Compact Optical Splitter Layout for Low-Loss Wideband Splitting
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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 operating over a wide range of wavelengths, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The optical splitter design includes output waveguides positioned along a non-circular path, such as an oval shape, with uniform widths and aligned with the Poynting vector, ensuring each waveguide receives a similar portion of input light across a wide wavelength range, reducing insertion losses and maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of output waveguides increases, then the splitting capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar arrangements of waveguides to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple layers of waveguides are vertically positioned above each other, allowing the splitter to handle more output channels without proportionally increasing the lateral footprint. This vertical dimensionality change enables high splitting capability while maintaining compact device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of output waveguides increases, then the splitting capability is improved, but the form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking waveguide layers vertically in the third dimension, the patent accommodates a large number of output waveguides within a small lateral area. The vertical stacking allows multiple waveguides to share the same footprint space, dramatically reducing the form factor while maintaining high splitting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where waveguides in upper layers are positioned directly above or alongside waveguides in lower layers. This nesting arrangement allows the optical paths to be vertically integrated, enabling multiple output channels to be packed into a compact volume without increasing the lateral form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wavelength range is widened, then the bandwidth is improved, but the optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric configurations to different layers of waveguides. Each layer can have optimized waveguide dimensions, spacing, and coupling characteristics tailored to specific wavelength ranges. This local optimization allows the overall device to maintain low optical losses across a broad wavelength spectrum by having different regions handle different portions of the bandwidth 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 design achieves low optical losses and a compact profile while supporting a wide range of wavelengths, outperforming conventional splitters in terms of size and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a free propagation region comprising an input port and a plurality of output ports; an input waveguide optically coupled to the free propagation region at the input port
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of output waveguides, wherein: each output waveguide of the plurality of waveguides is connected to the free propagation at a corresponding output port
Data Source
AI summary
Optical splitters and system and methods utilizing optical splitters are disclosed. The optical splitter may include an input waveguide, a free propagation region, and a plurality output waveguides. The output waveguides are connected to the free propagation region at a corresponding plurality of output ports that are positioned along a non-circular path. The output ports may be positioned such that the output waveguides have the same width.