MCF Coupling Device Optical Splitter Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transmission systems using multicore fibers (MCFs) face challenges in efficiently splitting and combining light signals without employing fan-in/fan-out (FIFO) devices, which incur increased loss as the number of cores increases.
Innovation Solution
The MCF coupling device employs a configuration of multiple MCFs, optical collimators, and an optical splitter to convert light from multiple cores into collimated beams, split these beams at a predetermined ratio, and then couple them back into other MCFs on a one-to-one basis, effectively splitting and combining light without using FIFO devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a FIFO device is used to couple MCF to optical components, then the MCF can be interfaced with SCF-based optical devices, but signal loss increases as the number of cores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the FIFO device from the optical path, replacing it with direct MCF-to-MCF coupling through collimators and splitters. This removes the source of incremental loss while preserving the ability to interface multiple cores with optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical collimators and splitters as intermediary components that enable direct coupling between MCFs. These intermediaries facilitate the conversion and distribution of light between multiple cores without requiring FIFO devices, thereby reducing loss while maintaining interface versatility.
2Productivity
If a FIFO device is used for splitting and combining light, then light can be distributed to multiple cores, but loss increases with the number of cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution function by using separate optical collimators and splitters for each core path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each light path and enables efficient distribution to multiple cores without the cumulative loss associated with FIFO devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a sequential FIFO-based approach to a parallel optical path approach using collimators and splitters. This dimensional change in the optical architecture enables simultaneous light distribution to multiple cores with reduced loss by eliminating the bottleneck of FIFO device coupling.
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 splitting and combining of light signals across MCFs with reduced signal loss, even with a large number of cores, thereby enhancing the performance of MCF-based optical transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical collimator that converts light being output from a plurality of cores included in the first MCF individually into collimated light on a one-to-one basis
Implementation Method 2
an optical splitter that splits at least a part of the group of light beams at a predetermined split ratio, in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An MCF coupling device includes: a first MCF, a second MCF, and a third MCF, each of MCFs including cores; a first optical collimator that converts light output from cores included in the first MCF individually into collimated light and generates a group of light beams constituted of the collimated light; a first optical splitter that splits at least a part of the group of light beams, at a predetermined split ratio, in a first direction and in a second direction; a second optical collimator that couples each of beams of collimated light contained in the group of light beams being output in the first direction individually into cores in the second MCF; and a third optical collimator that couples each of beams of collimated light contained in the group of light beams being output in the second direction individually into cores in the third MCF.