Optical Multiplexer With Adjustable Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical multiplexers require precise spatial and angular adjustments of light sources or internal components, which is time-consuming and complex, especially due to the fixed relationship between input ports and output paths, leading to difficulties in aligning light beams within the acceptance range without causing misalignment for other wavelengths or applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical multiplexer system with an adjustable beam steering element that expands the acceptance range, allowing light beams to be incident within a larger spatial and angular range, reducing the need for precise adjustments of light sources or internal components, and simplifying the alignment process by steering the beams to enter the output path effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the acceptance range of input ports is fixed in monolithic multiplexers, then the device structure is simple and compact, but precise spatial and angular adjustments of light sources are required which increases adjustment time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable beam steering elements that can dynamically change the direction of light beams. These elements include adjustable mirrors or prisms that can be rotated to steer beams into the acceptance range of input ports, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt to alignment requirements without requiring precise fixed adjustments of light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering elements act as intermediary components between the light sources and the input ports. Instead of requiring the light sources themselves to be precisely adjusted, the steering elements serve as mediators that perform the alignment function, absorbing the complexity of adjustment while maintaining simple light source positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are added to expand acceptance range, then alignment flexibility improves, but device size increases and adjustments become more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into separate segments: beam steering elements are placed at each input port independently. Each steering element handles the alignment for its specific input port, allowing the acceptance range to be expanded without requiring a complete redesign of the entire device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering elements operate in an additional angular dimension, allowing light to be steered into the acceptance range by changing the angle of incidence. This adds a degree of freedom that expands the effective acceptance range without significantly increasing the spatial footprint of the device
3Manufacturing precision
If light sources are precisely adjusted to align with fixed input ports, then beam alignment accuracy is achieved, but replacement light sources require re-adjustment which increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering elements serve as replaceable intermediary components that can be independently adjusted or replaced without affecting other parts of the system. If a light source fails, the steering element can be quickly replaced or re-adjusted to compensate for the new light source, eliminating the need for complex re-alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The steering elements allow for parameter changes in beam direction and angle of incidence to accommodate different light sources. By adjusting these parameters through mechanical rotation of the steering elements, the system can adapt to variations in light source position and orientation without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances on the light sources themselves
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 system simplifies the alignment process by allowing light beams to be incident within the acceptance range with minimal adjustments, reducing alignment time and ensuring proper alignment for various wavelengths and applications, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of optical multiplexing and demultiplexing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a beam steering element, which is adjustable to steer light beams incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The optical multiplexer system comprises an optical multiplexer, an output path and an adjustable beam steering element. The optical multiplexer comprises an input port characterized by an original acceptance range. The output path is disposed relative to the optical multiplexer such that a light beam incident on the input port within the original acceptance range enters the output path. The adjustable beam steering element is located adjacent the input port and is adjustable such that a light beam incident on the beam steering element within an enhanced acceptance range enters the output path as an output beam. The enhanced acceptance range is at least angularly greater than the original acceptance range.