Wavelength Selective Member for Optical Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems for wavelength division multiplexing are complex and costly due to the need for multiple optical filters and precise alignment, especially when dealing with multiple wavelength channels.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication module with a wavelength selective member featuring three or more filter areas, including edge filters for the longest and shortest wavelength channels and a wavelength selective filter for the intermediate channel, along with a path change member and a sub-mount with a step structure, simplifies the combination and splitting of light beams across a single optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical filters are used for wavelength division multiplexing, then wavelength separation precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength selective member is segmented into multiple filter areas, each responsible for a specific wavelength channel. This segmentation allows precise wavelength separation while maintaining a unified, compact structure that reduces overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength selective member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a combiner for multiple wavelengths, a splitter for wavelength separation, and provides precise filtering for each channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical filters, reducing device complexity while maintaining wavelength separation precision.
2Measurement precision
If several optical filters are used for wavelength filtering, then wavelength selection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtering functions are merged into a single wavelength selective member with multiple filter areas. This integration reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining wavelength selection accuracy through the coordinated operation of filter areas with different spectral characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength selective member employs composite filtering structures with different spectral characteristics (edge filters and wavelength selective filters) integrated together. This composite approach achieves precise wavelength selection while simplifying manufacturing compared to using multiple separate filters.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical filters with alignment are used, then wavelength filtering precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtering operations are merged into a single wavelength selective member, eliminating the need for separate filters and their associated alignment mechanisms. This integration maintains wavelength filtering precision while significantly reducing device complexity.
4Device complexity
If emission windows of light emission elements are arranged close to each other, then optical signal combination is simplified, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength selective member acts as an intermediary that receives light from multiple emission windows and directs each wavelength to the appropriate light receiving element. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall optical path and reduces alignment precision requirements compared to direct coupling of emission windows to receivers.
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 configuration allows for a simple and cost-effective implementation of optical wavelength division multiplexing, enabling efficient transmission and reception of multiple wavelengths using a single optical fiber with reduced manufacturing costs and system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the filter areas for the longest wavelength channel and the shortest wavelength channel may be formed of edge filters and at least one filter area for an intermediate wavelength channel may be formed of the wavelength selective filter
Implementation Method 2
One of the first and second lenses may be a lens producing a parallel beam and the other one is a focusing lens so that a light beam travels in form of a parallel beam between the first and second lenses
Implementation Method 3
The optical communication module may further include a path change member changing an optical path by 90°, having an inclined surface inclined at 45° and provided on the optical path between the light devices and the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical communication module for optical wavelength division multiplexing includes a plurality of light devices emitting or receiving light beams having different wavelengths, a single optical fiber, and an optical elements arranged between the plurality of light devices and the single optical fiber and having a plurality of lens areas to converge a light beam starting from a single point at a plurality of points or light beams starting from a plurality of points at a single point. In the optical communication module, the plurality of lens areas are arranged such that the center points of the plurality of lens areas are located at the same distance from a point, and the single point and the plurality of points are located at the opposite sides with respect to the optical element.