Integrated Optical Component with Rotatable Mirror and Pin Hole

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical communication networks face challenges in managing optical power levels across multiple wavelengths, as existing technologies require separate components for optical attenuation, switching, and power monitoring, leading to increased size, cost, and complexity.

Innovation Solution

Integration of Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA), tap coupler, and photo-detector functions into a single optical component using a rotatable mirror and pin hole with reflective surface, allowing for adjustable optical power coupling and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components (VOA, tap coupler, photo-detector) are used for optical power control and monitoring, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VOA, tap coupler, and photo-detector into a single integrated optical component. The housing contains all three sub-components in one package, with the reflector positioned to direct light through the pinhole to both the output and the photo-detector. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functional reliability of power control and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical component performs multiple functions simultaneously: variable optical attenuation (via the reflector angle control), optical power monitoring (via the photo-detector), and signal routing (via the pinhole aperture). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate components (VOA, tap coupler, photo-detector) are used for optical power control and monitoring, then functional reliability is improved, but size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VOA, tap coupler, and photo-detector into a single integrated optical component. The housing contains all three sub-components in one package, with the reflector positioned to direct light through the pinhole to both the output and the photo-detector. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functional reliability of power control and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are used for optical attenuation and monitoring, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VOA, tap coupler, and photo-detector into a single integrated optical component. The housing contains all three sub-components in one package, with the reflector positioned to direct light through the pinhole to both the output and the photo-detector. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functional reliability of power control and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration reduces size, cost, and complexity while enabling precise control of optical power levels, improving network efficiency and reliability by combining attenuation, switching, and monitoring functions in a single compact package.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector positionable to reflect a portion of a beam of light incident upon it from an input port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a photo-detector is configured such that a portion of the beam of light incident on the reflective region adjacent to the opening is reflected onto it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10429591B2Integrated optical components with variable attenuation or switching, and tap detector functions

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 DICON FIBEROPTICS INC

AI summary

Integrated optical component combine the functions of a Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA), a tap coupler, and a photo-detector, reducing the size, cost, and complexity of these functions. In other embodiments, the integrated optical component combines the functions of an optical switch, a tap coupler, and a photo-detector. A rotatable mirror is used to adjust the coupling of light from an input port or ports to one or more output ports. A pin hole with a surrounding reflective surface is used at the core end face of one or more output fibers, such that a portion of the output optical signal is reflected to a photodiode chip. The photo-detector provides an indication of the optical power that is being coupled to the output fiber. With appropriate electronic control circuitry, the integrated optical component can be used to set the output optical power at a desired or required level.