Single Wavelength Bidirectional Optical Link Using Diffractive Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidirectional optical communication links require different wavelengths for transmission and reception, necessitating wavelength-selective beam splitters to separate signals, which can be complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver design that uses a diffractive or partially reflective optical element to bidirectionally separate incoming and outgoing optical signals of the same wavelength, allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception using opto-electronic light sources and detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wavelength-selective beam splitters are used to separate transmitted and received optical signals in bidirectional optical communication links, then signal separation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from wavelength differentiation to spatial differentiation. By using a non-wavelength-selective beam splitter that directs signals based on their propagation direction rather than wavelength, the system eliminates the need for complex wavelength-selective filtering while maintaining effective signal separation in bidirectional communication.
2Reliability
If different wavelengths are used for transmission and reception in bidirectional optical links, then signal separation is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from wavelength-based signal separation to direction-based separation. By using a beam splitter that directs transmitted and received signals based on their propagation directions rather than their wavelengths, the system eliminates the need for precise wavelength matching and filtering, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If wavelength-selective beam splitters are implemented, then optical signal separation is achieved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from wavelength-selective filtering to direction-based beam splitting. This approach directs transmitted and received signals into different paths based on their propagation directions, avoiding the energy losses associated with wavelength-selective filtering while maintaining effective signal separation.
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
Enables efficient bidirectional communication by maintaining the same wavelength for both transmission and reception, simplifying the optical path and reducing complexity, while minimizing modal noise and crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element interposed along the axis between the optical fiber port and the optical transmitter. The diffractive optical element passes the transmitted optical signal through to the fiber port as the outgoing optical signal. An opto-electronic light detector is oriented to receive an incoming signal that is diffractively redirected by the diffractive optical element.
Implementation Method 2
a partially reflective optical element interposed along the axis between the optical fiber port and the optical transmitter. The partially reflective optical element passes the transmitted optical signal through to the optical fiber port as the outgoing optical signal. An opto-electronic light detector is oriented to receive an incoming optical signal that is reflected by the partially reflective optical element.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver and method for bidirectionally communicating optical signals in an optical transceiver involve an optical element that bidirectionally separates incoming and outgoing optical signals of the same wavelength. The optical element can be a diffractive element such as a grating or, alternatively, a partially reflective element such as a transparent block having a thin-film coating.