Optical Element Inclined Gap Wavelength Demultiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical elements are ineffective in demultiplexing/multiplexing lights of different wavelengths, leading to potential deterioration and damage from high output light, especially when using dielectric multilayer films.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a main body that includes an inclined gap with a medium of lower refractive index than the main body, where the gap width is larger than the penetration length of the evanescent wave of the first light but smaller than that of the second light, allowing for efficient demultiplexing/multiplexing of lights by total reflection and evanescent wave passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical elements using dielectric multilayer films are used for demultiplexing light, then the optical element can separate light of a single wavelength, but the optical element deteriorates and gets damaged when exposed to high output light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful interaction between high output light and dielectric multilayer films by removing the multilayer film structure entirely. Instead, it uses a simple gap structure where light passes through without interacting with vulnerable materials, thus preventing deterioration and damage while maintaining demultiplexing functionality through evanescent wave coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and vulnerable dielectric multilayer films with a simple, robust gap structure that can withstand high output light. The gap structure uses basic geometric principles rather than complex material layers, making it more durable and suitable for high-power applications without suffering from the limitations of conventional optical elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical elements are used, then they can handle single wavelength light, but they cannot efficiently demultiplex/multiplex lights of different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gap with specific geometric properties (width, orientation, position) that selectively interact with different wavelengths. The gap width is designed to allow evanescent wave coupling for certain wavelengths while blocking others, enabling efficient demultiplexing based on local geometric characteristics rather than uniform material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the gap width, orientation, and position to control which wavelengths are demultiplexed. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the optical element can efficiently separate different wavelengths of light, achieving both versatility and high productivity in wavelength demultiplexing applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gap structure is introduced for wavelength demultiplexing, then different wavelengths can be separated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the optical path into distinct regions separated by gaps. Each gap is positioned and sized to handle specific wavelength ranges, allowing multi-wavelength demultiplexing through spatial segmentation rather than complex material structures. This approach maintains simplicity while achieving versatile wavelength separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional material-based wavelength selection to three-dimensional geometric control using gaps with specific widths, orientations, and positions. This dimensional approach allows efficient multi-wavelength demultiplexing by exploiting spatial relationships rather than complex material properties, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables high-efficiency demultiplexing/multiplexing of lights of different wavelengths, preventing deterioration and simplifying the optical element's configuration, while maintaining the optical element's integrity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first light incident to the main body is emitted from the main body after being totally reflected from the interface
Implementation Method 2
the second light incident to the main body passes through the gap via the evanescent wave and is emitted from the main body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical element including: a main body which is formed of a medium capable of transmitting first light and second light having a wavelength longer than that of the first light, in which the main body includes an incident region into which the first light and the second light are incident, in which a gap which is inclined with respect to the incident region and in which a medium having a refractive index with respect to the first light and the second light lower than that of the main body is disposed is provided inside the main body, and in which a gap width from an interface bordering the main body and the gap is larger than a penetration length of an evanescent wave of the first light at the interface and is smaller than a penetration length of an evanescent wave of the second light at the interface.