Tapered Optical Coupling Element for Embedded Modal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser optical systems in fiber optic communications face performance degradation due to misalignment and partial excitation of higher order modes, leading to signal distortion and increased costs, power consumption, and packaging complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with embedded modal filtering, featuring a tapered section that filters optical signals to reject higher order modes, such as LP11, and ensure single mode operation, is integrated into the optical transceivers and photodiodes, enhancing signal quality and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser optical systems are used without modal filtering, then the system structure is simpler, but signal quality deteriorates due to higher order mode excitation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the modal filtering function directly into the coupling element structure by integrating a tapered section into the optical path. This combination eliminates the need for separate filtering components while maintaining signal quality, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered section acts as an intermediary element between the laser source and the optical fiber. It mediates the optical signal by progressively transforming higher order modes into the fundamental mode, thereby improving signal quality without requiring complex external filtering systems
2Reliability
If modal filtering is implemented to reject higher order modes, then signal quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered section with gradually varying dimensions along the optical path. This localized structural variation provides modal filtering functionality only where needed, rather than requiring complex filtering components throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered section utilizes parameter changes in its geometric dimensions along the propagation direction. By gradually changing the cross-sectional dimensions, the structure transforms higher order modes into the fundamental mode, achieving signal quality improvement through controlled parameter variation rather than complex filtering mechanisms
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 improved performance and reduced noise in fiber optic transmissions by effectively filtering out higher order modes, thereby enhancing signal quality and reducing operational costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element comprises a tapered section that provides modal filtering of the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
the tapered section comprises at least one tapered optical fiber section associated with the modal filtering
Implementation Method 3
the adhesive material has a refractive index configured for the modal filtering
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for a coupling element with embedded modal filtering for a laser and/or a photodiode. An example system includes a laser and an optical coupling element. The laser is configured to emit an optical signal. The optical coupling element is configured to receive the optical signal emitted by the laser. The optical coupling element is also configured to be connected to an optical fiber such that, in operation, the optical signal is transmitted from the laser to the optical fiber via the optical coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element comprises a tapered section that provides modal filtering of the optical signal.