Optical Transmitter Polarization Rotation for Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining multiple light beams with different wavelengths through a single optical fiber is challenging due to difficulties in aligning and transmitting these beams effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmitter design that includes a laser array, a mirror, a lens array, an isolator, and a power multiplexing combiner to redirect, collimate, and combine the light beams into a single beam for transmission through an optical fiber, utilizing a cylindrical can structure for compactness and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple light beams with different wavelengths are transmitted through a single optical fiber, then data transmission capacity is improved, but alignment difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into separate wavelength channels, with each laser diode emitting at a specific wavelength. The optical coupler segments the combination process by individually coupling each wavelength channel into the optical fiber, simplifying the overall alignment process compared to attempting to combine all beams simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical coupler as an intermediary device that facilitates the combination of multiple light beams with different wavelengths. This intermediary component provides a structured interface for coupling multiple input fibers carrying different wavelengths into a single output fiber, reducing direct alignment complexity between laser sources and the final fiber.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact optical transmitter design is used, then assembly dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the laser diodes, optical coupler, and optical fiber are integrated within a compact housing. The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration with the optical coupler positioned to receive light from multiple laser diodes and couple them into the optical fiber, achieving compactness while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components (laser diodes, optical coupler, optical fiber, housing) into a single integrated optical transmitter assembly. This merging reduces the overall system volume and simplifies assembly while the internal design maintains precise optical alignment through the structured arrangement of components.
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 design enables efficient transmission of multiple light beams with different wavelengths, reducing assembly dimensions and costs, while maintaining high data rates and suitable for small form factor packages.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator configured to rotate a corresponding polarization state of each of the multiple light beams
Implementation Method 2
a lens configured to focus the combined light beam onto an optical fiber for transmission
Implementation Method 3
a power multiplexing combiner configured to receive the multiple light beams from the isolator and combine the multiple light beams into a combined light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmitter may include a transmit laser assembly configured to emit multiple light beams. The optical transmitter may additionally include an isolator configured to rotate a corresponding polarization state of each of the multiple light beams. The optical transmitter may additionally include a power multiplexing combiner configured to receive the multiple light beams from the isolator and combine the multiple light beams into a combined light beam. The optical transmitter may additionally include a lens configured to focus the combined light beam onto an optical fiber for transmission.