Optical Devices with Built-in Isolator Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical add/drop and multiplexer/demultiplexer devices require large space and complex alignment procedures due to separate in-line isolators, leading to increased costs and manufacturing complexity, while also suffering from signal reflection noise that affects channel isolation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an isolator core with a collimator in optical devices to minimize noise from reflected signals and residual signals caused by imperfect spectral characteristics, allowing for a compact design with enhanced performance and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate in-line isolators are inserted to eliminate reflection noise, then channel isolation is improved, but device space and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the isolator and multiplexer/demultiplexer into a single integrated device. The isolator is built-in at the reflection port, eliminating the need for separate in-line isolators and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high channel isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the multiplexer/demultiplexer handles wavelength separation while the built-in isolator simultaneously provides reflection noise elimination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving both channel isolation and reflection suppression.
2Reliability
If separate in-line isolators are inserted to eliminate reflection noise, then channel isolation is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the isolator and multiplexer/demultiplexer into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate components that would occupy additional space. The built-in isolator is incorporated within the same housing, significantly reducing the overall device footprint.
3Reliability
If separate in-line isolators are inserted to eliminate reflection noise, then channel isolation is improved, but alignment procedures and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the isolator and multiplexer/demultiplexer into a single device eliminates the alignment procedures required to connect separate components. The built-in isolator is pre-positioned and fixed within the device housing, removing the need for complex optical alignment during manufacturing and installation.
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 integrated isolator core design achieves high channel isolation, reduces device footprint, and simplifies manufacturing, enabling broader wavelength ranges and improved performance with lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator core with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the isolator core being so positioned that a reflected light beam is blocked from going to the collimator
Data Source
AI summary
New designs of optical devices, particularly for adding or dropping a selected wavelength or a group of wavelengths as well as multiplexing a plurality of signals into a multiplexed signal or demultiplexing a multiplexed signal into several signals are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an isolator core is built into the optical devices to stop a reflected signal from an optical file in the optical devices. As a result, the optical devices are amenable to small footprint, broad operating wavelength range, enhanced impact performance, lower cost, and easier manufacturing process.