Optical Side I/O Circuit with Grating-Based Wavelength Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength multiplexing couplers are large in size and have significant reflection and loss at connecting points, making them difficult to deploy at multiple points in a transmission path. Additionally, while tap waveguides can be easily disposed at multiple points, they lack wavelength selectivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical side input/output circuit with a tap waveguide that includes a grating portion with a long-period fiber grating, providing wavelength selectivity and allowing for easy deployment at multiple points in a transmission path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wavelength multiplexing coupler is used to achieve wavelength selectivity, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but device size increases and reflection/loss at connecting points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the wavelength multiplexing function within the optical fiber core itself by forming a grating structure directly in the fiber. This nesting approach integrates the coupler functionality into the existing fiber infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate external coupler devices and reducing overall device size while maintaining wavelength selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wavelength multiplexing couplers with an all-optical grating-based solution written directly in the fiber. This substitution eliminates mechanical connecting points and associated reflection/loss issues while achieving the same wavelength selective functionality through optical interference effects in the grating structure
2Measurement precision
If a wavelength multiplexing coupler is used to achieve wavelength selectivity, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but reflection and loss at connecting points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wavelength multiplexing couplers with an all-optical grating-based solution written directly in the fiber. This substitution eliminates mechanical connecting points and associated reflection/loss issues while achieving the same wavelength selective functionality through optical interference effects in the grating structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength multiplexing function with the optical fiber transmission medium by forming the grating structure directly within the fiber core. This integration combines the coupler functionality with the transmission path, eliminating separate connecting points and reducing reflection and energy loss
3Ease of operation
If a tap waveguide is used to enable easy disposal at multiple points, then ease of deployment is improved, but wavelength selectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional structure where the optical fiber simultaneously serves as the transmission medium and the wavelength selective element. The grating structure written in the fiber provides both the tap waveguide functionality for easy deployment and the wavelength multiplexing selectivity, making the system universally applicable without sacrificing either ease of deployment or wavelength discrimination
4Ease of operation
If conventional tap waveguides are used to enable easy disposal at multiple points, then ease of deployment is improved, but wavelength selectivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional structure where the optical fiber simultaneously serves as the transmission medium and the wavelength selective element. The grating structure written in the fiber provides both the tap waveguide functionality for easy deployment and the wavelength multiplexing selectivity, making the system universally applicable without sacrificing either ease of deployment or wavelength discrimination
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 side input/output circuit achieves wavelength selectivity and can be easily disposed at multiple points in a transmission path, enabling efficient light input/output of desired wavelengths while minimizing loss.
Implementation Method 1
a grating portion 20 that is located in a stage before the tap portion 10 in the propagation direction of the light, and has a grating 21 that converts light of a desired wavelength from a basic mode to the higher-order mode
Implementation Method 2
a tap portion 10 in which a tap waveguide 53 that outputs light of a higher-order mode from a side surface of an optical fiber 50 is formed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention aims to provide an optical side input/output circuit that has wavelength selectivity and is easily disposed at multiple points in a transmission path, and an optical connector. The optical side input/output circuit 301 includes: a tap portion 10 in which a tap waveguide 53 that outputs light of a higher-order mode from a side surface of an optical fiber 50 is formed, the light of the higher-order mode being of light propagating in the core 51 of the optical fiber 50; and a grating portion 20 that is located in a stage before the tap portion 10 in the propagation direction of the light, and has a grating 21 that converts light of a desired wavelength from a basic mode to the higher-order mode, the grating 21 being formed in the core 51 of the optical fiber 50.