Wavelength Division Multiplexer Array Port Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Replicating thin film filter-based wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) for use in arrays is costly and results in large packages, making them inefficient for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A WDM array design featuring N common ports, N reflection ports, and N pass ports, with optical fibers and microlenses positioned strategically around a thin film filter to optimize port configurations and reduce size and cost, allowing for efficient multiplexing and demultiplexing of optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional three-port WDMs are replicated for use in arrays, then wavelength division multiplexing functionality is achieved, but cost and package size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple three-port WDM components into a single integrated WDM array structure. Instead of replicating separate WDM units, the invention combines multiple common ports, reflection ports, and pass ports into one unified device that shares common optical paths and filtering mechanisms, thereby reducing overall package size and manufacturing cost while maintaining wavelength division multiplexing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The WDM array structure provides multi-functionality by enabling simultaneous wavelength division multiplexing operations across multiple ports. The array can handle multiple wavelength channels concurrently through shared optical paths and filtering elements, allowing a single device to perform the functions of multiple individual WDMs, thus improving efficiency and reducing system complexity
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 WDM array design is more cost-effective and compact while maintaining equivalent functionality, enabling efficient signal processing in optical communication systems, such as optical network monitors.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film filter, a dual fiber collimator, and a single fiber collimator
Implementation Method 2
Thin film filter-based wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) are widely used in optical communication systems
Implementation Method 3
The N common ports may each include an optical fiber and a microlens positioned between the thin film filter and the optical fiber of the corresponding common port
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a WDM array includes an optical filter, N common ports, N reflection ports, and N pass ports. The N common ports may be positioned to a first side of the optical filter. N may be greater than or equal to two. The N reflection ports may be positioned to the first side of the optical filter. The N pass ports may be positioned to a second side of the optical filter opposite the first side.