Optical Demultiplexer Using One Electro-Optic Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demultiplexers in photonics require numerous active elements, occupying significant space and using expensive high-voltage pulses, making them cumbersome and costly for generating multi-photon sources.
Innovation Solution
An optical demultiplexer using a single electro-optic modulator, such as a Pockels cell, and polarizing beam-splitters to switch light pulses' polarization, allowing them to be routed onto different synchronized spatial modes without the need for multiple high-voltage generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active elements are used in the demultiplexer, then the number of output spatial modes increases, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single active element (electro-optic modulator) perform multiple functions: it can route different temporal modes to different spatial outputs by switching polarization states, effectively replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate active elements. This single modulator serves as a multi-functional device for demultiplexing multiple photon modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple active elements into a single active element by combining the functions of multiple electro-optic modulators and polarizing beam splitters into one integrated system. The single electro-optic modulator works in conjunction with passive optical elements (mirrors, beam splitters) to achieve the same demultiplexing functionality that would otherwise require many active components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active elements are used in the demultiplexer, then the number of output spatial modes increases, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single electro-optic modulator performs the function of multiple active elements, reducing the overall space requirement. By making one component multi-functional for routing different temporal modes to spatial outputs, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate active elements that would occupy more laboratory space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple active elements into a single active element, thereby reducing the total space occupation. The integrated design uses one electro-optic modulator alongside passive optical components to achieve the same functionality, significantly reducing the footprint compared to traditional multi-element configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-voltage pulse generators are used, then the number of output spatial modes increases, but the difficulty of synchronization and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple high-voltage pulse generators by using a single electro-optic modulator that can be controlled by a single voltage source. This removal of multiple independent control systems simplifies synchronization and reduces the operational complexity of controlling multiple active elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of multiple active elements into a single control system. By using one electro-optic modulator that can be independently controlled, the patent eliminates the synchronization challenges associated with coordinating multiple high-voltage pulse generators, making operation simpler and more reliable.
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
Reduces the technical load and space required for producing a demultiplexed multi-photon source, lowering costs and complexity by using a single active element, thus enabling efficient generation of synchronized multi-photon sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic modulator configured to change, when the electro-optic modulator is in a first state, a polarization of light pulses having a first polarization and passing through the electro-optic modulator from the first polarization to a second polarization
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizing beam-splitter arranged in the optical trajectory between the first mirror and the electro-optic modulator, wherein the first polarizing beam-splitter is configured to: transmit light pulses having the first polarization, and reflect light pulses having the second polarization
Data Source
AI summary
An optical demultiplexer is provided, comprising: a first mirror and a second mirror; an electro-optic modulator arranged in an optical trajectory between the first and second mirrors; and a first polarizing beam-splitter arranged in the optical trajectory between the first mirror and the electro-optic modulator. The electro-optic modulator is configured to change, when in a first state, a polarization of light pulses passing through the electro-optic modulator; the light pulses travelling in the optical trajectory between the first mirror and the second mirror are displaced perpendicular to a propagation direction of the light pulses between the first mirror and the second mirror during each round of travelling forth and back between the first mirror and the second mirror; and the first polarizing beam-splitter is configured to reflect the light pulses which are displaced with respect to each other perpendicular to the propagation direction onto different, respective output trajectories.