Two-port high isolation filter using wavelength-selective assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical devices in fiber optic networks face challenges in effectively isolating diagnostic signals from communications signals without interfering with the network, requiring improved isolation capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal isolation device comprising a multi-signal fiber, an isolated diagnostic signal fiber, an integrated circulator, and a wavelength-selective optical assembly that filters diagnostic components while allowing communications components to pass through, using a fiber-to-fiber optical coupler and multi-fiber alignment body to secure and collimate the fibers, achieving high isolation by structurally and optically orienting the components to direct signals appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wavelength division multiplexing system is used to pass communications data and reflect diagnostic signals, then communications and diagnostic signals can coexist in the network, but the isolation between diagnostic signals and communications signals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the optical signal path into distinct communication and diagnostic channels using a wavelength-selective filter that spatially separates communications wavelengths from diagnostic wavelengths, directing each to different output ports to prevent interference
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts the diagnostic signal component from the combined communication-d diagnostic signal stream using wavelength-selective filtering, isolating the diagnostic signal for separate processing while allowing the communication signal to continue uninterrupted
2Reliability
If traditional optical filtering devices are used to isolate diagnostic signals, then some signal separation is achieved, but the device size becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple optical components including wavelength-selective filters, circulators, and fiber coupling elements into a single integrated assembly where all components are optically aligned and mechanically coupled, reducing the overall device footprint and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device nests multiple optical fibers and filtering elements within a compact housing structure, with fibers routed through alignment bodies and filters positioned within integrated mounting structures that maximize space utilization
3Reliability
If traditional optical filtering devices are used to isolate diagnostic signals, then some signal separation is achieved, but the form factor remains large
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from planar component layouts to a three-dimensional compact arrangement where optical fibers are routed through alignment bodies and filters are positioned at multiple heights and angles, utilizing vertical space to reduce the horizontal footprint
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 high signal isolation of the diagnostic component, exceeding 30 dB, while maintaining a compact form factor, ensuring that diagnostic signals are effectively filtered from communications signals, enhancing the performance and stability of fiber optic network diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal filter tuned to pass a communications component of an incident optical signal and to reflect a diagnostic component of an incident optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a fiber-to-fiber optical coupler configured to couple an isolated optical signal propagating along the input circulator fiber to the output circulator fiber
Implementation Method 3
a multi-fiber alignment body that secures at least portions of each of the multi-signal fiber, the isolated diagnostic signal fiber, the input circulator fiber, and the output circulator fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal isolation device comprising a common port, an isolated diagnostic port, an integrated circulator comprising an input circulator fiber, an output circulator fiber, and a fiber-to-fiber optical coupler configured to couple an isolated optical signal propagating along the input circulator fiber to the output circulator fiber for propagation along the output circulator fiber, a multi-fiber alignment body that secures at least portions of each of the multi-signal fiber, the isolated diagnostic signal fiber, the input circulator fiber, and the output circulator fiber, and a wavelength-selective optical assembly including an optical signal filter, fiber-to-filter focusing optics, and a communications signal reflector. The integrated circulator and the wavelength selective optical assembly are configured such that the communications component is retro-reflected back to the common port and the diagnostic component is passes out of the isolated diagnostic port.