Tunable Optical Module With MEMS Mirror and Diffraction Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication networks face challenges in providing compact, reliable, and cost-effective tunable transceivers capable of selecting or adding multiple wavelengths, especially for short-haul applications, where current solutions are limited in flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical module integrating an electrically-tunable optical filter, optical source, and a novel lens unit with a diffraction element and MEMS mirror, which collimates and focuses light of multiple wavelengths for selection and transmission, using a reflector and lens unit with a convex surface and diffraction elements to separate and direct specific wavelength components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable optical filter is integrated with optical sources and lens units to enable wavelength selection, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electrically-tunable optical filter, optical sources, and lens units into a single integrated hybrid optical module. This merging of components enables wavelength selection capability while reducing the overall system complexity compared to separate modules, as the filter and sources work together in a unified structure with shared optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module performs multiple functions: the tunable optical filter selects specific wavelengths from DWDM signals, the optical sources transmit signals at different wavelengths, and the lens units focus and collimate light. This multi-functionality in a single device enables both reception and transmission of multiple wavelengths, improving network adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical module is designed to be compact for short-haul applications, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the electrically-tunable optical filter is integrated within the lens unit assembly, and the optical sources are positioned within the same compact housing. This nesting of components maximizes space utilization and creates a compact module suitable for short-haul applications while maintaining all necessary optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electrically-tunable optical filter that can be controlled through electrical signals rather than mechanical adjustment. This electrical control mechanism replaces traditional mechanical tuning systems, enabling precise wavelength selection without complex mechanical alignment procedures and reducing the manufacturing precision requirements for mechanical components.
3Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are transmitted simultaneously using DWDM, then network bandwidth is improved, but loss of information increases due to wavelength interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tunable optical filter that can selectively isolate specific wavelengths from the DWDM signal. By segmenting the multi-wavelength signal into individual wavelength components through filtering, the system can transmit multiple wavelengths simultaneously while preventing interference between them. The filter acts as a separator that maintains wavelength integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit serves as an intermediary optical element that focuses and collimates light from the optical sources and directs it through the tunable filter. This intermediary component ensures proper optical alignment and prevents wavelength mixing, allowing multiple wavelengths to be transmitted simultaneously without interference while maintaining signal integrity.
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 selection and transmission of multiple wavelengths, enhancing network flexibility and scalability while maintaining compactness and reliability, suitable for short-haul applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lens unit collimating light of at least two wavelengths from the input port in a forward path and focusing light of at least one of the at least two wavelengths to the output port in a return path
Implementation Method 2
a lens unit collimating light of at least two wavelengths from the input port in a forward path and focusing light of at least one of the at least two wavelengths to the output port in a return path
Implementation Method 3
at least one diffraction element that is located in the forward path and/or the return path between the lens unit and the reflector and that diffracts the collimated light of the at least two wavelengths into different wavelength components
Implementation Method 4
The second surface reflects the light of the at least two wavelengths from the input port towards the first convex surface and the first convex surface collimates the reflected light of the at least two wavelengths in the forward path
Data Source
AI summary
Light of at least two wavelengths is collimated in a forward path towards a reflector and light of at least one of the wavelengths is focused and detected in a return path, using in both paths a lens unit including a first convex surface and a second surface. A diffraction element diffracts the collimated light of the at least two wavelengths into different wavelength components. The reflector is moved so that one or more of the different wavelength components will be focused by the lens unit in the return path and detected. The second surface reflects the light of the at least two wavelengths from an input port towards the first convex surface and the first convex surface collimates the reflected light of the at least two wavelengths in the forward path, or the first convex surface focuses the one or more wavelength components towards the second surface that reflects the one or more wavelength components to an output port in the return path. The first convex surface can be replaced by a GRIN lens performing the focusing and collimating functions.