Optical Waveguide Multi-Mode Propagation for Coupling Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems require high accuracy to prevent deviations in the optical axis or angular deviations, leading to significant optical power losses and increased costs, particularly in single-mode fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication apparatus that uses an optical waveguide propagating only in a reference mode at a first wavelength, with communication performed using light of a second wavelength that enables propagation in at least a first order mode, reducing the need for precise alignment and thus lowering accuracy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If spatial coupling or physical contact is used for optical communication, then optical power loss is significant due to deviation with respect to optical axis or angular deviation, but high accuracy components are required to prevent such deviations which increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light used in optical communication. By using light with a wavelength of 850 nm or shorter (e.g., 405 nm violet light) instead of conventional longer wavelengths, the optical waveguide supports multiple modes of propagation. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate deviations in optical axis alignment and angular deviation without significant optical power loss, thereby relaxing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining low energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic mode propagation within the optical waveguide by using shorter wavelength light. The system can propagate in both the fundamental mode and higher-order modes simultaneously, allowing adaptive response to alignment deviations. This dynamic capability lets the optical communication system maintain effective power transmission even when mechanical alignment is not perfect, reducing the need for high-precision static component manufacturing.
2Loss of energy
If high accuracy components are used to prevent deviation with respect to optical axis or angular deviation, then optical power loss is reduced, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using light with a wavelength of 850 nm or shorter, which fundamentally alters the propagation characteristics of the optical waveguide. This enables multi-mode propagation that is inherently more tolerant to alignment deviations, achieving low optical power loss without requiring expensive high-precision components. The shorter wavelength light allows standard, lower-cost components to achieve the same or better performance.
3Reliability
If light of a wavelength that enables propagation only in reference mode is used, then propagation is restricted to reference mode only, but propagation in at least a first order mode is needed to reduce coupling loss when deviations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mode propagation by using shorter wavelength light (850 nm or shorter) that enables the optical waveguide to support both the fundamental mode and higher-order modes. This dynamic capability allows the system to automatically utilize appropriate propagation modes based on alignment conditions, maintaining reliable power transmission even when deviations occur. The system transitions from static single-mode propagation to dynamic multi-mode propagation, improving both reliability and reducing coupling losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to 850 nm or shorter, which fundamentally alters the waveguide's mode propagation characteristics. This parameter change enables the waveguide to support multiple modes simultaneously, providing a mechanism to reduce coupling losses while maintaining propagation stability through the fundamental mode.
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 approach reduces the loss of optical power coupling and decreases costs by allowing propagation in a first order mode in addition to the reference mode when deviations occur, relaxing the accuracy requirements for optical axis and angular alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide that performs propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical waveguide that performs propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength. Communication is performed using light of a second wavelength that enables the optical waveguide to perform propagation in at least a first order mode in addition to the reference mode. When light entering the optical waveguide deviates with respect to an optical axis or deviates angularly, propagation is performed in at least the first order mode in addition to the reference mode, the first order mode being generated due to the deviation with respect to the optical axis or the angular deviation. This results in a reduction in a loss of coupling of optical power. This makes it possible to relax the accuracy with respect to a deviation with respect to an optical axis or an angular deviation, and thus to reduce costs.