Optical Element with Grooved Filter for Compact Detector Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical elements restrict the placement of photo detectors between light sources and optical fibers, increasing the overall dimension of optical instruments due to the fixed arrangement of light sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising a lens component with collimating units and a filter, where the filter covers a groove on the lens component, allowing light beams to propagate through the filter and collimating units to enable the photo detector to be placed between the light source and optical fiber, reducing the overall dimension while maintaining light intensity and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the photo detector is placed far away from the light source in conventional optical elements, then the photo detector cannot be positioned between the light source and optical fiber, but this arrangement increases the overall dimension of the optical instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional optical path design where light can travel through different spatial dimensions. The optical element includes a light source, optical fiber, and photo detector arranged in three-dimensional space with multiple optical paths (first optical path for signal transmission, second optical path for monitoring). This allows the photo detector to be positioned between the light source and optical fiber in the vertical dimension while maintaining proper optical coupling through the lens component and beam splitter, thereby reducing the overall instrument dimension without compromising placement flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element employs a nested structure where the photo detector is integrated within the optical path between the light source and optical fiber. The lens component focuses light onto the beam splitter, which directs portion of the light to the photo detector that is nested within the compact optical assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the photo detector to occupy space within the existing optical path rather than requiring additional external space, thus reducing the overall instrument dimension while maintaining placement flexibility
2Length of stationary object
If the photo detector is placed close to the light source to reduce overall dimension, then the overall dimension is reduced, but it becomes impossible to place the photo detector between the light source and optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element segments the optical path into multiple functional sections: a first optical path for main signal transmission from light source to optical fiber, and a second optical path for monitoring that branches off to the photo detector. The beam splitter divides the light into these separate paths, allowing the photo detector to be positioned in the compact arrangement close to the light source while still receiving proper light signals through the segmented optical path. This segmentation enables both compact dimension and operational flexibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the light source and both the optical fiber and photo detector. It receives light from the lens component and directs portion of the light along the second optical path to the photo detector while allowing the main path to continue to the optical fiber. This intermediary function enables the photo detector to be positioned close to the light source in a compact arrangement while maintaining proper optical coupling and placement flexibility through the mediating beam splitter
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
The optical element allows for a reduced overall dimension of the optical fiber adapter by positioning the photo detector between the light source and optical fiber without compromising light intensity or sensitivity, and provides a monitoring path for light energy feedback, enhancing signal stability for high-bandwidth transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a remaining part of the light beams is reflected by the first side surface to propagate along a monitoring optical path
Implementation Method 2
a part of the light beams enters, by refraction through the first side surface of the filter, and propagates within the filter along a second optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a lens component and a filter. The lens component has first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh surfaces disposed around and parallel to a reference axis. The lens component further has spaced apart first and second collimating units formed on the first surface, and a third collimating unit formed on the second surface. The second collimating unit is located between the first and third collimating units. The third surface is formed with a groove defined by the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh surfaces. The filter is disposed on the third surface, covers the groove, and has a first side surface facing the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh surfaces, and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface.