Multiplexer Demultiplexer Using Diffractive Grating Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical multiplexers and demultiplexers face challenges in efficiently multiplexing or demultiplexing optical signals at differing wavelengths, often requiring complex configurations and high precision to manage wavelength-dependent angular dispersion effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of transmissive diffractive optical elements and reflective optical elements, arranged in a configuration that includes a multiplexed transmission region and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions, where optical signals are diffracted and reflected to separate or combine wavelength-differentiated signals into parallel beams, utilizing diffraction gratings and reflectors to achieve spectral-spatial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are used to efficiently multiplex or demultiplex optical signals at differing wavelengths, then wavelength-dependent angular dispersion is managed, but the configuration becomes complex and requires high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a multiplexed transmission region for combining wavelengths and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions for separating wavelengths. Each region is spatially displaced and handles specific wavelength ranges, allowing complex wavelength management to be divided into simpler, localized operations that reduce overall device complexity while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from managing angular dispersion in one dimension to spatial displacement in multiple dimensions. By using multiple demultiplexed transmission regions that are spatially displaced from one another, the device converts wavelength-dependent angular dispersion into spatial separation across different regions, simplifying the management of wavelength differentiation without requiring high-precision angular control
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are used to manage wavelength-dependent angular dispersion, then optical signals are separated or combined, but high precision is required in the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical element are assigned different functional qualities: the multiplexed transmission region is optimized for combining wavelengths, while each demultiplexed transmission region is optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This local specialization allows each region to achieve high precision for its specific function without requiring the entire device to maintain uniform high precision across all wavelengths, thereby reducing overall configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements including a polarizer and wavelength-selective reflective elements that act as mediators between the light source and the transmission regions. These intermediaries pre-condition the optical signals before they reach the transmission regions, reducing the precision requirements of the main transmission regions while maintaining high overall system precision for wavelength separation and combination
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 configuration allows for efficient multiplexing or demultiplexing of optical signals, reducing angular dispersion and enabling convenient or low-cost operation by combining or separating wavelength-differentiated signals into parallel beams, making the technology suitable for modern communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at the multiplexed transmission region
Implementation Method 2
be transmissively, dispersively diffracted
Implementation Method 3
undergoing at least one reflection from at least one of the one or more reflective optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
Transmissive diffraction grating(s), reflector(s), and multiple optical sources/receivers are arranged such that each one of multiple optical signals at corresponding different wavelengths co-propagating along a multiplexed beam path would: (i) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at a multiplexed transmission region of a grating; (ii) propagate between the multiplexed transmission region and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions of a grating undergoing reflection(s) from the reflector(s); (iii) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at the demultiplexed transmission regions; and (iv) propagate between the demultiplexed transmission regions and the sources/receivers along multiple demultiplexed beam paths.