Optical Coupling Splitting Device Dual-Mode Fiber

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional optical subscriber network system requires separate devices for signal splitting and coupling, leading to increased complexity, component count, and costs, as well as reliability issues due to the increased number of components and processes.

Innovation Solution

An optical coupling/splitting device that combines the functions of signal splitting and coupling using a dual-mode optical fiber, where up-signals are propagated in multi-mode and down-signals in single-mode, with a dual-mode optical fiber and a slab waveguide configuration that includes a core lacking portion and refractive index intensifying structure to reduce coupling loss and simplify the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for signal splitting and coupling, then the functions are performed reliably, but the device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal splitting and coupling functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical splitting device and optical coupling device into a single integrated device. The optical coupling/splitting device simultaneously performs both signal splitting for down-sigs and signal coupling for up-sigs using a unified structure with multiple optical fibers and coupling portions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical coupling/splitting device is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both optical splitting and optical coupling operations. It handles multiple signals (down-sigs and up-sigs) simultaneously through different wavelength channels, making a single device serve multiple purposes that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the number of components is reduced, then the system is simplified, but the coupling loss may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidcoupling loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes coupling loss by carefully designing the physical parameters of the optical coupling/splitting device, including the coupling portions between optical fibers and the slab waveguide structure. By adjusting these parameters, the device achieves low coupling loss despite having fewer components than separate devices would provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for splitting and coupling, then each function can be optimized independently, but the system reliability decreases due to more components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the splitting and coupling functions into a single device, the patent reduces the total number of components in the system. This integration eliminates additional connection points and potential failure points, thereby improving system reliability while still maintaining the ability to perform both functions through wavelength-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces coupling loss and simplifies the system by integrating signal splitting and coupling functions, effectively increasing the loss budget and reducing the number of components, thereby improving system efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

up-signals are propagated in multi-mode and down-signals in single-mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMulti-mode propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

up-signals are propagated in multi-mode and down-signals in single-mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSingle-mode propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

slab waveguide configuration that includes a core lacking portion and refractive index intensifying structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

slab waveguide configuration that includes a core lacking portion and refractive index intensifying structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9306670B2Optical coupling/splitting device, two-way optical propagation device, and optical-transmit-receive system

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical coupling/splitting device that realizes the splitting of a down-signal and the coupling of up-signals by the same optical device, and reduces coupling losses of the up-signal. An optical coupling/splitting device in the present invention comprises an optical coupling/splitting means for coupling a plurality of up-signals in a multi-mode for output and splitting a down-signal in a single mode for output, and a two-way optical propagation means for propagating the up-signal that is output from the optical coupling/splitting means in a multi-mode for output and propagate the down-signal in a single mode to be output to the optical coupling/splitting means.