Optical Module Bi-directional Monochromatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) modules face challenges in achieving single-fiber, bi-directional communication, free-space communication, multiplex-demultiplex functions, and easy integration with emitters and receivers, often increasing costs and failing to implement structural designs for monochromatic transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a substrate supporting an input-output terminal, a multiplex-demultiplex module, and a circulator module, utilizing a unity structure with refraction elements like prisms for free-space communication, and a circulator module with polarization beam splitters to separate and combine optical paths, enabling bi-directional monochromatic transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional WDM modules are used for bi-directional communication, then communication capability is achieved, but integration with emitters and receivers becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the multiplexer and demultiplexer functions into a single integrated module that works bidirectionally. The circulator and WDM components are merged into one unit that handles both transmission and reception through a single optical fiber, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a multiplexer and demultiplexer, handles bidirectional communication, and integrates with emitters and receivers through a unified interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fibers are used for transmission and reception, then communication reliability is improved, but single-fiber bi-directional capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a circulator to segment and separate optical signals traveling in different directions within the same fiber. The circulator divides the single fiber into distinct optical paths for transmission and reception, allowing bidirectional communication while maintaining signal separation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulator acts as an intermediary component that manages the bidirectional signal flow through a single fiber. It mediates between the transmitter and receiver, ensuring that signals traveling in opposite directions are properly separated and directed to the appropriate components, thus maintaining communication reliability.
3Ease of operation
If free-space communication paths are implemented, then integration flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs prisms to change the spatial dimension and orientation of optical paths. By using refraction and reflection at different angles, the prisms redirect light beams through free space to connect different components, providing integration flexibility while managing the structural complexity through controlled dimensional changes.
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 efficient bi-directional communication over a single optical fiber with easy integration of emitters and receivers, reducing costs and enhancing structural design for monochromatic transmission, while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a circulator module with polarization beam splitters to separate and combine optical paths
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a unity structure with refraction elements like prisms for free-space communication
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module for bi-directional monochromatic transmission is provided. The optical module includes a substrate, a common terminal, a circulator module, a multiplex-demultiplex (MDM) module, and an input-output terminal. The common terminal is adjacent to the substrate and connected to an optical fiber. The circulator module is on the substrate and in free space optical communication with the common terminal The MDM module is on the substrate and in free space optical communication with the circulator. The input-output terminal is on the substrate and in free space optical communication with the MDM module, the input-output terminal being configured to connect to an emitter and a receiver. The circulator is configured to spatially separate a first directional transmission to the MDM module from a second directional transmission from the MDM module.