Multimode Fiber Optical Power Splitter With End Coupling Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimode fiber optical power splitters face issues with modal dependent intensity noise and modal dependent timing jitter, which significantly impact system performance, especially in high bit-rate applications, due to variations in optical mode excitation and power distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of an end coupling mechanism in compact optical power splitters with a fiber array element and an optical lens element, featuring partial, total, and anti-reflecting surfaces, reduces modal dependent noise and timing jitter by optimizing the overlap of optical mode profiles for efficient power coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If side coupling mechanism (FBT) is used for power splitting, then the device structure is simple, but modal dependent intensity noise and timing jitter increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical side coupling mechanism (FBT) with an end coupling mechanism using optical lenses. The lens-based end coupling achieves stronger mode profile overlap, reducing modal dependent intensity noise and timing jitter while maintaining compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism parameter from side coupling (tail region overlap) to end coupling (center region overlap). This parameter change fundamentally alters the coupling strength and reduces susceptibility to modal noise, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If end coupling mechanism is used for power splitting, then modal dependent intensity noise and timing jitter are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components (lens, mirror, and coupling elements) into a single integrated optical element. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the end coupling mechanism's advantage in reducing modal dependent noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a lens for beam focusing, a mirror for beam direction, and a coupling element for power splitting. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while preserving the reliable end coupling mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical components are used to achieve end coupling, then power coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components into a single integrated optical element, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations. This merging maintains the high power coupling efficiency achieved through end coupling while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical element can be manufactured as a single monolithic component using cost-effective fabrication techniques. This approach replaces complex multi-component assemblies with a single manufacturable unit, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving 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 configuration results in reduced modal dependent intensity noise and timing jitter, maintaining an open eye diagram at 100 Gbps, enhancing system performance and cost competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The overlap region between two mode profiles is responsible for the power coupling from one fiber to the other fiber
Implementation Method 2
The end coupling mainly depends on the center region overlap of the mode profiles, a strong coupling mechanism
Implementation Method 3
modal dependent intensity noise and modal dependent timing jitter translate into the closing of eye diagram
Implementation Method 4
optimizing the overlap of optical mode profiles for efficient power coupling
Implementation Method 5
one fiber array with at least three ports and one optical lens element that splits the incoming light beam and directs optical power to two respective receiving ports
Implementation Method 6
featuring partial, total, and anti-reflecting surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A compact configuration of a multiport fiber array and a multi-surface optical lens constitutes a low modal noise multimode fiber optical power splitter. In a digital optical system, modal noise manifests itself in modal dependent intensity noise and modal dependent timing jitter. A compact two-part end coupling design improves both properties and is more cost effective, making it a suitable solution for future high bit rate optical system applications.