Variable Optical Attenuator for Multi-Core Fiber Spatial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable optical attenuators for multi-core fibers require complex and large configurations with physical waveguides, leading to increased optical propagation loss and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A variable optical attenuator with a simple configuration that emits light from multi-core fibers into space, where each light beam is separated and individually attenuated using an optical attenuation means, eliminating the need for fan-out and fan-in devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a configuration using Fan-out device and Fan-in device is adopted to individually adjust light amount for each core, then the variable optical attenuator can adjust light propagation for multi-core fibers, but the optical propagation loss increases due to losses within the devices and losses when connecting the MCF and the SMFs to each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the Fan-out device and Fan-in device from the optical path. Instead of coupling MCF cores to SMFs through these intermediate devices, the invention directly emits light from MCF cores into space and uses a single variable optical attenuator in the spatial optical system to adjust each core's light amount independently, thereby removing the source of additional optical propagation loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces space as an intermediary medium between the MCF cores and the variable optical attenuator. Light from the cores is emitted into space where it is separated and individually adjusted by the optical attenuation means, eliminating the need for physical waveguide connections through Fan-out/Fan-in devices and reducing associated losses
2Ease of operation
If a configuration using Fan-out device and Fan-in device is adopted, then light can be individually adjusted for each core, but the entire device becomes complicated and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the Fan-out device, Fan-in device, and multiple variable optical attenuators into a single integrated variable optical attenuator. This unified device uses a spatial optical system to simultaneously handle multiple light beams from different cores, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The variable optical attenuator is designed with multi-functionality to handle light from multiple MCF cores simultaneously. The spatial optical system enables a single device to perform the function previously requiring multiple separate attenuators and connection devices, making the system more compact and simpler
3Ease of operation
If a configuration using Fan-out device and Fan-in device is adopted, then light adjustment is possible for each core, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the Fan-out device and Fan-in device from the manufacturing bill of materials. By eliminating these intermediate components and their associated connection requirements, the invention reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the capability for individual light adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The single variable optical attenuator with spatial optical system performs the function previously requiring multiple separate components. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of parts to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs
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 reduces optical propagation loss, simplifies the device design, and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex connection devices.
Implementation Method 1
light propagating through the cores of an MCF or the like is first emitted into space so as to be separated
Implementation Method 2
a separation optical system that spatially separates a plurality of light beams emitted into space from the plurality of cores
Implementation Method 3
an optical attenuation means that individually adjusts the amount of light of each light beam
Implementation Method 4
the optical attenuation means may include a plurality of light blocking elements that block the plurality of light beams individually
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To achieve, with a simple configuration, a variable optical attenuator that is capable of individually adjusting the amount of light that propagates through a plurality of cores. [Solution] A variable optical attenuator 10 which receives input of light that propagates through a first optical fiber 41 having a plurality of cores, which individually adjusts the amount of light that has propagated through each core, and which outputs the light to a second optical fiber 42 having a plurality of cores. The variable optical attenuator 10 comprises a separation optical system 11, 12 that spatially separates a plurality of light beams emitted into a space from the plurality of cores of the first optical fiber 41, and optical attenuation means 15 (a), 15 (b) that are capable of individually adjusting that attenuation amount of the plurality of light beams separated by the separation optical system 11, 12.