Multiport Wavelength Division Multiplexer for Integrated Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive optical communication modules with integrated 3-port wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) suffer from low integration levels and high costs due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) comprising lenses, a WDM filter, and multiple optical fibers, where light at different wavelengths propagates through specific paths via lenses and filters to achieve efficient separation and combination of light signals, using gradient-index (GRIN) lenses or spherical/aspherical lenses with a WDM filter positioned between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual 3-port WDMs are integrated into a single package, then the integration level is improved, but the device complexity increases and cost increases due to low integration level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual 3-port WDMs into a single integrated WDM device with multiple common ports, reflected ports, and transmit ports. This is achieved by integrating multiple WDM filters and optical path components into one unified structure, thereby improving integration level while managing device complexity through systematic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated WDM device provides multi-functionality by handling multiple wavelengths and multiple optical paths simultaneously. Each common port can be coupled to different optical fibers for different wavelengths, enabling the single device to perform the functions of multiple individual 3-port WDMs, thus improving versatility and integration level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual 3-port WDMs are integrated into a single package, then the integration level is improved, but the cost increases due to low integration level
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple WDM functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation improves integration level and should reduce overall manufacturing cost compared to integrating multiple individual 3-port WDMs, as it eliminates redundant structures and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If light propagates through multiple optical fibers and lenses, then the wavelength separation and combination efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific optical paths and components to specific wavelength ranges. Each WDM filter and optical path is optimized for particular wavelengths (e.g., 1310nm, 1550nm), allowing efficient wavelength separation and combination while managing overall device complexity through specialized local configurations rather than a monolithic design.
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 integration and reduces costs by optimizing the propagation paths of light wavelengths, improving the efficiency and integration of optical communication modules.
Implementation Method 1
the WDM filter reflects the light at a first wavelength during propagation in either direction between the common optical fiber and the reflected optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the WDM filter passes the light at a second wavelength during propagation in either direction between the common optical fiber and the transmit optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
lens means; light at a first wavelength propagates in either direction between the common optical fiber and the reflected optical fiber via the lens means and the WDM filter
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) includes one or more lenses, a WDM filter, and multiple common, multiple reflected and multiple transmit optical fibers optically coupled to the one or more lenses. Light at a first wavelength propagates in either direction between one common optical fiber and one reflected optical fiber via the one or more lenses and the WDM filter, wherein the WDM filter reflects the light at a first wavelength during propagation in either direction between the common optical fiber and the reflected optical fiber. Light at a second wavelength propagates in either direction between the common optical fiber and one transmit optical fiber via the one or more lenses and the WDM filter, wherein the WDM filter passes the light at a second wavelength during propagation in either direction between the common optical fiber and the transmit optical fiber.