Polarization Beam Splitter Optical Circulator for Compact Fiber Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical circulators are structurally complex and costly due to the need for multiple optical fibers and ports, which limits their use rate and complicates assembly, especially when higher transmission rates and integration of optical channels are required.
Innovation Solution
An optical circulator design incorporating a first and second polarization beam splitter member with a common and emittance optical port, respectively, and a polarization adjustment member to combine and split light beams with different polarization states, reducing the number of optical fibers needed and enabling a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more stages of wavelength division multiplexers and more optical circulators with more ports are used to increase transmission rate and integrate more optical channels, then the transmission rate and channel integration are improved, but the structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical circulators into a single integrated device with a unified structure. Instead of using separate three-port optical circulators for each direction, the invention combines them into one unit with multiple ports that can handle both bidirectional transmission and wavelength division multiplexing functions, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining high transmission rate
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circulator in the patent is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations simultaneously. A single optical circulator unit can handle wavelength division multiplexing, bidirectional signal transmission, and channel integration functions that traditionally required multiple separate devices, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If more optical fibers are used for bi-directional transmission to increase channel capacity, then the transmission capability is improved, but the cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical fiber connections into a single integrated optical circulator unit. Instead of requiring separate optical fibers for each bidirectional transmission path, the invention uses a unified optical circulator that internally manages multiple fiber connections, reducing the number of external fiber connections needed and simplifying assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circulator structure employs a nested arrangement where multiple optical paths and fiber connections are integrated within a single compact unit. The internal structure nests multiple functional elements (wavelength division multiplexers, optical switches, and fiber connections) within one housing, reducing the overall number of external connections and simplifying manufacturing
3Device complexity
If a conventional three-port optical circulator is used for bi-directional transmission, then the device is simple in structure, but the use rate of optical fibers is low and more optical fibers are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the functionality of the optical circulator to handle multiple wavelengths and bidirectional transmission simultaneously. By designing the optical circulator with multiple ports and internal wavelength division multiplexing capabilities, the device can fully utilize optical fibers for multiple purposes (wavelength multiplexing, directional separation, and channel integration), thereby increasing fiber use rate and reducing wastage while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity
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
This design increases the use rate of optical fibers, reduces the amount used, and facilitates a compact and simple optical circulator structure, supporting miniaturization and improved integration of optical modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization beam splitter member (10), a second polarization beam splitter member (20), and a first polarization adjustment member (30)... The at least two receiving optical ports respectively receive two linearly polarized light beams having different polarization states
Implementation Method 2
The first polarization adjustment member (30) is located between the first polarization beam splitter member (10) and the second polarization beam splitter member (20) and is configured to uni-directionally adjust polarization states of light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical circulator includes a first polarization beam splitter member having a common optical port, a second polarization beam splitter member having an emittance optical port and at least two receiving optical ports, and a first polarization adjustment member. The two receiving optical ports respectively receive two linearly polarized light beams. The two linearly polarized light beams respectively pass through the second polarization beam splitter member, and sequentially pass through the first polarization adjustment member and the first polarization beam splitter member to be combined into a first combined light beam for being output from the common optical port. The common optical port receives a compound optical signal that passes through the first polarization beam splitter member to be split into another two linearly polarized light beams that are combined into a second combined light beam for being output.