Toroidal Micro Lens Array for Wavelength Selective Switch Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free space fiber optic telecommunications devices require launch optics with different beam waist sizes in orthogonal directions to achieve high resolution and port density, but existing technologies struggle to simultaneously minimize dispersion beam waist size for high resolution and maximize port beam waist size for high port count without increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
The use of toric micro lenses, which impart positive power in the port plane and negative power in the dispersion plane, allows for the reduction of dispersion beam waist size while maintaining a large port beam waist size, achieved by replacing conventional cylindrical lenses with toroidal lenses that have aspheric surfaces to optimize beam quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cylindrical lenses are used to launch optical beams, then the device structure is simple, but the beam waist size cannot be independently controlled in orthogonal directions, limiting both resolution and port density
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: toric micro lenses for independent beam waist control, cylindrical lenses for collimation, and diffraction gratings for wavelength separation. Each component handles a specific aspect of beam manipulation, allowing independent optimization of resolution and port density without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Toric micro lenses are positioned at specific locations (focal plane of collimating lens) to provide localized beam shaping with different focal lengths in orthogonal directions. This local quality enhancement allows precise control of beam waist sizes at critical points while maintaining simple overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If the beam waist size in the dispersion plane is reduced to improve resolution, then the port beam waist size in the orthogonal direction decreases, reducing the number of ports that can be supported
Solution Approach 1:
Toric micro lenses introduce asymmetric optical power distribution with different focal lengths (f1 ≠ f2) in orthogonal directions. This asymmetry allows independent control of beam waist sizes: one direction optimized for small beam waist (high resolution) while the other maintains large beam waist (high port count), breaking the symmetric constraint of conventional lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by introducing a new dimensional parameter - the second focal length of toric lenses in the orthogonal direction. This additional degree of freedom allows simultaneous optimization of both beam waist sizes in perpendicular planes, enabling independent control of resolution and port density without trade-offs
3Quantity of substance
If the beam waist size in the port direction is increased to support more ports, then the angular extent decreases, requiring larger device size to maintain the same port density
Solution Approach 1:
The focal length parameter of toric micro lenses is specifically optimized to transform beam waist sizes that maximize port density. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system achieves high port count with compact device dimensions, as the toric lenses efficiently couple beams from fibers to free-space optical paths
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 configuration significantly reduces dispersion beam waist size, enhancing resolution while maintaining a large port beam waist, thereby increasing port count without increasing device size, as demonstrated by the reduction in dispersion waist size shown in the provided graph and the ideal beam quality achieved using Zemax optical design software.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of toric micro lenses each receiving one of the optical beams from a respective one of the optical ports. The toric lenses impart positive power to the optical beams in the port plane and negative optical power to the optical beams in a plane orthogonal to the port plane
Implementation Method 2
A dispersion element is provided for spatially separating in a dispersion plane the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components
Implementation Method 3
At least one focusing element is provided for focusing the plurality of wavelength components
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a plurality of optical ports for receiving optical beams. The optical device also includes a plurality of toric micro lenses each receiving one of the optical beams from a respective one of the optical ports. A dispersion element is provided for spatially separating in a dispersion plane the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components. At least one focusing element is provided for focusing the plurality of wavelength components. A programmable optical phase modulator is also provided for receiving the focused plurality of wavelength components. The modulator is configured to selectively direct the wavelength components to prescribed ones of the optical ports. The toric lenses impart positive power to the optical beams in the port plane and negative optical power to the optical beams in a plane orthogonal to the port plane.