Optical Coupling Asymmetrical Laser Diode Beam Splitting
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective optical coupling systems that can efficiently couple a laser diode to multiple optical fiber ends, particularly light diffusing optical fibers, to ensure uniform illumination and minimize coupling loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical coupling system includes a laser diode emitting a light beam with an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile, where the optical fiber ends are positioned along the fast axis diameter, and optionally uses a fiber housing ferrule with angled holes or a birefringent crystal to split and direct the light beam into multiple fiber ends, ensuring optimal alignment and coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single laser diode is used to illuminate multiple optical fiber ends, then the number of laser diodes is reduced, but the uniformity of illumination across the fibers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light beam from the laser diode into multiple separate beams using a beam splitting element (such as a birefringent crystal or beam splitter). Each split beam is then directed to a different optical fiber end, ensuring that each fiber receives dedicated illumination while using only one laser diode source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitting element as an intermediary component between the laser diode and the multiple optical fiber ends. This intermediary device receives the single input beam and distributes it to multiple output fibers, solving the problem of how to illuminate multiple fibers uniformly with a single laser source.
2Loss of energy
If optical fiber ends are positioned to capture the asymmetrical light beam profile, then coupling efficiency is improved, but the positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly accounts for the asymmetrical nature of the laser diode light beam profile by positioning the optical fiber ends asymmetrically. The fiber positions are optimized to match the non-uniform light distribution, with fibers placed at locations that maximize light capture efficiency rather than using symmetric positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different positioning strategies to different parts of the light beam profile. Instead of using a uniform positioning approach, the optical fiber ends are placed at specific locations that correspond to regions of higher light intensity in the asymmetrical beam profile, optimizing coupling efficiency for each local region.
3Illumination intensity
If light diffusing optical fibers are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the number of fibers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beam splitting element to divide the single light beam into multiple separate beams, with each beam directed to a different optical fiber. This segmentation approach allows multiple fibers to be illuminated uniformly while still using only one laser diode, reducing the total number of fibers needed compared to using individual lasers for each fiber.
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 minimizes optical coupling loss and provides uniform illumination along the length of light diffusing optical fibers, reducing the number of laser diodes required and improving illumination uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a birefringent crystal configured to: split the light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam, direct the first light beam into the first optical fiber end, and direct the second light beam into the second optical fiber end
Data Source
AI summary
Optical coupling systems are provided. An optical coupling system includes a first optical fiber end (122a) having a first core (124a), a second optical fiber end (122b) having a second core (124b), and a laser diode (110) optically coupled to the first core and the second core at an optical coupling location. The laser diode emits a light beam having an asymmetrical cross-sectional light beam profile comprising a fast axis diameter and a slow axis diameter. The fast axis diameter is longer than the slow axis diameter. Further, the first optical fiber end and the second optical fiber end are adjacently positioned along the fast axis diameter of the asymmetrical cross-sectional light beam profile of the laser diode at the optical coupling location such that the first core and the second core are within the asymmetrical cross-sectional light beam profile at the optical coupling location.