Optical Spectrum Analyzer Polarization Separation and Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spectrum analyzers are large, expensive, and polarization-dependent, requiring external polarization separation systems and slit mechanisms, which complicates the optical system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical spectrum analyzer design featuring a polarization separation portion that shifts orthogonal polarization components by 45 degrees, a fixed slit aligned with the diffraction grating, and a 2-core ferrule for efficient light reception, eliminating the need for external slit mechanisms and allowing for improved wavelength resolution and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external polarization separation system is used, then polarization separation function is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization separation function with the diffraction grating by integrating the polarization separation portion directly into the spectroscope. The polarization separation portion and diffraction grating are positioned adjacent to each other within the same housing, eliminating the need for external polarization separation systems and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating serves multiple functions: it performs both spectral dispersion and polarization separation. By making the polarization separation portion an integral part of the spectroscope, the system achieves multi-functionality within a single compact unit, eliminating separate external components.
2Measurement precision
If external slit mechanism is used, then wavelength resolution is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the slit function from a separate mechanical mechanism and integrates it directly into the diffraction grating structure. The slit is formed as part of the diffraction grating's optical path, eliminating the need for external slit mechanisms while maintaining wavelength resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit and diffraction grating are merged into a single integrated component. The grating structure inherently provides the slit function through its optical design, combining spectral dispersion and wavelength selection functions in one element, thereby simplifying the overall optical system.
3Volume of moving object
If polarization separation is integrated into spectroscope, then device size is reduced, but alignment precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the polarization separation portion and diffraction grating into a single integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate external components. The integrated design ensures fixed relative positioning, reducing alignment precision requirements during assembly while maintaining compact device size.
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 design enables compact, cost-effective, and high-resolution optical spectrum analysis without polarization dependence, simplifying the optical system and enhancing light intensity and alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator that converts the measurement target light incident on the light incident portion into parallel light
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating that diffracts the parallel light
Implementation Method 3
a condenser that condenses diffracted light from the diffraction grating
Implementation Method 4
a polarization separation portion that separates the parallel light emitted from the collimator into light of two polarization components
Implementation Method 5
two light receiving portions that each photoelectrically convert the diffracted light of each polarization component taken into the 2-core ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
An optical spectrum analyzer is provided that can separate measurement target light into orthogonal polarization components and perform measurement and enable optical spectrum measurement that does not depend on polarization of the measurement target light. Measurement target light is separated into two orthogonal polarization components, the two polarization components whose position is shifted in an engraved line direction of a diffraction grating are incident on the diffraction grating, diffracted light of the two polarization components emitted from the diffraction grating is condensed, and the condensed diffracted light is incident on an incident side end surface of a 2-core ferrule with the two polarization components adjacent to each other.