Optical Waveguide Reflection for Source-Free Branch Ratio Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit manufacturing methods require an optical source for measuring branch ratios, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A branch ratio measuring device and method that utilize reflection at one end of a polished optical waveguide, using optical intensity measurement units at both ends to calculate branch ratios without requiring any optical sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical source is used to measure branch ratio, then measurement can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide itself serves as the measurement tool by utilizing its own reflective properties. The polished end face of the waveguide reflects light back through the coupling region, allowing the system to measure its own branch ratio without requiring external measurement equipment or optical sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The polished end face of the optical waveguide acts as an intermediary reflective surface. By polishing the end face to a specific angle, it creates a controlled reflection that mediates the measurement process, enabling branch ratio determination through the reflected light intensity without direct contact with the coupling region.
2Measurement precision
If an optical source is used to measure branch ratio, then measurement can be performed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement method uses simple, inexpensive components such as a laser pointer and power meter instead of expensive specialized optical measurement equipment. The polished end face itself serves as a reusable measurement tool, eliminating the need for costly disposable or specialized measurement devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If cladding is polished to the core or vicinity of the core, then optical coupling is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding is pre-polished to expose the core or bring it to the vicinity of the core surface before the coupling assembly is finalized. This preliminary polishing action prepares the optical waveguide and fiber core for efficient coupling, ensuring that the core regions are accessible and properly positioned for light transmission without requiring extremely precise final alignment.
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
Enables branch ratio measurement and manufacturing of optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits without optical sources, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
utilize reflection at one end of a polished optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is to provide a branch ratio measuring device, a branch ratio measuring method, and an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit manufacturing method that do not require any optical sources for measurement.A branch ratio measuring device according to the present disclosure includes: an optical waveguide that has a cladding polished to the core or to the vicinity of the core; a first optical intensity measurement unit that is connected to one end of the core of the optical waveguide, and measures an optical intensity; and a second optical intensity measurement unit that is connected to the other end of the core of the optical waveguide, and measures an optical intensity.