Optical Beam Combining Device Using Orthogonal Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical beam combination technologies in fiber-optic communications, such as wavelength-division multiplexing, require multiple components and complex configurations to combine multiple optical signals, which can be costly and inefficient, especially for high-speed data transmission applications like 40 Gb/s or 100 Gb/s point-to-point optical modules.
Innovation Solution
The use of a device comprising a first and second beam combining device, each receiving optical beams with orthogonal polarizations, and a wave plate, collimating lens, and a polarization beam combiner, which combines the beams into a single optical beam using a thin film filter, reducing the number of components needed and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional optical multiplexers are used to combine multiple optical signals, then the combination of different wavelengths is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam combining functions into a single integrated optical component. The device combines multiple optical beams with different polarizations and wavelengths into one output beam using a unified structure that integrates polarization beam combining and wavelength multiplexing capabilities, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it combines beams of different polarizations, multiplexes different wavelengths, and outputs a single combined beam. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate polarization controllers and multiple combiners, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If multiple separate components are used for beam combination, then comprehensive beam combining is achieved, but the number of components and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple beam combining operations into a single integrated device that handles multiple wavelengths and polarizations simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for sequential processing through multiple separate components, reducing configuration complexity and improving transmission efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional optical multiplexing methods are used, then multiple wavelengths are combined, but the cost and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate optical components into a single integrated device. The structure combines polarization beam combining and wavelength multiplexing capabilities in one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining full multi-wavelength and multi-polarization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it accepts multiple input beams with different polarizations and wavelengths, processes them simultaneously, and outputs a single combined beam. This universal design eliminates the need for separate polarization controllers and multiple combiners.
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 effectively combines multiple optical beams into a single beam, enhancing data transmission efficiency and reducing component complexity, thereby supporting higher data rates in optical communication systems with fewer components than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A polarization direction of the second optical signal is rotated by 90 degrees
Implementation Method 2
the first optical signal and the polarization-rotated second optical signal are combined in a first polarization beam combiner
Implementation Method 3
which combines the beams into a single optical beam using a thin film filter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a first beam combining device arranged to receive a first optical beam having a first wavelength at a first location and a second optical beam output having a second wavelength at a second location. The second optical beam has a polarization that is substantially orthogonal to a polarization of the first optical beam. The first beam combining device configured to output a first combined beam that comprises a combination of the first optical beam and the second optical beam. An optical element is arranged to receive the first combined beam and a second combined beam and to transmit an output beam that includes a combination of the first combined beam and the second combined beam.