Polarization Combiner Notch Design for Miniaturized Optical Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing polarization couplers face challenges in downsizing optical modulators due to the formation of fillets from fixatives, which hinder the close proximity of light beams, limiting the reduction of the distance between them and thus restricting the miniaturization of optical modulators and other devices.
Innovation Solution
A polarization combiner design featuring a base member with an arm portion and a notch portion, where the polarization rotating element and combining element are bonded to the base member without direct contact, allowing light beams to pass through without interference from fillets, enabling closer proximity and efficient combination of light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixatives are used to bond the polarization rotating element and polarization combining element, then the components are securely fixed, but fillets are formed that hinder light beam passage and prevent close proximity of light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful fillet formation by introducing a gap between the polarization rotating element and polarization combining element, eliminating the bonding surface where fillets would form. This allows light beams to pass through without interference while maintaining component stability through alternative support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (support member or mounting mechanism) that holds the polarization rotating element and polarization combining element in position without requiring direct bonding between them, thereby avoiding fillet formation while maintaining structural stability.
2Volume of moving object
If light beams are positioned close together to enable downsizing, then device size is reduced, but fillets from bonding fixatives hinder light beam passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bonding interface that causes fillet formation by positioning the polarization rotating element and polarization combining element with a gap between them. This extraction of the harmful bonding surface allows light beams to be positioned close together without fillet interference, enabling device downsizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by transitioning from a planar bonding approach to a three-dimensional configuration where the polarization rotating element and polarization combining element are mounted with vertical separation or lateral offset, allowing light beams to pass through in close proximity without fillet obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a polarization coupler is designed with direct bonding of elements, then manufacturing is simplified, but the distance between light beams cannot be reduced to a fixed value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direct bonding approach that compromises precision by introducing a gap between elements. This allows independent positioning of each element with high precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly, enabling fixed and controllable light beam distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable or movable mounting mechanisms that allow precise control over the position of polarization rotating element and polarization combining element relative to each other, enabling the distance between light beams to be optimized and fixed at desired values while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 configuration allows for the downsizing of optical modulators and other devices by eliminating the fillet interference, enabling reduced pitch between light beams and promoting device miniaturization while maintaining effective light combination.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization rotating element that is fixed to the arm portion of the base member and that rotates a polarization direction of a first polarized wave
Implementation Method 2
a polarization combining element that is fixed to the base member so as to face the notch portion of the base member and the polarization rotating element, the polarization combining element combining two polarized waves entering from a surface facing the notch portion and the polarization rotating element
Data Source
AI summary
A polarization combiner includes: a base member that includes a body portion, an arm portion extending from the body portion, and a notch portion surrounded with the body portion and the arm portion; a polarization rotating element that is fixed to the arm portion of the base member and that rotates a polarization direction of a first polarized wave; and a polarization combining element that is fixed to the base member so as to face the notch portion of the base member and the polarization rotating element, the polarization combining element combining two polarized waves entering from a surface facing the notch portion and the polarization rotating element, the two polarized waves including the first polarized wave whose polarization direction is rotated by the polarization rotating element and a second polarized wave passing the notch portion.