Lateral Waveguide Coupling With Variable Bragg Gratings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data transmission systems require complex equipment setups, such as spectrometers, to handle multiple receivers or transmitters, leading to increased costs and reduced operational reliability, especially in wavelength division multiplexing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a variable Bragg grating in an optical waveguide with scattering centers and a laterally positioned optoelectronic component, allowing for the diffraction and scattering of light at different angles based on wavelength, enabling simultaneous interaction with multiple optical waveguides without direct line-of-sight alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receivers or transmitters are arranged in the extension of the optical fiber, then wavelength division multiplexing can be achieved, but complex spectrometers must be arranged between the transmitters or receivers and the optical fiber, increasing equipment complexity and reducing operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal arrangement (in the extension of the optical fiber) to lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the fiber axis). The optoelectronic component is positioned laterally at a spaced distance from the optical fiber, with light coupling achieved through the lateral surface rather than the end face. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex spectrometers while enabling wavelength division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lens system as an intermediary optical element between the optoelectronic component and the optical fiber. The lens focuses or collimates light to achieve efficient coupling into the fiber core from a lateral position, enabling wavelength division multiplexing without requiring complex spectrometer equipment.
2Device complexity
If a single optoelectronic component is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle multiple wavelengths or receivers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optoelectronic component universal by enabling it to interact with multiple optical waveguides simultaneously through lateral light coupling. The component can handle multiple wavelengths through the variable grating constant mechanism, combining the functions of what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a variable grating constant in the optical waveguide that can be adjusted to couple different wavelengths of light into the waveguide from a single lateral optoelectronic component. By changing the grating constant parameter, the system can selectively couple different wavelengths, enabling multi-wavelength handling with a single component.
3Productivity
If direct line-of-sight alignment is required between the optoelectronic component and the optical waveguide, then light coupling efficiency is maximized, but the system becomes sensitive to misalignment and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from end-face coupling (requiring precise longitudinal alignment) to lateral surface coupling. The optoelectronic component is positioned laterally at a spaced distance from the optical fiber, allowing light to enter the fiber through its lateral surface. This eliminates the need for precise line-of-sight alignment while maintaining coupling efficiency through the lens system and variable grating constant.
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
Enables efficient data transmission and reception using a single optoelectronic component with multiple optical waveguides, reducing equipment complexity and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Bragg grating is introduced into the optical waveguide, which has a grating constant that is variable along its longitudinal extent
Implementation Method 2
The core is surrounded by a concentric cladding with a lower refractive index than the core. Therefore, total internal reflection occurs at the interface between core and cladding, so that optical signals coupled into the core propagate within the core along the length of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
scattering centers are arranged at least in the first longitudinal section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1), comprising at least one optoelectronic component (2) and at least one optical waveguide (3), which are designed to transfer light between the optoelectronic component (2) and the optical waveguide (3), wherein the optical waveguide (3) contains at least one first longitudinal portion (31) in which at least one Bragg grating (35) is introduced, which has a grating constant which is variable along the longitudinal extent of said Bragg grating, and the optoelectronic component (2) is arranged at a lateral distance from the optical waveguide (3). The invention further relates to a method for transferring light between at least one optoelectronic component (2) and at least one optical waveguide (3).