Optical Splitter Curved Reflector Reduces Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical splitters face challenges in maintaining a small form factor and low optical losses as the number of outputs increases, especially when targeting a wider bandwidth, due to difficulties in evenly splitting light while minimizing size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of reflective surfaces, such as continuous curved reflectors or lensed reflectors, to redirect light between an input waveguide and multiple output waveguides, optimizing the beam's shape and intensity distribution to improve uniformity and reduce insertion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional star couplers are used to split light into multiple outputs, then the number of outputs can be increased, but the size and optical losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved mirror surface instead of a flat one to redirect and distribute light beams toward multiple output waveguides. The curved geometry enables more efficient light routing and focusing, allowing compact arrangement of multiple outputs without proportionally increasing the device footprint. The curvature of the mirror surface is specifically designed to match the required beam distribution pattern for the number of outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar (2D) waveguide arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing a curved mirror surface that operates in the vertical dimension. This allows light to be redirected in multiple directions simultaneously, enabling more outputs to be packed into a smaller volume by utilizing spatial distribution in three dimensions rather than just expanding horizontally.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional star couplers are used to split light into multiple outputs, then the number of outputs can be increased, but optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curved mirror surface is designed with specific curvature parameters that optimize light reflection and distribution. By carefully selecting the radius of curvature and positioning of the mirror, the patent minimizes beam divergence and reduces losses at each output coupling interface. The curved geometry allows for better mode matching between the free-space beam and the waveguide modes, reducing coupling losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various parameters including the curvature radius of the mirror, the position of output waveguides relative to the mirror, and the dimensions of the output waveguides to minimize optical losses. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves efficient light distribution across multiple outputs while maintaining low insertion losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target bandwidth is increased, then more wavelengths can be supported, but the size and complexity of the optical splitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved mirror surface and waveguide structure are designed to be wavelength-independent within a broad range. The geometry and dimensions are optimized to work effectively across multiple wavelengths, allowing the same physical structure to support a wide bandwidth without requiring separate components for different wavelength ranges. This universal design enables the device to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of outputs is increased, then more light distribution paths are available, but the complexity of evenly splitting light decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved mirror provides a simple geometric solution for distributing light to multiple outputs. Instead of requiring complex multi-component systems, the single curved surface performs the function of beam redirection and distribution through its geometry alone. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to handle multiple outputs efficiently.
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 approach allows for efficient light splitting with reduced insertion losses and a smaller form factor compared to traditional star couplers, while maintaining even distribution across output waveguides, even when the number of outputs is high and bandwidth is wide.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous curved reflector positioned to receive and redirect a beam of input light introduced into the free propagation region from the input waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a lensed reflector positioned to receive the input beam of light and divide the input beam into a plurality of output beams of light
Data Source
AI summary
Configurations for an optical splitter that includes a continuous curved reflector and methods thereof are disclosed. The optical splitter includes an input waveguide, one or more continuous curved reflector, and multiple output waveguides. The one or more continuous curved reflector may direct light toward the output waveguides. The optical splitter may include a single continuous curved reflector, or may include multiple continuous curved reflectors. In other instances, an optical splitter may include a lensed reflector that includes a plurality of continuous curved segments.