Interferometric Waveguide for Multiplexing Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face challenges in efficiently combining or splitting light from multiple sources within a limited space, particularly when the light sources emit different wavelengths, leading to increased complexity and size of light splitting and combining devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of an interferometric device with input waveguides, an interferometric waveguide, and an output waveguide, which includes tapered and straight sections to convert fundamental mode light to higher order modes and back, allowing for the combination or splitting of light while minimizing coherent noise and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths are used in optical systems, then the system can measure various types of information, but the complexity and size of light splitting and combining devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light paths into a single interferometric waveguide. The device integrates first and second input waveguides receiving different wavelengths into one interferometric waveguide that processes both signals simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components needed for multiplexing and demultiplexing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interferometric waveguide serves multiple functions: it acts as both a multiplexer and demultiplexer, handles multiple wavelengths simultaneously, and performs mode conversion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths are used in optical systems, then the system can measure various types of information, but the size of light splitting and combining devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light paths into a single interferometric waveguide structure. By integrating the functions of multiple separate waveguides and components into one unified structure, the physical footprint of the device is significantly reduced while maintaining the capability to handle multiple wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The interferometric waveguide utilizes vertical mode conversion (transforming light between different propagation modes in the vertical dimension) to achieve wavelength separation and combination. This dimensional approach allows compact integration without requiring large lateral spacing between components.
3Power
If conventional light combining devices are used, then light from multiple sources can be combined, but coherent noise increases and optical output power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric waveguide acts as an intermediary that introduces controlled phase differences between the combined light signals. This phase modulation converts coherent noise into incoherent noise, thereby reducing the harmful effects of coherent interference while maintaining high optical output power.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the harmful coherent noise generated by combining multiple light sources into beneficial incoherent noise through interferometric phase modulation. This transformation maintains the high optical power output while eliminating the detrimental effects of coherent interference patterns.
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 solution enables efficient light combining or splitting with reduced footprint, increased optical power, and improved tolerance to wavelength deviations, effectively mitigating coherent noise and simplifying the optical system design.
Implementation Method 1
an interferometric device for combining light from a first light source and a second light source... an interferometric waveguide configured to combine the light from the first input waveguide and the second input waveguide
Implementation Method 2
One of the first input waveguide or the interferometric waveguide may include a tapered section and a straight section abutting the tapered section, and the tapered section combines the light from the first light source and the second light source
Data Source
AI summary
Configurations for an interferometric device used for multiplexing and de-multiplexing light are disclosed. The interferometric device may include a first input waveguide, a second input waveguide, an interferometric waveguide, and an output waveguide. A fundamental mode of light may be launched into the first and second input waveguides, and the interferometric waveguide may receive the fundamental mode and generate a higher order mode of light, where the two modes of light may be superimposed while propagating through the interferometric waveguide. The two modes of light may be received at an output waveguide that collapses the two modes into a single mode. The light propagating through the interferometric device may be used for increasing optical power even though the wavelengths of light may be different from one another. Additionally, the interferometric device may reduce coherent noise.