Multiplexer Hole Arrangement for Coupling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiplexer/demultiplexer manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving desired characteristics due to manufacturing errors that can lead to thin walls between holes, causing them to couple and degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing a multiplexer/demultiplexer with a substrate having a first port for inputting light and a second port for outputting light, where a plurality of holes are arranged in a triangle lattice to ensure thick walls between adjacent holes, preventing coupling and maintaining desired characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If holes are arranged in a multiplexer/demultiplexer to achieve desired light splitting characteristics, then the device can split light at predetermined intensity ratios, but manufacturing errors cause thin walls between holes leading to coupling and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing the hole positions in a triangle lattice configuration before manufacturing. This predetermined arrangement ensures that walls between adjacent holes are naturally thickened, preventing coupling issues during the manufacturing process and maintaining reliable hole separation without requiring post-manufacturing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of hole arrangement from conventional patterns to a triangle lattice configuration. This parameter change inherently increases the wall thickness between adjacent holes, providing a robust solution to manufacturing variations and ensuring reliable separation even when manufacturing precision varies within normal tolerances.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hole arrangements are used in multiplexer/demultiplexer, then manufacturing is simpler, but wall thickness between holes becomes thin causing coupling and degraded characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of hole arrangement to a triangle lattice configuration, which naturally increases the wall thickness between adjacent holes. This parameter change maintains ease of manufacture while ensuring sufficient wall thickness to prevent coupling, eliminating the need for complex post-processing or tolerance compensation techniques.
3Area of stationary object
If holes are positioned close together to reduce device size, then compact multiplexer/demultiplexer is formed, but wall thickness decreases leading to coupling and performance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hole arrangement parameter to a triangle lattice configuration, which allows holes to be positioned close together for compact device size while maintaining sufficient wall thickness. The geometric efficiency of the triangle lattice enables tight spacing without compromising wall integrity, achieving both miniaturization and reliable hole separation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a multiplexer/demultiplexer including a substrate, a first port for inputting light, and a second port for outputting light, the first port and the second port being provided in the substrate. The method includes designing positions of a plurality of holes such that three adjacent holes among the plurality of holes are arranged in a triangle lattice, and forming the plurality of holes in a surface of the substrate.