Waveguide Beyond Cutoff for Optical Transmission Through Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic shielding systems for optical equipment face challenges in protecting against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and pulses (EMP) while allowing optical signals to be transmitted without compromising the enclosure's shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically shielding enclosure with a waveguide beyond cutoff frequency, combined with first and second lenses on either side of the shielding surface, facilitates the transmission of optical signals through the waveguide, preventing microwave and RF electromagnetic energy from entering the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is created in the shielding enclosure to transmit optical signals, then optical transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple smaller optical waveguides rather than a single large opening. Each waveguide core transmits optical signals while the surrounding cladding and waveguide structure block electromagnetic waves, achieving both optical transmission and electromagnetic shielding
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediary structures that transmit optical signals while the waveguide cladding and enclosure walls act as electromagnetic shields. The waveguide structure mediates between the need for optical transmission and electromagnetic protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the enclosure is made fully sealed for electromagnetic protection, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but optical signal transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure walls have different properties at different locations: the bulk material provides electromagnetic shielding while specific localized regions contain optical waveguides that permit optical transmission. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of shielding and transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If a waveguide is used to transmit optical signals through the shielding surface, then optical transmission is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguides serve multiple functions: they transmit optical signals from external sources into the enclosure while their cladding and surrounding structures simultaneously provide electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
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 solution effectively shields optical equipment from IEMI and EMP threats while enabling the transmission of optical images or energy, ensuring the enclosure remains protected from harmful electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide beyond cutoff extending through a shielding surface of the electromagnetically shielding enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a first lens located on a first side of the shielding surface, and positioned and oriented to focus light through the waveguide beyond cutoff
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing electromagnetic protection of optical equipment are disclosed. One assembly includes an optical device and an electromagnetically shielding enclosure including a plurality of shielding surfaces, the enclosure defining an interior volume containing the optical device. The assembly further includes a waveguide beyond cutoff extending through a shielding surface of the electromagnetically shielding enclosure. The assembly also includes a first lens located on a first side of the shielding surface, and positioned and oriented to focus light through the waveguide beyond cutoff. The assembly further includes a second lens located on a second side of the shielding surface opposite the first side, positioned and oriented to receive light transmitted through the waveguide beyond cutoff.