Optical Coupling Structure for Array Amplifier Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coupling structures between optical fiber arrays and semiconductor optical amplifier arrays suffer from wavelength-dependent optical coupling loss and edge reflection, which degrades the performance of semiconductor optical amplifiers and complicates the formation of obliquely cut optical fiber end faces.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling system that optically couples beams to the end face of the semiconductor optical amplifier array in parallel with the waveguide direction and to the optical fiber array obliquely in a non-array direction, using a combination of lenses to refract beams such that they are incident parallel to the optical fiber axis, reducing wavelength dependence and edge reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If beams of light signals are made oblique to the end faces of optical fibers and SOAs to suppress edge reflection, then edge reflection is reduced, but wavelength dependence of optical coupling loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second optical axis in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis. The end faces of optical fibers are formed obliquely with respect to the second optical axis, while light signals propagate along the first optical axis. This dimensional separation allows the end face inclination to suppress edge reflection without affecting the parallel incidence of light signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing edge reflection and maintaining low wavelength dependence.
2Reliability
If beams of light signals are made parallel to the axial direction of optical fibers to reduce wavelength dependence, then wavelength dependence is reduced, but edge reflection increases and SOA characteristics degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of light propagation and reflection suppression into different dimensions. Light signals propagate parallel to the optical fiber axis along the first optical axis, while the end faces are inclined with respect to the second optical axis (orthogonal to the first). This allows parallel incidence for low wavelength dependence while the orthogonal inclination suppresses edge reflection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If end faces of optical fibers are made oblique in the array direction to suppress edge reflection, then edge reflection is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction of end face inclination from the array direction to a direction orthogonal to the array direction (second optical axis direction). This allows all optical fibers in the array to have their end faces inclined at the same angle relative to the second optical axis, making the inclination direction consistent across the array and significantly simplifying manufacturing processes.
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 configuration effectively suppresses edge reflection and reduces wavelength-dependent optical coupling loss, ensuring efficient and uniform optical coupling across multiple channels with minimal degradation of semiconductor optical amplifier characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of lenses to refract beams such that they are incident parallel to the optical fiber axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical coupling structure includes an optical amplifier array configured to include a plurality of optical amplifiers arranged in an array direction, an optical fiber array configured to include a plurality of optical fibers arranged in the array direction, and an optical coupling system that optically couples the optical amplifier array and the optical fiber array, wherein, in a non-array direction orthogonal to the array direction, the optical coupling system optically couples beams of light signals to an end face of the optical amplifier array in parallel with a waveguide direction of the optical amplifiers, and optically couples the beams to an end face of the optical fiber array obliquely to the end face of the optical fiber array in the non-array direction.