Optical Phase Shifter Thermal Segmentation for Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical phase shifters using the thermo-optical effect face challenges with temperature distribution-induced aberrations, leading to degraded performance and difficulty in achieving precise phase shift in free space optical systems, particularly due to the sensitivity of PLCs to temperature and mechanical pressure.
Innovation Solution
An optical phase shifter design incorporating a thermo-optical element with a temperature change section, a heat dissipation section, and a temperature buffer section, where the temperature buffer has a higher heat resistance than the heat dissipation section, and the thermo-optical element is surrounded by ambient gas or vacuum, minimizing temperature gradients and refractive index distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thermo-optical element is used to change the optical path length, then the phase shift can be achieved without mechanical components, but temperature distribution occurs within the element causing optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal management system into three distinct sections: a temperature change section for heating, a temperature buffer section for thermal isolation, and a heat dissipation section for cooling. This segmentation allows the thermo-optical element to achieve phase shift through controlled temperature change while preventing temperature distribution-induced optical aberrations by isolating the element from direct thermal gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature buffer section acts as a thermal intermediary between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section. It has a heat resistance greater than that of the heat dissipation section, which allows it to control the flow of heat and prevent direct thermal coupling that would cause temperature distribution and optical aberrations in the thermo-optical element.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heat resistance of the heat dissipation section is increased to reduce temperature distribution, then optical aberration is reduced, but the response speed of phase shifting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different heat resistance characteristics to different sections of the thermal management system. The temperature buffer section has a higher heat resistance than the heat dissipation section, creating a gradient that optimizes both thermal isolation and response speed. This local differentiation allows the system to reduce optical aberration while maintaining acceptable phase shift response speed.
3Device complexity
If PLC is used for optical interferometer, then integration is improved, but sensitivity to temperature and mechanical pressure increases causing stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical optical path length adjustment with thermal-optical phase shifting. By using a thermo-optical element whose refractive index changes with temperature, the system achieves phase modulation without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating sensitivity to mechanical pressure while maintaining integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter for phase shift from mechanical displacement to temperature control. By controlling the temperature of the thermo-optical element through the segmented thermal management system, the patent achieves stable phase shifting that is insensitive to mechanical pressure variations while maintaining the integration advantages of PLC technology.
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 design effectively reduces optical aberrations by controlling temperature distribution within the thermo-optical element, enhancing the stability and accuracy of phase shifting while maintaining miniaturization and reducing the need for mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter changing an optical path length of transmitted light by a thermo-optical effect
Implementation Method 2
a temperature buffer section which is disposed between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section to have contact with the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section
Data Source
AI summary
An optical phase shifter according to the invention includes the thermo-optical element of which a refractive index with respect to an input optical signal changes dependently on temperature; a temperature change section, having contact with one end of the thermo-optical element and of which a temperature changes so that a temperature of the thermo-optical element becomes a desired temperature; a heat dissipation section being disposed on an opposite side of the thermo-optical element with respect to the temperature change section and going into a state of thermal equilibrium at a temperature different from the temperature of the temperature change section; and a temperature buffer section, being disposed between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, having contact with the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, and having a heat resistance greater than that of the heat dissipation section.