Polished Fiber Tip Array for Laser-AWG Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WDM-PON systems face inefficiencies in utilizing fiber bandwidth due to time-domain multiplexing, which limits data rates and increases noise, and require complex and costly lens assemblies for coupling lasers to AWGs, increasing system complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A laser array optical coupling assembly using an optical fiber tip array with polished tips to directly couple a laser array to an AWG, reducing mode field diameter and eliminating the need for separate lens assemblies, thereby enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lens and fiber assemblies are used to provide proper optical coupling efficiency, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the lens assembly from the optical coupling system, using only optical fiber segments with polished ends to achieve the coupling function. This removes the complex lens component while maintaining coupling efficiency through direct fiber-to-laser and fiber-to-AWG coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber segments serve multiple functions: they provide optical coupling between the laser array and AWG, act as alignment structures with their polished ends, and eliminate the need for separate lens assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining performance.
2Reliability
If lens and fiber assemblies are used to provide proper optical coupling efficiency, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the lens assembly from the system, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The simplified structure using only optical fiber segments lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining coupling efficiency through direct fiber coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple optical fiber segments with polished ends instead of expensive lens assemblies. These fiber segments are easier and cheaper to manufacture and assemble, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains the required optical coupling performance.
3Reliability
If lens and fiber assemblies are used to provide proper optical coupling efficiency, then coupling efficiency is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens assembly, which occupies significant space, and replaces it with compact optical fiber segments. This extraction of the bulky lens component directly reduces the space required for the optical coupling assembly while maintaining coupling efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If TDM approach is used to transmit data on trunk fiber, then fiber deployment is simplified, but bandwidth utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the multiplexing parameter from time-domain (TDM) to wavelength-domain (WDM). By using different wavelengths for different data channels simultaneously on the same fiber, the system maintains deployment simplicity while dramatically increasing bandwidth utilization through parallel wavelength channels.
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 solution improves optical coupling efficiency, increases data transmission rates, reduces noise, and simplifies the system by directly coupling laser arrays to AWGs, thus efficiently utilizing fiber bandwidth and minimizing equipment costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The polished optical fiber tips are positioned adjacent the laser emitters, respectively, such that light emitted from the laser emitters is optically coupled directly into the polished optical fiber tips
Data Source
AI summary
A laser array optical coupling assembly may be used to couple a laser array to an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), for example, in an optical transmitter in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system. The laser array optical coupling assembly may include an optical fiber tip array with polished optical fiber tips providing a reduced mode field diameter to improve coupling efficiency with the laser array. The laser array optical coupling assembly may also include a direct coupling of the laser array to the AWG with modified AWG inputs reducing the mode field diameter to improve coupling efficiency with the laser array. The laser array optical coupling assembly may be used, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON) or in other transmitters or transceivers in a WDM system capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals on multiple channel wavelengths.