Free-Space Optical Amplifier Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical amplifier modules face challenges in reducing size and cost while maintaining performance, as conventional fiber-based components are difficult to assemble and integrate due to alignment issues and increased complexity with smaller form factors, leading to inefficiencies in production and integrity of the final product.
Innovation Solution
The use of free-space optics in a multi-stage optical amplifier module configuration, where incoming and amplified optical signals are transmitted as free-space beams between discrete optical components, allowing for modular design and adjustment of stages to minimize alignment errors and reduce the need for fiber splices, thereby achieving a compact and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fiber-based components are used in optical amplifier modules, then signal transmission is achieved, but assembly difficulty and production complexity increase due to alignment issues and the need for fiber splices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical signal transmission from fiber-based components and implements it through free-space optical paths. By removing the fiber coupling and splicing requirements, the assembly process becomes significantly simpler while maintaining signal transmission functionality. The optical components are arranged to communicate through free space rather than requiring precise fiber alignment and connection.
2Volume of moving object
If component size is reduced to meet small form factor requirements, then module compactness is achieved, but alignment precision and assembly repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical amplifier module into distinct functional stages (input stage, amplification stage, output stage) that are arranged compactly in three-dimensional space. Each stage is optimized independently, allowing the overall module to achieve small form factor while maintaining alignment precision within each segment. The free-space optical paths are carefully designed to accommodate the compact arrangement without compromising alignment requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more fiber splices are required for component integration, then component connectivity is achieved, but production time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for fiber splicing by extracting the signal transmission from the fiber domain and implementing it in free space. Optical components communicate through free-space optical paths, completely removing the fiber splice operations that would otherwise be required to connect multiple fiber-based components. This dramatically improves production efficiency while maintaining full component connectivity.
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 approach enables a highly repeatable and cost-effective assembly process with improved reliability and reduced optical loss, allowing for a compact optical amplifier module that meets small form factor requirements while maintaining performance standards.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of the pump light with the erbium dopant generates amplification of the propagating optical signal by the transitions of the optically-excited erbium ions
Implementation Method 2
a combined isolator and WDM filter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical amplifier module is configured as a multi-stage free-space optics arrangement, including at least an input stage and an output stage. The actual amplification is provided by a separate fiber-based component coupled to the module. A propagating optical input signal and pump light are provided to the input stage, with the amplified optical signal exiting the output stage. The necessary operations performed on the signal within each stage are provided by directing free-space beams through discrete optical components. The utilization of discrete optical components and free-space beams significantly reduces the number of fiber splices and other types of coupling connections required in prior art amplifier modules, allowing for an automated process to create a “pluggable” optical amplifier module of small form factor proportions.