Multi-Path Optical Amplifier With Variable Divergence Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-space communication systems face spatial cross-talk and increased power consumption due to the inability to independently enable or disable signals with different divergence angles, requiring dedicated telescope assemblies and complex hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-path optical amplification system with independent amplifiers and collimator assemblies providing different beam divergences, allowing for shared telescope usage and reduced power consumption by eliminating spatial cross-talk and enabling variable channel capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical assemblies with different divergence angles are used to support different channel capacities, then the system can provide variable performance in terms of bit-rate, distance or elevation, but hardware replication increases size, weight and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical assemblies with different divergence angles into a single shared telescope structure. This merging approach allows the system to support multiple channel capacities (different bit-rates, distances, or elevations) while using one common telescope, thereby reducing the overall power consumption and hardware replication compared to having separate telescopes for each optical assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The shared telescope is designed to serve multiple optical assemblies simultaneously, making it a universal component that handles different divergence angles and channel capacities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated telescopes for each optical assembly, reducing system complexity and power requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical assemblies with different divergence angles are used to support different channel capacities, then the system can provide variable performance, but hardware replication increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical assemblies into a single integrated system that shares a common telescope. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant telescope components while maintaining the ability to support different channel capacities through the shared telescope's ability to handle multiple divergence angles
3Device complexity
If a shared telescope is used for multiple optical assemblies with different divergence angles, then hardware is reduced, but spatial cross-talk occurs between signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial filters as intermediary components within the shared telescope system. These spatial filters act as mediators that separate signals with different divergence angles, preventing spatial cross-talk between them while allowing the shared telescope to efficiently handle multiple optical assemblies
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
The solution enhances system efficiency and reduces complexity by allowing multiple channel capacities with different divergence angles, improving power efficiency and eliminating the need for dedicated telescopes, thus maintaining performance across varying distances and atmospheric conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier and a collimator assembly
Implementation Method 2
a collimator assembly... provide a first output beam having a first beam divergence (D1)
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-path optical amplification system includes a modulated light source emitting λ1 modulated light, a first signal splitter coupled to receive the modulated λ1 light providing a first λ1 modulated light signal and second λ1 modulated light signal. A first optical amplifier is for receiving the first λ1 modulated light signal and generating a first amplified output signal, and a second optical amplifier is for receiving the second λ1 modulated light signal and generating a second amplified output signal. A first collimator assembly is coupled to receive the first amplified output signal and provide a first output beam having a first beam divergence (D1) and a second collimator assembly is coupled to receive the second amplified output signal and provide a second output beam having a second beam divergence (D2).