Integrated Optical Component for Compact Fiber Amplifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber amplifiers face challenges in size reduction, high manufacturing costs, complex production processes, and reliability due to the use of discrete components and numerous fiber fusion splices, which hinder the optimization of output power and noise coefficient.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple optical components into a free space integrated optical component, which includes multiple optical input/output ports connected to a pump laser or gain medium, reduces the number of components and fiber fusion splices, enabling a more compact design and lower costs through reduced encapsulating parts and fiber collimators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete optical components are used to construct fiber amplifier, then the amplifier can be assembled with existing components, but the size of the fiber amplifier becomes large and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete optical components (optical isolator, optical circulator, optical splitter, fiber collimator, gain medium) are merged into a single integrated optical component. The patent describes integrating these components into one unit with multiple optical input/output ports, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and their associated packaging, thereby significantly reducing the overall size of the fiber amplifier while maintaining the same functional capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete components and fiber fusion splices are used, then the amplifier can be constructed with standard components, but the manufacturing cost increases and the production process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components into a single unit, which simplifies the production process by reducing the number of assembly steps and fiber fusion splices required. The integrated component can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly of multiple discrete components while maintaining adaptability through configurable optical ports and interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple fiber fusion splices are used to connect discrete components, then the amplifier can be assembled, but the reliability decreases due to increased connection points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for multiple fiber fusion splices between discrete components. The integrated optical component contains all necessary optical paths and connections internally, reducing the number of external connection points and thereby improving system reliability by minimizing potential failure points.
4Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components with encapsulating parts and fiber collimators are used, then the amplifier can be constructed with standard components, but the material cost and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple optical components into a single unit eliminates the need for separate encapsulating parts and fiber collimators for each discrete component. The integrated design shares common packaging and mounting structures, reducing material costs and manufacturing expenses while maintaining the same optical functionality and adaptability through standardized optical interfaces.
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 results in a more compact fiber amplifier with lower material and manufacturing costs, improved reliability, increased output power, and reduced noise coefficient by minimizing the number of components and fiber fusion splices.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of multiple optical components into a free space integrated optical component, which includes multiple optical input/output ports connected to a pump laser or gain medium
Implementation Method 2
a fiber amplifier at the transmitting end, which amplifies the power of the signal light
Implementation Method 3
erbium doped fiber amplifier, praseodymium doped fiber amplifier, thulium doped fiber amplifier
Implementation Method 4
at least a pump laser, at least a gain medium
Implementation Method 5
an optical isolator, an optical wavelength multiplexer
Implementation Method 6
an optical circulator, an optical splitter
Implementation Method 7
an optical circulator, an optical splitter
Implementation Method 8
reduced encapsulating parts and fiber collimators
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a fiber amplifier, a fabricating method thereof, and a fiber communication system. The fiber amplifier includes at least a pump laser, at least a gain medium and at least an integrated optical component. The integrated optical component includes multiple optical input/output ports, and the optical input/output ports are connected to the pump laser or gain medium directly or indirectly. The present invention may better address problems of unstable performance and difficulty in reducing the size of components in the prior art where fiber amplifiers are formed by a number of discrete components with many fiber fusion splices. In addition, the present invention may reduce the production complexity and costs of fiber amplifiers, and improve the productivity of fiber amplifiers.