Optical Module Polarization Condensing Refractive Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
In coherent light wave communication, optical receivers require multiple components to adjust optical lengths of split polarization components, increasing device complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a first and second optical splitting element that splits a signal beam into orthogonal polarization components, where the optical path length and refractive index of condensing parts compensate for the optical length difference between the components, allowing for fewer adjusting components and a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adjusting components are used to compensate for optical length differences between polarization components, then optical length compensation is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical length compensation function with the existing condensing parts (lenses) by setting different refractive indices for the first and second condensing parts. This integration eliminates the need for separate adjusting components, reducing device complexity while maintaining optical length compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the condensing parts to achieve optical length compensation. By setting the refractive index of the first condensing part different from that of the second condensing part, the optical path lengths are compensated without adding mechanical adjusting components.
2Reliability
If multiple adjusting components are used to compensate for optical length differences, then optical length compensation is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical length compensation function into the existing condensing parts structure. By utilizing the refractive index difference of the condensing parts rather than adding separate adjusting components, the device volume is reduced while maintaining compensation functionality.
3Device complexity
If condensing parts with different refractive indices are used, then optical length compensation is achieved with fewer components, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately changes the refractive index parameter of the condensing parts to achieve optical length compensation. This requires precise control of the refractive index during manufacturing, but eliminates the need for multiple adjusting components, trading manufacturing precision requirements for reduced device complexity.
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 module reduces the number of components needed to compensate for optical length differences, resulting in a smaller and more efficient coherent receiver.
Implementation Method 1
a first condensing part disposed between the first optical splitting element and the first introduction port and configured to condense the first polarization component toward the first introduction port
Implementation Method 2
a second condensing part disposed between the first optical splitting element and the second introduction port and configured to condense the second polarization component toward the second introduction port
Implementation Method 3
An average refractive index of the second condensing part in an optical axis direction is larger than an average refractive index of the first condensing part in an optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a first optical splitting element to split a signal beam into a first polarization component and a second polarization component, a first element having a first introduction port, a second element having a second introduction port, a first condensing part disposed between the first optical splitting element and the first introduction port and configured to condense the first polarization component toward the first introduction port, and a second condensing part disposed between the first optical splitting element and the second introduction port and configured to condense the second polarization component toward the second introduction port. An average refractive index of the second condensing part in an optical axis direction is larger than an average refractive index of the first condensing part in an optical axis direction.