Meta-lens Optical Multiplexer for Compact Single-Mode Fiber Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems face challenges in miniaturizing electrical-optical converters and optical multiplexers, which limits the size reduction of the overall system, especially in using single-mode optical fibers for efficient transmission.
Innovation Solution
The optical communication device employs meta-lenses to refract laser beams of different wavelengths into a mixed beam, which is then transmitted through a single-mode optical fiber, with meta-lenses designed to match the numerical aperture of the fiber, and includes semiconductor lasers and various substrate materials for compact integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical multiplexers and electrical-optical converters are used, then wavelength division multiplexing can be achieved, but the system size becomes large and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical-optical converter and optical multiplexer functions into a single integrated device. Multiple laser sources emitting different wavelengths are combined with meta-lenses that perform both focusing and wavelength multiplexing, eliminating the need for separate conventional optical multiplexer components and thereby reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or bulky optical components with meta-lenses that utilize metasurface technology. These meta-lenses are planar, sub-wavelength structured components that can manipulate light waves (focusing, beam shaping, wavelength separation) without requiring the bulk and complex alignment of traditional lens systems, enabling significant size reduction.
2Loss of energy
If single-mode optical fiber is used for transmission, then transmission loss is minimized, but the coupling efficiency with conventional sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The meta-lenses are designed with spatially varying local properties across their surface, where each region is optimized to handle specific wavelength ranges and directional requirements. This local quality variation enables precise control of light propagation characteristics, matching the beam parameters to the single-mode fiber's acceptance angle and mode field diameter, thereby maximizing coupling efficiency while maintaining low transmission loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the meta-lens design, including varying the orientation, shape, and phase response of meta-atoms across the lens surface. By adjusting these parameters, the system can dynamically control the output beam's numerical aperture and spot size to match the single-mode fiber requirements, achieving both low loss and high coupling efficiency.
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 transmission of multiple laser beams with different wavelengths in a single-mode optical fiber, achieving a compact optical communication system while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first meta-lenses receive the laser beams, and in a first substrate, refract the laser beams to a focal point to generate a mixed laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The second meta-lenses are arranged between the laser sources and the first meta-lenses, and refract the laser beams so that the beam profiles of the laser beams change from an oval to a circle
Implementation Method 3
The grating disperses the mixed laser beam to recover the laser beams with different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication device includes a plurality of laser sources, a plurality of first meta-lenses, and an optical fiber. The laser sources transmit a plurality of laser beams in the same direction according to electrical signals. The laser beams have different wavelengths. The first meta-lenses receive the laser beams, and in a first substrate, refract the laser beams to a focal point to generate a mixed laser beam. The optical fiber receives the mixed laser beam for transmission. The focal point is arranged at the input end of the optical fiber.