WDM Module Spacing via Convex Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WDM modules have insufficient spacing between optical paths, leading to interference and instability in transmitting lasers due to back-reflection, and the use of thick substrates to increase spacing competes with the demand for compact optical devices, while the convex shape of WDM films causes optical signals to diverge, degrading coupling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A WDM module with a substrate having a transpassing and reflective region, where multiple WDM filters are attached with convex WDM films and additional reflectors with a convex HR coating are placed between filters to increase spacing to at least 1.5 mm, compensating for signal divergence and improving convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the physical spacing between optical paths is increased to reduce interference and improve stability, then the spacing between channels improves, but the substrate thickness must be increased which conflicts with the demand for compact optical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectors placed between adjacent optical paths on the same substrate plane, utilizing the vertical dimension (up-down direction) to increase effective spacing without increasing substrate thickness. This allows optical signals to be reflected away from neighboring channels, reducing interference while maintaining a compact substrate form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors act as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent optical paths. These reflectors mediate the interaction between neighboring channels by reflecting optical signals away from adjacent paths, thereby reducing back-reflection interference and improving laser stability without requiring increased substrate thickness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the physical spacing between optical paths is increased to reduce back-reflection interference, then interference reduction improves, but the device size increases which conflicts with compact device demands
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing horizontal spacing between optical paths, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by placing reflectors between channels. This approach reduces back-reflection interference by directing reflected light away from adjacent paths while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, thus reducing device area compared to traditional spacing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path space by introducing reflectors between adjacent channels. This segmentation divides the optical interaction space, allowing each channel to have its reflection controlled independently, thereby reducing interference without requiring overall device expansion.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional WDM films with convex shape are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical signals diverge which degrades coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different components: the WDM films maintain their convex shape for ease of manufacture, while the reflectors are designed with specific reflective properties and positioning to compensate for signal divergence. This local differentiation allows each component to optimize its function - WDM films for manufacturing ease and reflectors for signal quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are positioned and configured to preemptively counteract the diverging effect of convex WDM films. By placing reflectors between optical paths and configuring their orientation, the system pre-compensates for signal divergence before it significantly degrades coupling efficiency, allowing the use of convex WDM films without sacrificing performance.
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 increased spacing and convex reflectors enhance optical signal coupling efficiency, reduce loss differences among channels, and improve signal uniformity, resulting in improved stability and transportation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the second surface has a convex shape and is coated with a high-reflective (HR) film
Implementation Method 2
the transpassing region is coated with an anti-reflective (AR) film
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment of present invention provide a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module. The WDM module includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposing the first side, wherein the first side includes a transpassing region coated with an anti-reflective (AR) film and a reflective region coated with a high-reflective (HR) film, and the second side includes multiple ports of optical paths; multiple WDM filters attached to the multiple ports at the second side of the substrate, wherein surfaces of the WDM filters attached to the substrate are coated with WDM films; and at least one reflector attached to the second side of the substrate in a space between the multiple WDM filters, wherein the reflector has a first surface attached to the substrate and a second surface, opposing the first surface, that has a convex shape and coated with a high-reflective (HR) coating.