Integrated Optical Amplifier Module Free-Space Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber amplifiers have complex configurations, high insertion losses, low reliability due to numerous splicing joints, and high costs, making them inflexible and costly for integration into optical devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical-amplification module with a housing member, optical combiners, and prisms separated by free space, which merges optical signals and pump light to reduce insertion loss and enhance reliability, allowing for compact, modular, and cost-effective optical amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber amplifiers use multiple optical components connected by fiber splicing, then optical amplification can be achieved, but insertion loss increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (isolators, couplers, amplifiers, filters) into a single integrated optical amplifier module. This merging eliminates the need for multiple fiber splicing joints between components, directly reducing insertion loss and improving system reliability by removing numerous potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated optical module as an intermediary device that internally connects optical components through integrated optics rather than external fiber splicing. This intermediary structure maintains the necessary optical functions while eliminating the harmful fiber joints that cause insertion loss and reliability issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser systems use multiple fiber joints for component connection, then system flexibility is reduced, but component integration is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete optical components into a single integrated module with standardized interfaces. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate components and their interconnections, while maintaining integration flexibility through the modular design of the combined unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical systems use 10 or more fiber joints for component connection, then assembly is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components into a single integrated module, dramatically reducing the number of assembly steps and fiber splicing operations required. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the total component count and interconnections, making the system easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.
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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective optical-amplification module with reduced insertion loss, easier integration, and flexible management of optical signals, enabling efficient amplification across various wavelengths and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical prism fixedly installed relative to the housing member and being separated from the optical combiner and the first input optical terminal by free space, wherein the optical prism can receive the optical signal and direct at least a portion of the optical signal to the optical combiner
Implementation Method 2
the optical combiner can receive the pump light and the optical signal, wherein the optical combiner can merge the pump light and the optical signal to form the combined optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical-amplification module includes a housing member, a first input optical terminal configured to receive an optical signal, a second input, optical terminal that can receive a pump light, and an output optical terminal that can output a combined optical signal comprising at least a portion of the optical signal and a portion of the pump light. The integrated optical-amplification module also includes an optical combiner fixedly installed relative to the housing member. The optical combiner can receive the pump light and the optical signal and an optical prism fixedly installed relative to the housing member. The optical combiner can merge the pump light and the optical signal to form the combined optical signal. The optical prism can direct at least a portion of the optical signal through free space to the optical combiner.