EDFA Isolator-WDM Fiber Assembly for Lower Splice Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) face challenges in achieving improved performance, reduced size, and increased reliability due to mismatched fiber properties and splicing issues between components like isolators and wavelength division multiplexers, leading to signal and pump power loss.
Innovation Solution
The integration of hybrid components with tailored fiber pigtails, such as varying cladding diameters and mode field diameters, to reduce splicing errors and optical power loss, and eliminate unnecessary splices, thereby optimizing the EDFA core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional splicing methods are used to connect isolators and wavelength division multiplexers, then assembly is simpler, but signal and pump power loss increases due to mismatched fiber properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different fiber pigtails with specific cladding diameters and mode field diameters to match the requirements of different components. The first fiber pigtail has parameters optimized for connecting to the isolator, while the second fiber pigtail has parameters optimized for connecting to the wavelength division multiplexer, thereby minimizing splicing losses at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the cladding diameter and mode field diameter of different fiber pigtails. By changing these physical parameters of the fiber optics, the patent achieves optimal matching between components, reducing reflection and coupling losses while maintaining manageable assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple splices are used to connect all components, then connectivity is achieved, but reliability decreases due to increased splice failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the fiber pigtails with optimized parameters before assembly. The first and second fiber pigtails are manufactured with specific cladding and mode field diameters that anticipate the connection requirements, allowing for more reliable splicing with fewer failures during assembly and operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If standard fiber configurations are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but device size increases due to unnecessary splices and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a hybrid fiber configuration where specific sections of the fiber pigtail have different parameters. This allows the fiber optic cable to be optimized for different functions in different sections, reducing the overall device size by eliminating unnecessary intermediate splices while maintaining manufacturability through structured fiber design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), comprising a length of erbium doped fiber having a first end and a second end, an isolator wavelength division multiplexer (IWDM) comprising an output optically connected at an optical connection with the first end of the erbium doped fiber, wherein the optical connection with the first end of the erbium doped fiber is continuous between the IWDM and the first end of the erbium doped fiber, and an isolator comprising an input optically connected at an optical connection with the second end of the erbium doped fiber.