Optical Isolator Using Rotated Volume Bragg Gratings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical isolators face challenges in utilizing polarizer technology for infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths, making it difficult to prevent return light in optical systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of rotated volume Bragg gratings (r-VBGs) within a material, where each r-VBG reflects input light satisfying a Bragg condition for specific wavelengths and transmits the rest, combined with polarization-controlling optics to modify and divert return light, effectively isolating light and preventing its return.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If polarizer technology is used in optical isolators, then optical isolation can be achieved, but it becomes difficult or impractical to utilize for infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength rangeVSAvoidoptical isolation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the optical isolator by replacing polarizers with volume Bragg gratings that operate based on diffraction rather than polarization absorption. This allows the device to function across infrared, visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths without relying on wavelength-dependent polarizer materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the polarization-based mechanical/optical system with a diffraction-based system using volume Bragg gratings. This replacement eliminates the wavelength limitations of polarizers while maintaining the optical isolation function through Bragg diffraction conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If volume Bragg gratings are used to reflect specific wavelengths, then wavelength-selective isolation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple optical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength selectivityVSAvoidoptical component arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of wavelength selection and optical isolation into a single integrated system using volume Bragg gratings. The grating simultaneously performs spectral filtering and isolation, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume Bragg grating serves multiple functions: it acts as a wavelength-selective mirror, an optical isolator, and a spectral filter all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate optical elements needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient polarization-based optical isolation across various wavelengths, including infrared and ultraviolet, by reflecting unwanted light and transmitting desired light, thus protecting sensitive light sources and optics.

Implementation Method 1

each of the r-VBGs reflects along a reflection path portions of input light propagating along an incidence vector through the input face that satisfies a Bragg condition for one or more selected wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBragg diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

the one or more polarization-controlling optics located along the transmission path configured to modify a polarization of return light propagating back along the transmission path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization control: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

each of the r-VBGs transmits remaining portions of the input light as transmitted light along a transmission path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS20240192420A1Optical isolator based on volume bragg gratings

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

An optical isolator may include one or more rotated volume Bragg gratings (r-VBGs) within a volume of a material having an input face, where each of the r-VBGs reflects along a reflection path portions of input light propagating along an incidence vector through the input face that satisfies a Bragg condition for one or more selected wavelengths and has a polarization orthogonal to a diffraction plane formed by the associated grating vector and the incidence vector, and where each of the r-VBGs transmits remaining portions of the input light as transmitted light along a transmission path. The isolator may also include one or more polarization-controlling optics located along the transmission path configured to modify a polarization of return light propagating back along the transmission path towards the one or more r-VBGs, where the one or more r-VBGs reflect portions of the return light that satisfy the Bragg condition.