Optical Waveguide Light Path Adjuster for Positional Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems face significant losses in optical power due to positional deviations, particularly in single-mode fibers, which require high accuracy and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication apparatus that uses an optical waveguide propagating only in a reference mode at a first wavelength, with a light path adjuster guiding input light to the core, enabling propagation in at least a first order mode using a second wavelength, thereby reducing the impact of positional deviations and associated costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If spatial coupling optical communication is used, then optical communication can be achieved, but significant losses of optical power occur due to positional deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical mode into multiple modes (reference mode and first order mode) to distribute the optical power transmission. By allowing propagation in both modes, the system can tolerate positional deviations better than single-mode propagation, reducing optical power loss without requiring extremely high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by utilizing a second wavelength that enables the optical waveguide to support both reference mode and first order mode propagation. This parameter change (wavelength selection) fundamentally alters the propagation characteristics to reduce sensitivity to positional deviation.
2Loss of energy
If high accuracy components are used to prevent positional deviation, then optical power loss is reduced, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical propagation into multiple modes, the system achieves robustness against positional deviation without requiring expensive high-precision alignment components. The multi-mode approach inherently tolerates misalignment, reducing the need for costly precision manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the use of less precise, more cost-effective optical components and assembly processes by relying on multi-mode propagation tolerance rather than expensive precision alignment mechanisms. This trades some theoretical performance for practical manufacturability and lower costs.
3Reliability
If only reference mode propagation is used at first wavelength, then single-mode fiber properties are maintained, but tolerance to positional deviation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single optical mode into multiple modes (reference mode and first order mode) by changing the operational wavelength. This segmentation allows the system to maintain single-mode fiber benefits while gaining multi-mode tolerance to positional deviations, effectively resolving the contradiction between mode purity and alignment tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the wavelength parameter to a second wavelength, the optical waveguide's mode propagation characteristics change, enabling simultaneous support of reference mode and first order mode. This parameter change transforms the system from highly alignment-sensitive to alignment-tolerant while maintaining fiber performance.
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 accuracy requirements for positional alignment, leading to lower costs and improved optical power coupling efficiency even with deviations, by allowing propagation in both reference and first order modes.
Implementation Method 1
the light path adjuster adjusts the light path due to light being refracted by a lens
Implementation Method 2
the light path adjuster adjusts the light path due to light being reflected off a light path adjusting member that includes a tapered surface
Data Source
AI summary
To relax the accuracy with respect to a positional deviation, and thus to reduce costs.An optical waveguide and a light path adjuster are included, the optical waveguide performing propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength, the light path adjuster adjusting a light path such that input light is guided to a core of the optical waveguide. 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 there is a positional deviation, input light that is not headed for the core of the optical waveguide is guided to the core due to the light path adjuster adjusting a path of the light. This results in a reduction in a loss of coupling of optical power. Further, propagation is performed by the optical waveguide in at least the first order mode in addition to the reference mode, the at least the first order mode being generated due to the light path adjuster adjusting a path of the input light. 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 positional deviation, and thus to reduce costs.