WDM WDDM Optical Path Folding for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-division multiplexers and de-multiplexers experience deformation due to temperature changes, affecting their performance and efficiency in fiber-optic systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of mirrors and optical splitters or combiners sandwiched between a base substrate and a cover substrate to reduce deformation caused by temperature changes, with the optical components configured to maintain parallel light propagation and consistent separation between output beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional WDM modules use thin-film filters or optical combiners, then the device achieves flat passband and low crosstalk, but the device experiences deformation due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical configuration parameter of the optical system by introducing mirrors to fold the light propagation path. This transforms the linear arrangement into a folded configuration where light beams travel in parallel between mirrors and filters, maintaining consistent geometric relationships that are less sensitive to thermal expansion and structural deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the light propagation path by using mirrors to create a folded optical path. Instead of light traveling in a single linear direction, the beams propagate in parallel through multiple reflections, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve compact configuration while maintaining stable optical paths resistant to temperature-induced deformation.
2Length of stationary object
If the device length is reduced by folding light paths, then the device becomes more compact, but the alignment precision of optical components becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to fold the optical path between mirrors and filters. By configuring light beams to propagate in parallel through multiple reflections, the design achieves compact length while maintaining sufficient separation and alignment tolerance between components, reducing the difficulty of manufacturing precision compared to linear configurations.
3Length of stationary object
If mirrors are added to fold light propagation, then the device length is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mirrors to fold the optical path in three-dimensional space, creating a compact configuration where light beams propagate in parallel between mirrors and filters. This spatial folding achieves significant length reduction while the added complexity of mirrors is offset by the elimination of lengthy optical paths and improved overall system integration.
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 stabilizes light paths and reduces temperature-dependent loss, enhancing the performance and reliability of wavelength-division multiplexers and de-multiplexers across a wide range of temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
assembled with mirrors to fold light propagation
Implementation Method 2
wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technique is widely used in fiber-optic systems for increasing the system's bandwidth
Implementation Method 3
The filter 11 may receive an input light beam, i.e. a channel of the WDM module, from one of the fibers to pass through the filter 11 into a multiplexed light beam to propagate to one of the filters or combiners 10
Implementation Method 4
assembled with mirrors and filters, i.e. optical combiners, sandwiched between a base substrate and a cover substrate such that the mirrors and filters or combiners may have reduced deformation due to temperature changes
Data Source
AI summary
A WDDM includes a base substrate; a first mirror on the base substrate; a second mirror on said base substrate; a third mirror on the base substrate; a first optical splitter on the base substrate, wherein the first mirror is configured to reflect a first light beam to the first optical splitter, wherein the first optical splitter is configured to split the first light beam into a second light beam exiting from a first light exit surface of the first optical splitter and a third light beam reflecting to the second mirror; and a second optical splitter on the base substrate, wherein the second mirror is configured to reflect the third light beam to the second optical splitter, wherein the second optical splitter is configured to split the third light beam into a fourth light beam exiting from a second light exit surface of the second optical splitter and a fifth light beam reflecting to the third mirror.