters are within optimal limits for efficient signal separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the incident angle of the wavelength selective filter is increased to reduce the number of layers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transmittance deteriorates and wavelength selective function degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the incident angle parameter from the conventional 45 degrees to 0 degrees by reconfiguring the optical path. This allows the wavelength selective filter to operate at normal incidence, maintaining high transmittance and wavelength selective function while reducing the number of required layers, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability
2Area of stationary object
If the incident angle of the wavelength selective filter is increased, then the footprint is reduced, but the transmittance deteriorates and signal mixing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the incident angle parameter to 0 degrees, which optimizes transmittance and prevents signal mixing. The footprint is controlled through the compact arrangement of optical components and beam diameter control rather than through incident angle, thus resolving the contradiction between footprint and transmittance
3Reliability
If the beam diameter is increased to improve coupling efficiency, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the optical paths diverge and de-multiplexing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam diameter using a variable beam diameter control mechanism. The beam diameter is optimized at different stages: initially enlarged to improve coupling efficiency, then reduced before reaching the de-multiplexer to maintain precise optical path alignment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between coupling efficiency and optical path alignment precision
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 effectively de-multiplexes optical signals with improved coupling efficiency and reduced footprint, maintaining wavelength selective function even at larger incident angles, thereby enhancing the performance of high-speed optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lens receives the wavelength multiplexed signal and converts this wavelength multiplexed signal into a quasi-collimated beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical de-multiplexer, which includes a plurality of wavelength selective filters each having optical distances against the lens unit different from each other, de-multiplexes the quasi-collimated beam output from the lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength de-multiplexing system that receives a wavelength multiplexed signal and generates electrical signals corresponding to the optical signals is disclosed. The optical receiver module includes a lens, a lens unit, and an optical de-multiplexer (O-DeMux). The lens converts the wavelength multiplexed signal into a quasi-collimated beam. The lens unit narrows a diameter of the quasi-collimated beam. The O-DeMux de-multiplexes the narrowed quasi-collimated beam coming from the lens unit by wavelength selective filters (WSFs) each having optical distances from the lens unit different from each other.