Multi-core Fiber Coupling Device with Beam Parallelization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-core fiber coupling devices face challenges in aligning single core fibers with multi-core fibers due to beam inclination, leading to high optical coupling loss and impractical angular adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a first optical system that separates beams and a second optical system that makes their axes approximately parallel, eliminating the need for fiber inclination and reducing coupling loss by using a wavelength dispersive element for easy multiplexing and demultiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a lens is used to separate beams from a multi-core fiber, then the beams can be separated from each other, but the single core fibers need to be inclined which makes angular adjustment and alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two separate lens systems: a first lens system for beam separation and a second lens system for beam parallelization. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for inclined fiber alignment while achieving both beam separation and parallelism.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lens system acts as an intermediary between the multi-core fiber and the second lens system. It separates the beams and creates intermediate images that the second lens system then processes to achieve parallel output beams, serving as a mediating element that enables the overall function without requiring fiber inclination.
2Manufacturing precision
If the beam interval is extended by the first lens system, then the beams are separated, but the beam spread angle decreases which increases optical coupling loss
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling process is segmented into two stages: first, beam separation by the first lens system which extends the interval; second, beam parallelization and focusing by the second lens system which restores the spread angle. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lens system changes the angular parameter of the beams by making them parallel, while the first lens system changes the spatial parameter by extending the interval. By coordinating these parameter changes across two systems, the patent achieves both beam separation and maintains coupling efficiency.
3Reliability
If single core fibers are inclined to match beam angles, then beam coupling can be achieved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inclining the fibers to match the beam angles, the patent inverts the approach by using optical systems to transform the beams into parallel configuration. This inversion eliminates the need for mechanical fiber inclination, simplifying the device structure while maintaining coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inclination of fibers with an optical system consisting of two lens systems. The first lens system separates beams and the second makes them parallel, substituting mechanical alignment adjustments with optical transformation, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 achieves low coupling loss and enhances practicality by maintaining beam parallelism, simplifying alignment, and preventing crosstalk, while allowing for efficient wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical system which is located on optical axes of a plurality of beams incident on and emitted from the plurality of light input/output parts of the optical element, and which makes the respective optical axes of the beams non-parallel to each other, thereby making the beams in a state of being separated from each other
Implementation Method 2
a second optical system which makes the optical axes of the plurality of beams left in a state of being non-parallel to each other on the side of the first optical system, in a state of being approximately parallel to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device which reduces coupling loss while improving practicality is provided. A multi-core fiber coupling device is an optical device which couples a multi-core fiber to single core fibers, and includes a first optical system which is located on optical axes of a plurality of beams emitted from the multi-core fiber, and which makes the optical axes of the respective beams non-parallel to each other, thereby making the beams in a state of being separated from each other, and a second optical system S2 which makes the optical axes of the plurality of beams in a state of being non-parallel to each other on the side of the first optical system, in a state of being approximately parallel to each other.