Optical Functional Device Crosstalk Reduction via Multi-Reflecting Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical modulation devices with both input and output optical fibers disposed on one surface of a package case, crosstalk between input and output light is significant due to optical coupling loss and alignment issues, particularly exacerbated by temperature fluctuations and device distortion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration with a first reflecting surface to redirect input light towards the output light path, a second reflecting surface to reflect this light towards the optical modulation element, and a third reflecting surface to diverge the output light away from the input optical fiber axis, along with optional shielding to separate leaked light beams, effectively reducing crosstalk by ensuring non-alignment of leaked light with output light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If both input and output optical fibers are disposed on one surface of the package case, then the device size is reduced and integration is improved, but crosstalk between input and output light increases due to optical coupling loss and alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple reflecting surfaces (first, second, and third reflecting surfaces) to redirect light paths in three-dimensional space. The first reflecting surface reflects input light toward the optical modulation element, the second reflecting surface further redirects the light path, and the third reflecting surface reflects output light away from the input optical fiber axis. This multi-dimensional light path management effectively separates input and output light trajectories, reducing crosstalk while maintaining the compact single-surface fiber configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the length of input optical path is increased to accommodate fibers on one surface, then fiber disposition flexibility is improved, but optical coupling loss increases and alignment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple reflecting surfaces as intermediary elements to manage light propagation. The first reflecting surface acts as an intermediary to redirect input light from the input optical fiber toward the optical modulation element. The second reflecting surface serves as another intermediary to further redirect the light path. These intermediary reflecting surfaces enable flexible fiber disposition on a single surface while maintaining optimal light coupling efficiency by precisely controlling light trajectories through reflection.
3Device complexity
If optical paths are extended to accommodate single-surface fiber disposition, then device integration is improved, but alignment stability deteriorates due to temperature fluctuation and package case distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple reflecting surfaces arranged in three-dimensional space to create stable light paths. The first reflecting surface reflects input light at a specific angle, the second reflecting surface further redirects the light, and the third reflecting surface reflects output light away from the input fiber axis. This multi-dimensional arrangement of reflecting surfaces provides stable optical paths that are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and package case distortion, maintaining alignment stability while achieving high device integration.
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 significantly reduces crosstalk between input and output light, maintaining good optical characteristics and stability despite environmental fluctuations, while allowing for compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting surface that reflects input light output from the input optical fiber in a direction toward an optical path of the output light
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting surface that reflects the input light reflected by the first reflecting surface to the optical modulation element
Implementation Method 3
a third reflecting surface that reflects the output light from the optical modulation element in a direction in which the output light becomes further away from an optical axis of the input optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical functional device includes a package case accommodating an optical functional element, an input optical fiber, and an output optical fiber. The optical functional device includes a first reflecting surface that reflects input light output from the input optical fiber to an optical path of output light, a second reflecting surface that reflects the input light to the optical functional element, and a third reflecting surface that reflects the output light in a direction in which the output light becomes further away from an optical axis of the input optical fiber. An optical axis of a leaked light beam transmitted through the second reflecting surface after being reflected by the first reflecting surface or an extension line of the optical axis in an optical propagation medium does not include a portion that is aligned with an optical axis of the output light reflected by the third reflecting surface.