SOA-PLC Hybrid Polarization Diversity Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarization independent SOA modules are large in size and difficult to integrate due to spatially-separated optical components, requiring troublesome optical axis adjustments, which hinders their commercial application.
Innovation Solution
An SOA-PLC hybrid integrated polarization diversity circuit is developed, featuring a PLC-PBS chip and an SOA-COS with coupled optical waveguides, including a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a polarization rotation mechanism, allowing for a compact design by integrating the components onto a single chip with a U-turn optical waveguide configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spatially-separated individual optical components are used, then the polarization independent SOA module can be assembled, but the module size becomes large and optical axis adjustment becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spatially-separated optical components (circulator, lenses, semitransparent mirror, half-wave plate, mirrors, and SOA) into a single integrated optical circuit. The optical waveguides are formed in a planar configuration on a substrate, eliminating the need for separate assembly of discrete components. This integration directly reduces the module size while maintaining the polarization independence function through the planar waveguide structure that guides light through the entire optical path without requiring optical axis adjustment between separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If spatially-separated individual optical components are used, then the polarization independent SOA module can be assembled, but the optical axis adjustment becomes very troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spatially-separated optical components (circulator, lenses, semitransparent mirror, half-wave plate, mirrors, and SOA) into a single integrated optical circuit. The optical waveguides are formed in a planar configuration on a substrate, eliminating the need for separate assembly of discrete components. This integration directly reduces the module size while maintaining the polarization independence function through the planar waveguide structure that guides light through the entire optical path without requiring optical axis adjustment between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (requiring manual optical axis adjustment of discrete components) with an integrated planar waveguide structure. The optical paths are defined by the physical geometry of the waveguides etched into the substrate, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms. Light propagation is confined within the waveguide structures, automatically maintaining proper alignment without manual intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If spatially-separated individual optical components are used, then the polarization independent SOA module can be assembled, but the incorporation into another device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spatially-separated optical components (circulator, lenses, semitransparent mirror, half-wave plate, mirrors, and SOA) into a single integrated optical circuit. The optical waveguides are formed in a planar configuration on a substrate, eliminating the need for separate assembly of discrete components. This integration directly reduces the module size while maintaining the polarization independence function through the planar waveguide structure that guides light through the entire optical path without requiring optical axis adjustment between separate components.
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 hybrid integrated circuit achieves a smaller size, simplifies optical axis adjustments, and facilitates easier integration into other devices, while reducing polarization dependent gain and enhancing manufacturing feasibility for commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
a Mach-Zehnder interferometer circuit configured to divide inputted light into TM mode light and TE mode light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization rotation mechanism built in the first optical waveguide by which the TM mode light is converted to the TE mode light and the TE mode light is to the TM mode light vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
The invention of the present application provides an SOA-PLC hybrid integrated polarization diversity circuit including a PLC-PBS chip and an SOA-COS whose respective waveguides are coupled to each other. The PLC-PBS chip includes: first and second optical waveguides; a Mach-Zehnder interferometer circuit; and a half-wave plate placed in the first optical waveguide which TM mode light is split into. The SOA-COS includes: a third optical waveguide connected to the first optical waveguide; a fourth optical waveguide connected to the second optical waveguide; and an SOA formed in at least one of the third and fourth optical waveguides. One end of the third optical waveguide and one end of the fourth optical waveguide are connected to a U-turn optical waveguide, the one ends being not connected to the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, respectively.