Optical Waveguide Multi-Mode Propagation Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems face significant losses in optical power due to positional deviations, particularly in single-mode fibers, which require high accuracy and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication apparatus that uses an optical waveguide capable of propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength, with communication performed using light that includes a component of at least a first order mode in addition to the reference mode, allowing the waveguide to propagate in both modes, thereby reducing power loss due to positional deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If communication is performed using single-mode fiber at a wavelength where only reference mode propagates, then manufacturing precision and component accuracy can be relaxed, but significant optical power loss occurs due to positional deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light to enable propagation of both reference mode and first order mode in the optical waveguide. By selecting a wavelength where the waveguide supports multiple modes, the system transforms the single-mode propagation condition into a multi-mode propagation condition, thereby reducing sensitivity to positional deviations and optical power loss.
2Loss of energy
If high accuracy components are used to prevent positional deviation, then optical power loss is reduced, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational wavelength parameter to a value where the optical waveguide naturally supports both reference mode and first order mode propagation. This parameter change enables the system to tolerate positional deviations without significant power loss, thereby eliminating the need for high-precision (and high-cost) alignment components while maintaining low optical power loss.
3Device complexity
If the optical waveguide is designed to propagate only reference mode, then mode control is simplified, but positional deviation causes significant power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to enable the optical waveguide to propagate both reference mode and first order mode simultaneously. This parameter modification allows the system to maintain simple waveguide structure without complex mode control mechanisms, while the presence of first order mode components helps mitigate power loss due to positional deviations through mode coupling effects.
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 approach relaxes the accuracy requirements for positional alignment, reducing costs and improving the efficiency of optical power coupling by enabling propagation in both reference and first order modes, even with deviations from the optical axis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide that performs propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
To relax the accuracy with respect to a positional deviation, and thus to reduce costs.An optical waveguide is included that performs propagation only in a reference mode at a first wavelength. Communication is performed using light that has a second wavelength and includes a component of at least a first order mode in addition to a component of the reference mode. Here, the second wavelength is a wavelength that enables the optical waveguide to perform propagation in at least the first order mode in addition to the reference mode. For example, a light path adjuster that adjusts a light path such that input light is guided to a core of the optical waveguide, is further included.