Wavelength Agile Multiplexing Using Diffractive Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face challenges in increasing the number of wavelengths without adding more light emitters, leading to energy inefficiency, complexity, and size issues, especially in compact form-factor devices like smartphones and wearables, while also introducing phase errors.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexing system using a multi-wavelength light emitter and a demultiplexer to split light into unique wavelengths, which are then combined using a light combiner, such as an Echelle multiplexer, to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio with reduced number of light emitters, employing a diffractive grating and waveguides to direct wavelengths to specific channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional light emitters are added to increase the number of wavelengths, then the number of spectroscopically unique wavelengths is improved, but the size of the optical system increases and becomes unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelengths from a single light emitter using a multiplexer with diffractive gratings. Instead of using separate light emitters for each wavelength, the system merges multiple wavelengths into one optical path, reducing the overall system size while maintaining the capability to provide multiple spectroscopically unique wavelengths for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer device serves multiple functions: it combines multiple wavelengths from a single light emitter, directs them through different optical paths using diffractive gratings, and delivers them to the imaging sensor. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate light emitters and optical paths.
2Quantity of substance
If additional light emitters are added to increase the number of wavelengths, then the number of spectroscopically unique wavelengths is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light emitters into a single light emitter with a multiplexer. The multiplexer combines multiple wavelengths and directs them through different optical paths using integrated diffractive gratings, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate light emitter components and their associated control systems.
3Quantity of substance
If additional light emitters are added to increase the number of wavelengths, then the number of spectroscopically unique wavelengths is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelengths from a single light emitter using a multiplexer, eliminating the need for multiple separate light emitters. Since each additional light emitter would consume additional energy, using one light emitter with wavelength-combining capability significantly improves energy efficiency while still providing multiple spectroscopically unique wavelengths for imaging.
4Quantity of substance
If additional light emitters are added to increase the number of wavelengths, then the number of spectroscopically unique wavelengths is improved, but phase errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelengths from a single light emitter through a multiplexer with diffractive gratings, maintaining a unified optical path. This approach avoids the phase errors that would arise from combining light from multiple separate emitters, as the single emitter ensures coherent phase relationships across all wavelengths while still providing spectroscopically unique wavelengths for imaging.
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 allows for a higher number of spectroscopically unique wavelengths with reduced energy consumption, complexity, and size, enhancing the informational value and clarity of spectrographic measurements without the need for multiple light emitters.
Implementation Method 1
employing a diffractive grating and waveguides to direct wavelengths to specific channels
Implementation Method 2
employing a diffractive grating and waveguides to direct wavelengths to specific channels
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems concerning demultiplexing and multiplexing light in optical multiplexing systems are disclosed herein. An optical multiplexing system may include a number of light emitters and a number of associated waveguides. Light emitted from each of the number of light emitters may travel through the associated waveguide and may enter a multiplexer, where a multiplexing operation may occur. At least one of the number of light emitters may be configured to emit light with multiple wavelengths. Such a light emitter may further be associated with a demultiplexer to demultiplex the light with multiple wavelengths before the light reaches a multiplexer. After a demultiplexing operation, the demultiplexed light may be directed to multiple waveguides and the multiple waveguides may guide the demultiplexed light to a multiplexer.