Optical Isolator Module With Asymmetric Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field interference between multiple optical isolators causes performance degradation, including increased insertion loss and reduced isolation, when they are placed close to each other.
Innovation Solution
The optical isolator module is designed with multiple optical devices, each equipped with a Faraday rotator and polarizers, configured to have optical isolator functions in different directions, with a single magnet applying a magnetic field in the same direction to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple optical isolators are placed close to each other for miniaturization, then the module size is reduced, but magnetic field interference occurs causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical isolators into a single integrated module with shared magnetic field application structure. Multiple Faraday rotators are arranged in different directions within the same module, and a single magnet or coordinated magnet system applies magnetic fields to all Faraday rotators simultaneously, enabling compact integration while maintaining isolation performance through unified magnetic field management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies magnetic fields in different directions to different regions (Faraday rotators) within the module based on their specific isolation requirements. Each Faraday rotator receives a magnetic field oriented according to its operational direction, allowing localized optimization of magnetic field application for each isolation path while maintaining overall compactness.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple optical isolators are placed close to each other, then space is saved, but insertion loss increases due to magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures each optical isolator within the module with magnetic field direction optimized for its specific light transmission path. By applying magnetic fields in different directions to different Faraday rotators based on their individual operational requirements, the system minimizes magnetic field interference effects that would otherwise increase insertion loss, while maintaining compact footprint.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple optical isolators are placed close to each other, then miniaturization is achieved, but magnetic field interference causes performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic fields in different directions to different Faraday rotators within the module according to their specific operational directions. This localized magnetic field configuration ensures that each optical isolator experiences the appropriate magnetic field orientation for its light path, thereby eliminating magnetic field interference that would otherwise degrade performance in compact configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric magnetic field orientation for different optical isolators within the module. Instead of using uniform magnetic field directions, each Faraday rotator is configured with a magnetic field direction specific to its operational requirements, creating an asymmetric field distribution that prevents interference between adjacent isolators while maintaining compact module volume.
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 configuration prevents performance degradation due to magnetic field interference, allowing for miniaturization of semiconductor laser modules and maintaining high isolation and low insertion loss even when optical isolators are adjacent.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator has been used, which uses a Faraday rotator to rotate a plane of polarization non-reciprocally
Implementation Method 2
to apply a magnetic field parallel to the light traveling direction to the Faraday rotator with a magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an optical isolator module, including: a plurality of optical devices, each comprising a Faraday rotator and being configured to have an optical isolator function upon application of a magnetic field, a magnet to apply the magnetic field to the Faraday rotator in each of the plurality of optical devices, wherein at least two optical devices of the plurality of optical devices are configured to have the optical isolator functions in different directions from each other, and each magnetic field applied with the magnet is in the same direction. This provides an optical isolator module that can be prevented from degradation of the performance such as increase of insertion loss and degradation of isolation due to magnetic field interference even when a plurality of optical isolators are close to each other.