Optical Lantern Prism Disperses Signals for Long-Reach Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber transceivers and cables face challenges in long-range communication due to excessive noise and interference in multi-mode fibers, while single-mode fibers are costly and time-consuming to install, limiting their use in large data centers.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly includes an optical transceiver module with an optical lantern that uses a prism and mirror to disperse optical signals into multiple modes, and lenses to refract and align specific modes with the optical cable, reducing interference and improving transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multi-mode optical fiber is used for transmission, then cost and ease of installation are improved, but transmission distance is limited due to excessive noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signal is segmented into multiple spatial modes using a mode multiplexer. Each mode is transmitted through a separate core in the multi-mode optical fiber, allowing parallel transmission channels that extend the effective transmission distance while maintaining the cost advantages of multi-mode fiber infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-mode transmission to multi-mode transmission by utilizing the spatial dimension. Multiple cores are arranged in a two-dimensional array within the optical fiber, enabling simultaneous transmission of multiple modes along the same physical path, thereby extending transmission distance without sacrificing the installation ease of multi-mode fiber
2Length of stationary object
If single-mode optical fiber is used for long-distance transmission, then transmission distance and signal quality are improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber cable is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit multiple spatial modes simultaneously through its multi-core structure, combining the long-distance capability of single-mode fiber with the cost-effectiveness of multi-mode fiber installation and infrastructure compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber employs a composite structure with multiple cores of different mode field diameters within a single cable, allowing simultaneous transmission of fundamental modes and higher-order modes, thereby achieving long-distance transmission performance while maintaining compatibility with existing multi-mode fiber installation practices
3Reliability
If optical signal is dispersed into multiple modes using a prism, then interference is reduced and transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical lantern acts as an intermediary device between the light source and the optical fiber. It contains a prism that disperses the optical signal into multiple spatial modes, and lens arrays that couple these modes into separate cores, reducing interference while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular optical component design
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 enhances the performance and cost-effectiveness of optical assemblies by reducing long-range interference in multi-mode fibers, allowing for reliable communication over longer distances without the high costs associated with single-mode fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The optical prism may be configured to receive the optical signal via the first surface, disperse the optical signal into a plurality of modes of the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The first lens may be configured to refract the optical signal between the electro-optical transducer and the first surface
Implementation Method 3
The optical lantern may further include a mirror configured to reflect the optical signal from a first direction extending between the first surface and the mirror to a second direction extending between the mirror and the second surface
Implementation Method 4
The first lens may be configured to refract the optical signal between the electro-optical transducer and the first surface. The second lens may be configured to refract the at least one of the plurality of modes of the optical signal between the second surface and the optical cable
Data Source
AI summary
A optical assembly and a method of reducing interference using the same may be provided. The optical assembly may include an optical cable and an optical transceiver module. The optical transceiver module may include a socket configured to receive the optical cable, an electro-optical transducer configured to generate an optical signal, and an optical lantern. The optical lantern may include an optical prism that may receive the optical signal via a first surface, disperse the optical signal into a plurality of modes of the optical signal, and output the plurality of modes via a second surface. A mirror may reflect the optical signal from a first direction extending between the first surface and the mirror to a second direction extending between the mirror and the second surface. The optical lantern may direct at least one of the plurality of modes of the optical signal into the optical cable.