Optical Splitting Device Using Filter Membrane and Light Redirecting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical add-drop multiplexers are bulky, costly, and sensitive to temperature due to the need for tandem connections and waveguide technology, which limits their performance and efficiency in separating and multiplexing light waves of different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
An optical splitting and multiplexing device using a substrate with an anti-reflective coating and a filter membrane, where light redirecting portions change the transmission direction of light waves incident at different angles, allowing multiple wavelengths to be separated or multiplexed using a single device, reducing material and volume requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a method of connecting splitters in tandem is used to separate or multiplex light waves of multiple wavelengths, then the separation and multiplexing function is achieved, but the volume of the optical add-drop multiplexer becomes bulky due to the inherent fiber coiling space of the optical fiber required for tandem connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple splitter functions into a single integrated optical component with multiple ports. Instead of connecting separate splitters in tandem via optical fibers, the invention provides a unified device that can separate and multiplex multiple wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating the need for fiber coiling space and reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical add-drop multiplexer is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple wavelengths and perform both separation and multiplexing functions simultaneously. The device provides multiple input and output ports that can accommodate different wavelength channels, making it a multi-functional component that replaces several individual splitters.
2Reliability
If multiple three-port apparatuses are connected in tandem to achieve add-drop multiplexing of multiple light waves, then the add-drop multiplexing function is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple three-port apparatuses into a single integrated device. Instead of requiring separate splitters for each wavelength channel connected in tandem, the invention provides a unified optical component that can perform add-drop multiplexing for multiple wavelengths simultaneously, significantly reducing the number of components needed and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical add-drop multiplexer is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple wavelength channels through its multiple ports. The device provides a cost-effective solution by enabling add-drop multiplexing functionality for numerous channels within a single apparatus, eliminating the need to purchase and assemble multiple individual three-port devices.
3Reliability
If AWG technology is used to separate light waves of different wavelengths, then the wavelength separation function is achieved, but the device becomes sensitive to temperature and requires an electrically controlled heater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs filter membranes that are relatively simple, temperature-stable optical components compared to AWG technology. These filter membranes provide wavelength separation based on their optical filtering properties without requiring active temperature control or complex waveguide structures, making the system more robust against temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex waveguide-based AWG mechanism with a simpler optical filtering approach using filter membranes. This substitution eliminates the need for electrically controlled heaters and complex mechanical alignment systems, providing a more temperature-stable and easier-to-manufacture solution for wavelength separation.
4Reliability
If AWG technology is used for wavelength separation, then the light separation function is achieved, but the fabrication cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses filter membranes that are simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to AWG chips. These filter membranes can be produced using standard optical coating techniques rather than requiring expensive semiconductor fabrication processes, significantly reducing the cost of wavelength separation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex semiconductor-based AWG chip fabrication process with a simpler optical filtering approach using coated membranes. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the wavelength separation function, making the optical add-drop multiplexer more economically viable.
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 solution improves the performance and reduces the cost of optical add-drop multiplexers by minimizing temperature sensitivity and eliminating the need for tandem connections, enabling efficient separation and multiplexing of light waves while simplifying packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a filter technology is used, and by using a three-port apparatus, a light wave of a certain wavelength can be separated from an optical signal multiplexing light waves of multiple wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a light wave of a first wavelength in the optical signal penetrates the filter membrane, so that the light wave of the first wavelength is separated from the optical signal, and a light wave other than the light wave of the first wavelength is reflected by the filter membrane
Implementation Method 3
a light wave other than the light wave of the first wavelength is reflected by the filter membrane to the light redirecting portion; and the light redirecting portion enables the light wave reflected to the light redirecting portion to be incident to the filter membrane at a second specified angle
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical splitting device, an optical multiplexing device and method, and an optical add-drop multiplexer, which relate to the technical field of communications, and are invented for improving the performance and decreasing the cost. The optical splitting device includes a substrate, where an anti-reflective coating is disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and a filter membrane is disposed at a lower surface of the substrate; and further includes a light redirecting portion disposed opposite to the filter membrane. An optical signal is incident to the filter membrane at a first specified angle, a light wave of a first wavelength in the optical signal penetrates the filter membrane, so that the light wave of the first wavelength is separated from the optical signal.