Folded Hybrid Fiber Amplifier Assembly for Compact Optical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to achieve a smaller package size for fiber amplifier modules in optical fiber communications, as traditional assemblies with discrete passive components fail to meet the requirements of miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A folded hybrid assembly comprising a birefringent device, half-wave plates, a lens, an optical filter, a rotator, and a wedge reflector is used to integrate the functions of isolators and a beam combiner, allowing for compact integration of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional discrete passive components (isolators and beam combiner) are used in fiber amplifier modules, then the isolating and combining functions are achieved, but the package size becomes large and cannot meet miniaturization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete passive components (isolators and beam combiner) into a single integrated folded hybrid assembly. The assembly combines the isolating function and beam combining function in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and reducing overall package size to meet miniaturization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded hybrid assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides optical isolation in one direction while combining pump and source light beams in another direction. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what traditionally required multiple discrete passive components, thereby reducing package size.
2Volume of moving object
If the number of passive components is reduced for miniaturization, then package size decreases, but the isolating and combining functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions into a single folded hybrid assembly that maintains both isolating and combining capabilities. The assembly uses a specific folded configuration with reflective surfaces and optical paths that preserve the functional performance of traditional discrete components while achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded hybrid assembly utilizes a three-dimensional folded optical path configuration to achieve compact integration. By folding the optical paths in multiple dimensions and using reflective surfaces at various angles, the assembly maintains the necessary optical isolation and combining functions in a reduced package size compared to linear arrangements.
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 assembly achieves both isolating and combining functions in a more compact size, reducing the overall dimensions of the fiber amplifier module while maintaining effective signal amplification.
Implementation Method 1
The birefringent device is in optical communication with each of the ports and is configured to refract o-light and e-light components of the light passing therethrough with different refractive indices
Implementation Method 2
The first half-wave plate is in optical communication through the birefringent device with the first and fourth ports and is configured to rotate polarization of the light passing therethrough with a first rotation
Implementation Method 3
The optical filter is in optical communication with the lens. The optical filter is configured to reflect the pump light back to the lens and is configured to pass the source light
Implementation Method 4
The wedge reflector is in optical communication with the rotator and is configured to reflect the light incident thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is used with an amplifier that amplifies light using source light, pump light, and a doped fiber. The assembly has a plurality of ports, including a first port for input of the source light, a second port for input of the pump light, a third port for output to the doped fiber, a fourth port for input from the doped fiber, and a fifth port for amplified output. A birefringent device in optical communication with each of the ports is configured to refract o-light and e-light components of the light passing therethrough with different refractive indices. For the first and fourth ports, a first half-wave plate in optical communication through the birefringent device is configured to rotate polarization of the light passing therethrough with a first rotation. For the second port, a second half-wave plate in optical communication through the birefringent device is configured to rotate polarization of the light passing therethrough with a second rotation different from the first polarization. A lens is used to focus the light, and an optical filter in optical communication with the lens is configured to reflect the pump light back to the lens and being configured to pass the source light. A rotator in optical communication with the lens is configured to rotate polarization of the light passing therethrough with a third rotation. The third rotation is half of the first rotation, and the first rotation is half of the second rotation. Finally, a wedge reflector in optical communication with the rotator is configured to reflect the light incident thereto. The source light and the pump light are combined and communicated from the second port for output to the doped fiber. Meanwhile, amplified light from the doped fiber is received at the fourth port and is communicated to the amplified output. Reverse light from the amplified output can be isolated from reaching the doped fiber, and reverse source light from the doped fiber can be isolated from reaching the source port.