Optical Demodulator Using Reflective Mirrors for Compact Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical demodulators using waveguide technology require a large volume due to the need for significant optical path adjustments for phase adjustment, leading to bulky devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of reflective mirrors disposed on both sides of an optical splitter to achieve multiple light splitting and interference, reducing the volume of the demodulator through a compact design that utilizes space optical coupling technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If waveguide technology is used to achieve light splitting and interference by changing voltage to vary refractive index, then phase adjustment requirements are met, but the waveguide needs to have a large area and the demodulator needs to have a large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar waveguide-based phase adjustment to three-dimensional free-space optical path adjustment using reflective mirrors. By introducing vertical dimension through mirror placement and optical path folding, the system achieves sufficient optical path difference without requiring large lateral area, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining phase adjustment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control mechanism (voltage-induced refractive index change) with a geometric optical mechanism using reflective mirrors. This substitution eliminates the need for large-area waveguides and enables compact demodulator design by using free-space optical paths instead of confined waveguide paths
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 results in a smaller volume optical demodulator capable of efficient light phase separation and demodulation, facilitating integration with subsequent optical receivers while maintaining effective signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
the optical splitter 4 comprises two physically separate units: a first optical splitting unit 41 and a second optical splitting unit 42; the first optical splitting unit 41 is configured to split the input light for the first time
Implementation Method 2
reflective mirrors are disposed at two sides of an optical splitter, and light splitting of many times and interference are achieved in the optical splitter
Implementation Method 3
the first path of light and the second path of light obtained through the splitting for the first time are emitted to the first reflective mirror 1 and the second reflective mirror 2 respectively
Implementation Method 4
split for the second time the first path of light reflected back by the first reflective mirror 1, wherein the two paths of light obtained by splitting the first path of light are emitted to the first reflective mirror 1 and the third reflective mirror 3 respectively; and split the two paths of light that are reflected back by the first reflective mirror 1 and the third reflective mirror 3 respectively and obtained by splitting the first path of light, and then make the split light to interfere with each other, so as to obtain and emit two paths of light with different phases
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention provides an optical demodulator, which includes a first reflective mirror, a second reflective mirror, a third reflective mirror, and an optical splitter. The optical splitter is configured to: split input light for the first time; split for the second time a first path of light reflected back by the first reflective mirror, where two paths of light obtained by splitting the first path of light are emitted to the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively, split for the second time a second path of light reflected back by the second reflective mirror, where two paths of light obtained by splitting the second path of light are emitted to the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively; and split two paths of light that are reflected back by the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively and obtained by splitting the first path of light, and then make the split light to interfere with each other, so as to obtain and emit two paths of light with different phases, and split two paths of light that are reflected back by the first reflective mirror and the third reflective mirror respectively and obtained by splitting the second path of light, and then make the split light to interfere with each other, so as to obtain and emit two paths of light with different phases.