Dual-Stage Optical Isolator Core for Non-Collimating Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-stage optical isolators have complex structures, high manufacturing costs, large spatial sizes, and are mainly designed for collimating light, limiting their application and complicating the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optical isolator core consists of a series of birefringent crystals and Faraday rotators arranged in a parallel plate structure, which separates and rotates the polarization states of forward and backward light to achieve dual-stage isolation without the need for complex wedge-shaped designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-stage isolation is achieved by two sets of single-stage isolator cores of collimating-beam design placed in series, then better isolation to backward light is achieved, but structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two sets of single-stage isolator cores into a single integrated dual-stage isolator core. The first and second birefringent crystal wedges, along with first and second Faraday rotators, are merged into one continuous optical path structure, eliminating the need for separate isolator cores while maintaining dual-stage isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator core is segmented into functional sections: the first birefringent crystal wedge and first Faraday rotator form the first single-stage isolator section, while the second birefringent crystal wedge and second Faraday rotator form the second single-stage isolator section. This segmentation allows each section to independently contribute to isolation while being part of an integrated whole.
2Reliability
If dual-stage isolator uses two sets of single-stage isolator cores placed in series, then better isolation to backward light is achieved, but spatial size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical paths of two single-stage isolator cores into a single integrated structure with shared components and continuous optical alignment, the patent reduces the overall spatial footprint while maintaining the dual-stage isolation capability that would otherwise require separate physical units.
3Reliability
If existing dual-stage isolator is designed for collimating light, then isolation performance is achieved, but application is limited and coupling process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the isolator core with parallel plate structures for the birefringent crystal wedges and Faraday rotators, which can handle both collimating and non-collimating beams. This universal design allows the same isolator core to be applied in different optical systems without requiring specialized collimating components, thereby expanding application range.
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 simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for efficient dual-stage isolation of backward light, even for non-collimating beams, while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
the first birefringent crystal is used to separate the forward light into first crystal forward o-light and first crystal forward e-light whose polarization directions are perpendicular to each other
Implementation Method 2
The first Faraday rotator is used to rotate the polarization direction of the first crystal forward o-light and the first crystal forward e-light by an angle of α1 in the first rotation direction
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an optical isolator core and an optical isolator. The optical isolator core comprises: a first birefringent crystal, a first Faraday rotator, a second birefringent crystal, a second Faraday rotator, and a third birefringent crystal that are successively arrange in the forward light path, all of which are parallel plate structures. The embodiments of the present disclosure achieves backward isolation for polarization-independent and non-collimating beam which simplifies the device structure and assembly process, thereby reduce size and cost.