Mach-Zehnder Modulator Fiber Alignment via Total Current Summing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring optical characteristics of Mach-Zehnder type optical modulation devices face challenges in automatically aligning optical fibers with the devices due to varying light power balances across emitting ports, making it difficult to efficiently detect and align optical power.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that input light from a source through a first optical fiber to the incident part of the optical modulation device, receive emitted light with multiple light receivers, convert electric signals into currents, sum these currents to obtain a total value, and align the optical fiber with the device based on this total value, allowing for automatic alignment without manual effort or voltage application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If light power from individual emitting ports is used for alignment, then alignment can be performed, but the varying light power balance across emitting ports makes automatic alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light signals from multiple emitting ports by summing their respective light powers to create a total light power value. This merging approach eliminates the problem of varying light power balance across individual ports, as the total power represents the overall coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and the optical modulation device regardless of individual port variations. The alignment controller uses this total light power as the alignment criterion, enabling reliable automatic alignment.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical-electrical control system. Light receivers detect the emitted light from each port, convert it to electrical signals, and the alignment controller automatically processes these signals to determine optimal alignment position. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with automated optical detection and electrical control dramatically reduces alignment time and effort while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs self-alignment by using the optical modulation device itself as the measurement target. The device's own emitted light serves as the alignment signal, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or separate measurement devices. The system automatically detects and corrects misalignment based on the total light power feedback, making the alignment process self-contained and efficient.
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
Enables automatic and efficient alignment of optical fibers with optical modulation devices, reducing time and effort required for alignment while maintaining optimal light coupling and minimizing optical loss.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light receivers configured to output electric signals by inputting the emitted lights emitted from the plurality of emitting parts of the optical modulation device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring optical characteristics of a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulation device having an incident part, a waveguide for propagating light incident from the incident part, and a plurality of emitting parts each for emitting light. The method includes inputting light from a light source to the incident part of the optical modulation device through a first optical fiber, receiving emitted lights emitted from the plurality of emitting parts of the optical modulation device by a plurality of light receivers, obtaining a total value of currents by converting electric signals into currents and summing the currents, the electric signals being outputted by the plurality of light receivers receiving the emitted lights, and aligning the incident part of the optical modulation device and the first optical fiber based on the total value of currents.