Integrated Optical Splitter With Isolation for Compact Fiber Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical isolators and splitters in optical amplifier systems require large assembly space and high assembly costs due to their independent nature, leading to complexity and risk in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A high isolation optical splitter is designed as a unitary device integrating optical isolation and splitting functions, utilizing birefringent devices, rotation devices, Faraday rotators, and lenses to split and isolate optical beams, reducing assembly complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical isolator and optical splitter are used as two independent devices, then optical isolation and optical splitting functions can be achieved, but assembly space increases and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical isolator and optical splitter into a single integrated device called an 'isolating optical splitter'. The isolator core contains both the isolation function (through Faraday rotators and polarizing beamsplitters) and the splitting function (through beam splitting and recombination), eliminating the need for separate independent devices and reducing assembly space.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator core is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs optical isolation, optical splitting, and optical combining functions. The same core structure handles multiple optical paths and functions, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If optical isolator and optical splitter are used as two independent devices, then optical isolation and optical splitting functions can be achieved, but assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the isolator and splitter into one integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This consolidation lowers assembly cost while maintaining both isolation and splitting functions within the single isolator core.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal isolator core design that handles multiple functions (isolation, splitting, combining) reduces the overall component count and simplifies the bill of materials, directly reducing assembly cost while ensuring reliable optical isolation performance.
3Reliability
If optical isolator and optical splitter are used as two independent devices, then optical isolation and optical splitting functions can be achieved, but assembly risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces assembly risk by combining multiple functions into a single pre-integrated isolator core. This reduces the number of separate assembly operations, alignment steps, and potential failure points, thereby lowering overall assembly risk while maintaining reliable optical isolation.
4Area of stationary object
If integrated design is used, then assembly space is reduced and assembly is simplified, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator core is segmented into distinct functional modules (Faraday rotators, polarizing beamsplitters, beam splitting sections) that can be designed and analyzed separately, even though they are integrated in the final device. This modular segmentation manages structural complexity while achieving compact integration.
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 integrated design simplifies assembly, reduces space needs, and facilitates miniaturization, enhancing system stability and reliability by combining optical isolation and splitting in a single device.
Implementation Method 1
an input splitting/combining (i.e., birefringent) device
Implementation Method 2
a first Faraday rotator, an optical splitting sheet, a second Faraday rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an integrated structure of an input fiber, a first output fiber, an input splitting/combining device, a first output splitting/combining device, an input rotation device, a first output rotation device, a first lens, an isolator core, a second lens, a second output rotation device, a second output splitting/combining device, and a second output fiber. With the integrated structure, the device integrates functions of an optical isolator and an optical splitter. As an optical splitter, input of an optical signal into the input fiber are distributed to the two output fibers for output. As an optical splitter, the device can isolate light in opposite directions and can reduce damage to a light source at the input. In a system, the device can replace two conventional optical isolators and optical splitters and effectively reduce space, simplify the assembly process, and facilitate miniaturization and integration for systems.