Multi-Channel Optical Transmitter Using 3D Folded Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems, increasing the number of channels leads to challenges such as larger system size, alignment difficulties due to varying optical path lengths, and increased vulnerability to temperature and pressure changes, making it harder to maintain performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The optical transmitter design incorporates multiple optical signal generators and filters, where signals with parallel axes are combined at specific angles to form multi-channel signals, reducing geometric errors and maintaining a compact size by distributing components across two dimensions, and using a thermoelectric cooler to stabilize signal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional optical components are used to multiplex and/or demultiplex multi-channel optical signals, then the system can process multiple channels, but the system size grows considerably in transverse and longitudinal directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane zig-zag optical path to a three-dimensional folded optical path using multiple reflection surfaces. Optical signals are combined and separated in three-dimensional space rather than confined to a single plane, enabling compact integration of multiple channels without proportional increase in system volume. The folded path allows optical components to be arranged in multiple layers and directions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce overall system footprint.
2Device complexity
If a single zig-zag path is used to combine all optical channels, then the system structure is simplified, but the difference in optical path length becomes relatively large between the first and last channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical signal combination and separation process into multiple independent stages, each handling a subset of channels. Instead of combining all channels in a single zig-zag path, the system uses multiple reflection surfaces to create separate optical paths for different channel groups. This segmentation equalizes the optical path lengths for first and last channels by distributing them across different reflection sequences, thereby reducing cumulative path length differences and improving manufacturing precision.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of multiplexed/demultiplexed channels increases, then the bandwidth capacity increases, but the system becomes more vulnerable to index variations due to temperature and/or pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical channels through a unified three-dimensional folded optical path using multiple reflection surfaces, rather than using separate independent paths for each channel. This merging approach ensures that all channels experience identical environmental conditions (temperature and pressure) simultaneously, so that index variations affect all channels equally. Consequently, the relative performance and alignment between channels are maintained, reducing vulnerability to environmental variations despite the increased number of channels.
4Device complexity
If a single zig-zag path is used to combine all optical channels, then the system design is straightforward, but pitch error accumulates over the increased number of channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional folded optical path with multiple reflection surfaces arranged in different spatial orientations. This multi-dimensional arrangement distributes pitch errors across different spatial dimensions rather than allowing them to accumulate sequentially along a single extended zig-zag path. The folded geometry creates multiple independent reflection points where pitch errors can be compensated or balanced, preventing the N-times error accumulation that occurs in conventional single-plane designs with increasing channel numbers.
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 effectively reduces geometric errors and maintains a compact size, ensuring reliable performance across multiple channels while minimizing the impact of environmental changes, similar to half the size and complexity of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter configured to combine the first optical signal with the second optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a second filter configured to combine the third optical signal with the first multi-channel optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a third filter configured to combine the fourth optical signal with the second multi-channel optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmitter including first, second, third and fourth signal generators configured to transmit first, second, third and fourth optical signals, a first filter configured to combine the first optical signal with the second optical signal to form a first multi-channel signal, a second filter configured to combine the third optical signal with the first multi-channel signal to form a second multi-channel signal, and a third filter configured to combine the fourth optical signal with the second multi-channel signal to form a third multi-channel signal. The first optical signal and the third optical signal have parallel optical axes, as do the second optical signal and the fourth optical signal. The second and fourth optical signals are at an angle of from 5° to 40° with respect to the first and third optical signals and are generally propagated in an opposite direction from the first and third optical signals.