Integrated Pump Laser Package with WDM and Isolator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical amplifier systems for data communications and telecommunications require significant space and labor for managing discrete components, suffer from alignment sensitivity issues, and incur high costs due to multiple fiber splices and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A pump laser package integrates a pump laser, wavelength division multiplexer, isolator, and photodetector within a compact coaxial package, reducing the number of fibers and splices, and using discrete lenses to minimize alignment sensitivity, thereby simplifying configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete components (pump laser, isolator, WDM, tap, photodetector) are used and interconnected by fiber splicing, then the system can achieve the required optical functions, but the physical space requirements increase and the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete optical components (pump laser, isolator, WDM, tap filter, and photodetector) into a single integrated pump laser package. This merging eliminates the need for separate fiber splicing connections between components, thereby reducing physical space requirements while maintaining all necessary optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump laser package performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates pump light, filters wavelengths, isolates optical signals, taps signal portions, and detects optical power. This multi-functionality within a single package reduces the overall system footprint compared to using separate discrete components.
2Reliability
If multiple fiber splices are used to connect discrete components, then the required optical connections are established, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all optical components within a single package with internal optical paths, the patent eliminates multiple external fiber splices. The internal connections are established during manufacturing as a unified assembly, significantly reducing alignment sensitivity and manufacturing precision requirements compared to connecting discrete components through multiple splices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components with multiple fiber splices are used, then the system can be configured to perform required functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all necessary optical components and their interconnections into a single pump laser package, eliminating the need for complex external fiber splicing and routing. This integration dramatically simplifies the overall system configuration while maintaining the ability to perform all required optical functions.
4Reliability
If multiple discrete components and fiber splices are used, then the optical functions can be implemented, but the cost of implementing the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical components into a single package, the patent reduces the number of fiber splices and assembly steps required. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by reducing labor-intensive splicing operations and minimizing the number of components that need to be sourced, managed, and maintained separately.
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 reduces physical space requirements, simplifies construction, and lowers costs by integrating components in a compact form, while enhancing manufacturability and reliability by reducing alignment sensitivity to three degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM), receive the signal light on the first optical path and send the signal light on the third optical path, and receive the pump light on the second optical path and send the pump light on the third optical path
Implementation Method 2
an isolator inside the package to: transmit the signal light in a first direction on the first optical path, and block the signal light in a second direction on the first optical path
Implementation Method 3
a photo-diode to receive the second portion of the signal light on the fourth optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A pump laser package may include an input fiber to send signal light on a first optical path inside a package, a source to send pump light on a second optical path inside the package, and an output fiber on a third optical path inside the package. The pump laser package may include a WDM filter inside the package to receive the signal light on the first optical path and send the signal light on the third optical path, and receive the pump light on the second optical path and send the pump light on the third optical path. The pump laser package may include an isolator inside the package to transmit the signal light in a first direction, and block the signal light in a second direction, or a photo-diode to receive a portion of the signal light sent on a fourth optical path.