Variable Optical Power Splitter Using Prism Beam Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable optical power splitters (VOPS) are costly and temperature-dependent, limiting their scalability and flexibility in broadband applications, as they rely on wavelength-dependent resonance conditions and require precise mechanics or additional temperature controllers.
Innovation Solution
A prism-based VOPS that uses a collimated beam splitting device, such as a roof-prism, which can be moved to adjust the power ratio and is designed to be temperature-independent, incorporating a collimated beam splitting mechanism with a second lens to focus the split beams into output fibers, and can be constructed for manual or electrical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waveguide directional coupler is used to achieve variable power splitting, then power allocation between output ports is achieved, but coupling length becomes wavelength-dependent and requires precise mechanics making it costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical waveguide coupling system with an acousto-optic modulator that uses acoustic waves to create refractive index gratings in a crystal medium. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical waveguide separation while achieving variable power splitting through acoustic frequency control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical waveguide separation to acoustic frequency. By varying the acoustic frequency applied to the crystal, the power splitting ratio is dynamically controlled without requiring mechanical precision, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state crystal or liquid crystal is used for VOPS, then light modulation and power splitting are achieved, but resonance conditions rely on signal wavelength limiting operation to narrow wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wavelength-dependent resonant crystals with an acousto-optic modulator that uses acoustic waves to create temporary refractive index gratings. This mechanism is not based on material resonance but on dynamic acoustic field modulation, enabling broadband operation across multiple wavelengths while maintaining stable power splitting control.
3Ease of operation
If liquid crystal cell is used for polarization control, then dynamic power allocation between polarization states is achieved, but performance becomes temperature-dependent requiring additional temperature controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an acousto-optic modulator with a crystal medium that is inherently temperature-stable, replacing the temperature-sensitive liquid crystal cell. The acousto-optic effect relies on acoustic wave-induced refractive index changes rather than liquid crystal molecular orientation, eliminating temperature dependence and the need for temperature controllers.
4Reliability
If additional temperature controller or stabilizer is added to liquid crystal-based VOPS, then temperature-dependent performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex temperature control system with a simpler acousto-optic modulator design. The crystal-based acousto-optic effect is inherently temperature-stable, eliminating the need for temperature controllers or stabilizers and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance reliability.
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 solution provides a low-cost, temperature-independent, broadband VOPS capable of dynamic power splitting suitable for various network applications, reducing feedback noise and maintaining performance across different wavelengths without the need for additional temperature controllers.
Implementation Method 1
The VOPS can be based on solid-state crystal or liquid crystal. The solid-state crystal-based VOPS makes use of the electro-optic and/or acousto-optic effects of the crystals to achieve light modulation and power splitting.
Implementation Method 2
The solid-state crystal-based VOPS makes use of the electro-optic and/or acousto-optic effects of the crystals to achieve light modulation and power splitting.
Implementation Method 3
A laser beam from an optical fiber is collimated by a lens and incident on an electro-optic or acousto-optic modulator.
Implementation Method 4
A portion of the collimated beam is incident on a roof-prism and is split into two separated collimated beams by the roof-prism.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for splitting and controlling optical powers provided by an input fiber and received by a plurality of output fibers comprises: (a) providing a first collimated beam from the input fiber using a first lens; (b) splitting the first collimated beam into a plurality of separated collimated beams having different directions using a collimated beam splitting device; (c) controlling area of each separated collimated beam by moving the collimated beam splitting device on a plane perpendicular to the first collimated beam; and (d) focusing the plurality of separated collimated beams using a second lens and coupling the focused beams into the plurality of output fibers, respectively.