Single-Side Optical Isolator Design for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical isolators with dual-collimator structures are bulky, costly, and have complex assembly processes due to optical fibers arranged on both sides, which complicates miniaturization and increases material costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical isolator design with optical fibers arranged on a single side, incorporating an input and output optical fiber, splitting/combining devices, optical rotation devices, a Faraday rotator, and a reflector, where the Faraday rotator is positioned between the lens and reflector, allowing for a single collimator and simplified assembly by having input and output on the same side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are arranged on two sides with dual-collimator structure, then the optical isolator achieves proper light transmission isolation, but the device volume increases and material costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input and output optical fibers onto a single side of the device, combining functions that were previously separated into distinct spatial locations. This single-sided arrangement integrates the collimator, Faraday rotator, and reflector into a compact configuration where both input and output operations occur from the same face, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining isolation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement by transitioning from a dual-sided layout to a single-sided layout, effectively utilizing the depth dimension (z-axis) more efficiently. By arranging optical components in a stacked configuration along the optical path rather than spreading them across two opposite faces, the device achieves compactness without sacrificing functional performance
2Reliability
If optical fibers are arranged on two sides with dual-collimator structure, then the optical isolator achieves proper light transmission isolation, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single-sided configuration merges multiple optical functions into a more compact arrangement, reducing the total quantity of optical components and mounting materials required. By eliminating the need for separate dual-collimator assemblies and reducing the overall device envelope, the patent decreases material consumption and associated costs while preserving isolation functionality
3Reliability
If optical fibers are arranged on two sides, then the optical isolator achieves proper light transmission isolation, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the assembly process by merging the input and output optical fiber connections to a single side of the device. This configuration reduces the number of separate assembly operations required, eliminates the need for precise alignment between two opposite faces, and allows for more straightforward integration into optical systems, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining isolation performance
4Reliability
If optical fibers are arranged on two sides, then the optical isolator achieves proper light transmission isolation, but the structural size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-sided arrangement merges the input and output interfaces into one location, dramatically reducing the footprint and assembly space required. By concentrating all optical fiber connections and related components on a single face rather than distributing them across two opposite faces, the patent minimizes the device's external dimensions and space requirements for integration
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 reduces the device volume by half, lowers material costs, simplifies the assembly process, and enhances control over input/output functions, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective optical isolator.
Implementation Method 1
The Faraday rotator includes a magneto-optical crystal and a magnetic field device
Implementation Method 2
a lens
Implementation Method 3
a reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical isolator has optical fibers arranged on a single side. The optical isolator includes an input optical fiber, an output optical fiber, an input splitting/combining device, an output splitting/combining device, an input optical rotation device, an output optical rotation device, a lens, a Faraday rotator, and a reflector. The input optical fiber and the output optical fiber are on a same side of each of the lens, the Faraday rotator, and the reflector. The optical isolator with input and output optical fibers arranged on a single side only needs to use one lens. The input and output splitting/combining devices are fixed on an end surfaces of input/output optical fibers, respectively.