Wavelength Division Multiplexing Structure Using C-Shaped Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength division multiplexers face challenges with large size, high cost, high insertion loss, and complex processing, particularly in the need for miniaturization and integration into smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength division multiplexing structure comprising a first and second reflecting surface, optical filters, and a pretreatment device that forms C-shaped light paths to achieve reversible light paths for efficient wavelength division and combination, reducing the need for multiple optical filters and simplifying material processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional dielectric wavelength division multiplexers are used, then wavelength division and combination functions are achieved, but the device volume becomes large and integration into small equipment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional modules: input module with first optical filter, output module with second optical filter, and light path control module with reflecting surfaces. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the overall device to achieve wavelength division multiplexing while maintaining a compact structure that can be integrated into small equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses C-shaped light paths that fold the optical path in three-dimensional space, effectively reducing the linear dimensions of the device. By utilizing multiple reflecting surfaces to create folded optical paths, the device achieves wavelength division functionality without requiring large linear space, enabling integration into compact equipment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical filters are used for wavelength division, then filtering precision is improved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical filters into a unified system where the first and second optical filters work together with the C-shaped light path structure. This integration allows wavelengths to be divided and combined efficiently through the folded optical path, reducing the number of separate filter components needed and thereby reducing cumulative insertion loss while maintaining filtering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting surfaces act as intermediaries that guide light between the optical filters through C-shaped paths. This intermediary light path structure allows wavelengths to be separated and combined with minimal interaction losses, reducing the insertion loss that would otherwise occur with direct filter-to-filter connections while preserving the wavelength filtering precision of the optical filters.
3Productivity
If complex light path arrangements are used, then wavelength division efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs C-shaped curved light paths instead of straight-line optical arrangements. These curved paths are formed using reflecting surfaces that guide light in smooth arcs, achieving efficient wavelength division by separating different wavelength components along distinct curved trajectories. The curved geometry provides effective wavelength separation while being more manufacturable than complex angular arrangements.
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 structure achieves miniaturization, low insertion loss, and high integration level, allowing for efficient light combination and multiplexing while reducing material processing complexity and costs, and enabling flexible light emission on the same or different sides as the incident light.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical filter, which is used to partially transmit and partially reflect the light that is incident on the first optical filter; wherein, the light transmitted through the first optical filter has a first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the light that is incident on the first reflecting surface is reflected by the first and the second reflecting surface in sequence to form a first C-shaped light path
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength division multiplexing structure includes: a first reflecting surface; a second reflecting surface; a first optical filter; a second optical filter; and a pretreatment device. The light that is incident on the first reflecting surface forms a first C-shaped light path in C-shaped or approximately C-shaped and enters the first optical filter. The light that is incident on the first reflecting surface forms a non-coplanar straight line with the light that is reflected by the second reflecting surface. The light that is incident on the pretreatment device forms a pretreatment light path, enters the first optical filter. The light in the pretreatment light path coincides with the light in the first C-shaped light path that is incident on the first optical filter from the second reflecting surface.