Folded Optical-Path WDM Device for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WDM devices face challenges in reducing their overall size due to limitations such as minimal angle of incidence and optical path requirements, making it difficult to achieve compact designs for optical signal routing and multiplexing.
Innovation Solution
A multiport free-space WDM device employing a folded optical-path mechanism using collimators, optical filters, and a glass plate to facilitate wavelength separation, allowing optical beams to travel in parallel and reduce the physical structure, thereby compacting the device footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional WDM device uses a long optical path between filters and mirrors to separate wavelengths with small angles, then wavelength separation precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folded optical path configuration that bends the light path at multiple angles using mirrors and filters arranged in a three-dimensional space. This allows the optical path to fold back on itself, effectively packing a long optical path length into a compact physical footprint by utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions rather than extending in a single linear direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (filters, mirrors, collimators) are arranged in a nested configuration where the optical path folds within the device housing. The light path is contained within a compact volume by having it reflect off multiple surfaces in sequence, effectively nesting the optical path within the device boundaries rather than requiring external space.
2Manufacturing precision
If the angle of incidence is minimized for proper WDM operation, then wavelength multiplexing accuracy is improved, but the optical path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path through strategic mirror placements, the patent achieves a compact linear footprint while maintaining the required optical path length. The light travels through a series of reflections that fold the path into a compact arrangement, effectively separating the linear dimension from the optical path length dimension.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical path length is reduced to compact the device, then device footprint is improved, but wavelength separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optical path configuration allows the device to maintain a compact footprint by directing the optical path through multiple reflections in three-dimensional space. This preserves the necessary optical path length for wavelength separation while confining the physical dimensions of the device to a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangements of mirrors and filters at specific angles (such as 45-degree incidence angles) to optimize the folded optical path. This asymmetric configuration allows the light to traverse a long optical path within a compact asymmetric footprint, rather than requiring a symmetric extended arrangement.
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 folded optical-path mechanism effectively reduces the physical size of the WDM device while maintaining efficient wavelength separation and multiplexing capabilities, enabling more compact and efficient optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The collimators, for example, are capable of collimating optical lights for facilitating free-space optical communication
Implementation Method 2
The optical filters optically coupled with the collimators provide filtering functions to separate optical wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The prism having an interface surface and two side surfaces is configured to direct or redirect optical beams based on the angle of incidence ("AOI") of each optical beam received
Implementation Method 4
The glass plate, in one embodiment, physically configured to be situated in parallel with the collimators is capable of providing free-space optical paths for facilitating separation of wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical wavelength-division multiplexing (“WDM”) device utilizing a mechanism of folded optical-path includes multiple collimators, optical filters, prism, and glass plate. The collimators are capable of collimating optical lights for facilitating free-space optical communication. The optical filters optically coupled with the collimators provide filtering functions to separate optical wavelengths in accordance with the configurations or characteristics of optical filters. The prism having an interface surface and two side surfaces is configured to direct or redirect optical beams based on the angle of incidence (“AOI”) of each optical beam received. The glass plate, in one embodiment, physically configured to be situated in parallel with the collimators is capable of providing free-space optical paths for facilitating separation of wavelengths.