Optical Multiplexer Demultiplexer Rectangular Layout Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical multiplexers/demultiplexers using interference film filters face challenges in miniaturization, particularly in reducing width to accommodate newer, more compact optical transceiver standards like QSFP+ and CFP4, due to the linear arrangement of optical input/output portions and intersecting light paths, which complicates integration into narrow-width optical transceivers.
Innovation Solution
The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer design incorporates a configuration with demultiplexing and multiplexing collimators arranged in a rectangular pattern on a substrate, utilizing mirrors and interference film filters to selectively transmit and reflect monochromatic lights, allowing for a compact layout that reduces the device's width and enables integration into newer transceiver standards by optimizing the optical path alignment and shifting of light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If optical input/output portions are arranged linearly in conventional optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, then the device structure is simple, but the width cannot be reduced for compact transceiver integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement of optical input/output portions to a two-dimensional rectangular pattern arrangement. This dimensional change allows the device width to be reduced while accommodating multiple optical paths, as the input/output portions are distributed across both length and width dimensions rather than solely along a linear path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested optical paths where light paths are folded back and forth within the rectangular substrate using mirrors. The optical paths are arranged in a nested manner, with multiple reflection segments fitting within the compact rectangular footprint, allowing complex optical routing in a condensed spatial configuration.
2Length of moving object
If mirrors and interference film filters are used to create compact optical paths, then the device width is reduced, but alignment accuracy becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric optical path designs where mirrors and interference film filters are positioned at specific non-uniform locations and angles within the rectangular substrate. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the optical paths to achieve both compact width and adequate alignment tolerance, rather than using symmetric patterns that would require stricter alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various parameters including the angles of mirror reflections, the positioning coordinates of interference film filters, and the dimensions of the rectangular substrate. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves a balance between minimizing device width and maintaining sufficient alignment accuracy for practical manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rectangular pattern arrangement is used instead of linear arrangement, then the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer can be integrated into compact transceivers, but the optical path design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into multiple discrete segments between mirrors and interference film filters within the rectangular substrate. Each segment is independently designed and optimized, allowing modular design and simplifying the overall complex optical path by breaking it into manageable sections that can be independently aligned and manufactured.
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 effectively miniaturizes the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, allowing it to be easily incorporated into compact optical transceivers such as QSFP+ and CFP4 formats, enhancing alignment accuracy and reducing optical loss while maintaining efficient multiplexing and demultiplexing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an interference film constituted of a dielectric multilayer film
Implementation Method 2
interference film filters, which are configured to selectively transmit monochromatic lights with respective different wavelengths to reflect lights other than the monochromatic lights with the respective wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
first to n−1-th mirrors, which are configured to reflect the respective first to n−1-th monochromatic lights
Data Source
AI summary
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer includes: first to n-th demultiplexed light input/output portions; a multiplexed light input/output portion; second to n-th interference film filters; and first to n−1-th mirrors. The first to n-th demultiplexed light input/output portions are disposed on a single plane and correspond to light having a single wavelength. The second to n-th interference film filters are disposed in front of the second to n-th demultiplexed light input/output portions. The first to n−1-th mirrors are disposed in front of the first demultiplexed light input/output portion and in front of the n−1-th interference film filters. Light from the first demultiplexed light input/output portion strikes the first to n−1-th mirrors and the second to n-th interference film filters and is input to the multiplexed light input/output portion. Light output from the multiplexed light input/output portion strikes the second to n-th interference film filters and first to n−1-th mirrors.