Optical Multiplexer Reducing Reflections via Polarization and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiplexers in optical communications require multiple reflections to combine light beams of different wavelengths, leading to increased complexity and difficulty in manufacturing due to the need for precise alignment and angles, resulting in high reflection times.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexer design that includes a first light beam adjusting element, light filtering and combining elements, a polarization state changing element, and a light polarizing and combining element to reduce the number of reflections by adjusting propagation directions and polarization states, allowing for the combination of at least four light beams into one beam with reduced reflection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple reflections are used to combine light beams of different wavelengths, then the light beam combination function is achieved, but the number of reflection times increases and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer is divided into multiple functional modules: a first light beam adjusting element for adjusting propagation directions, light filtering and combining elements for wavelength-specific combination, a polarization state changing element for modifying polarization states, and a light polarizing and combining element for final combination. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function with fewer reflections, reducing the total reflection count from 12 to fewer times while maintaining the light beam combination capability.
2Device complexity
If multiple reflections are used to combine light beams, then the light beam combination function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes polarization state as an additional dimension to differentiate and combine light beams. By adjusting the polarization states of different wavelength light beams and using polarization-dependent combining elements, the system achieves efficient light beam combination with reduced reflection times. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous combination of multiple light beams without requiring sequential reflections for each beam.
3Productivity
If multiple reflections are used to combine light beams, then the light beam combination function is achieved, but the total reflection times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam adjusting elements and polarization state changing elements perform preliminary adjustments to the propagation directions and polarization states of light beams before they reach the combining elements. This preliminary action ensures that light beams are properly aligned and configured for combination, reducing the need for multiple corrective reflections and enabling faster, more efficient light beam combination with fewer total reflections.
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 effectively reduces the maximum and total number of reflection times during light combination, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving the efficiency of light beam combination in optical communications.
Implementation Method 1
a first light beam adjusting element, where the first light beam adjusting element is configured to adjust propagation directions of a first light beam and a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
Filter characteristics of the thin-film filter make a light beam of a specified wavelength be transmitted and a light beam of a non-specified wavelength be reflected
Implementation Method 3
a polarization state changing element, where the polarization state changing element is configured to change a polarization state of the sixth light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multiplexer, and relate to the field of fiber communications technologies. The multiplexer according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first light beam adjusting element, a second light beam adjusting element, a first light filtering and combining element or splitting element, a second light filtering and combining element or splitting element, a polarization changing element, and a light polarizing and combining element. The optical multiplexer according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may not only implement combining at least four light beams into one light beam but also reduce the number of reflection times of light during a light combination process.