Phase Change Layer Aperture for Optical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical communications systems face inefficiencies in coupling power due to phase reversal issues, which are not adequately addressed by scalar diffraction integral equations that fail to account for vector characteristics of electromagnetic waves.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a phase change layer on the aperture surface of an optical communications system to shift the phase of the signal, optimizing the coupling between the aperture and focal element, thereby enhancing power coupling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If scalar diffraction integral equations are used for analysis and design, then the design process is simplified, but the accuracy of coupling coefficient calculation deteriorates due to failure to account for vector characteristics of electromagnetic waves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign complexityVSAvoidcoupling coefficient calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from scalar diffraction integral equations to vector diffraction integral equations, changing the mathematical model parameters to account for vector characteristics of electromagnetic waves. This enables accurate calculation of coupling coefficients while maintaining design feasibility through systematic application of the vector-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional aperture-to-fiber coupling is used, then the system structure is simple, but power coupling efficiency deteriorates due to phase reversal issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpower coupling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase change layers to convert the harmful phase reversal effect into a beneficial phase correction. By introducing materials that induce specific phase shifts, the previously detrimental phase reversal is transformed into a controlled phase adjustment that enhances coupling efficiency and reduces energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the phase parameters of the electromagnetic wave by introducing phase change layers with specific optical properties. This changes the phase distribution across the aperture, optimizing the coupling between aperture and fiber while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 phase change layer increases the amount of power coupled into the fiber by up to 20% compared to non-phase compensated systems, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing system size, weight, and power requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a phase change layer positioned on at least a portion of a surface of the aperture, wherein the phase change layer is configured to shift a phase of the signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Implementation Method 2

an aperture configured to focus the signal onto the focal element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS7689076B1Optical communications system and method for optimizing an optical communications system

Publication Date: 2010.03.30 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An optical communications system includes a focal element configured to transmit a signal, an aperture configured to focus the signal onto the focal element, and a phase change layer positioned on at least a portion of a surface of the aperture, wherein the phase change layer is configured to shift a phase of the signal.