Multiport Free-Space WDM Device Using Relay Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive WDM devices face optical divergence issues before optical data is processed, leading to signal loss and inefficiency in handling multiple wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A multiport free-space WDM device utilizing a relay lens to extend the optical working distance, comprising an optical filter, collimator, and relay optical filter, which extracts and collimates specific wavelengths with minimal loss, allowing for efficient handling of multiple optical signals in multiple wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional passive WDM devices are used to handle multiple optical signals, then the device structure is simple, but optical divergence occurs leading to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
A relay lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the input collimator and the optical filters. This relay lens system (including first and second relay lenses) acts as a mediator to transfer and recollimate the optical beam, preventing direct divergence while the beam traverses the filtering stages, thus reducing signal loss without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into distinct functional zones: an input collimation stage, a relay lens transfer stage with first and second relay lenses, filtering stages with optical filters, and an output collimation stage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with relay lenses positioned to address divergence at critical transition points
2Measurement precision
If optical filters are used to extract specific wavelengths, then wavelength separation is achieved, but optical divergence increases before data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The relay lens system performs preliminary recollimation of the optical beam before it enters the optical filter stage. By establishing a collimated beam state prior to wavelength filtering, the system prevents divergence from degrading the optical signal during the filtering process, ensuring that wavelength separation can be performed on a well-collimated beam for maximum precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical working distance of collimators is extended to handle multiple ports, then multiport functionality is achieved, but light divergence increases
Solution Approach 1:
Relay lenses serve as intermediary optical elements that extend the effective working distance of the collimator system. The first relay lens receives the collimated beam from the input collimator and the second relay lens delivers it to the output collimator, enabling multiport configurations over extended distances while maintaining beam collimation and preventing divergence-related losses
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 solution effectively reduces light divergence and signal loss, enabling the device to handle multiple wavelengths with minimal optical loss, thereby enhancing the performance and capacity of optical communication networks.
Implementation Method 1
the optical relay collimates the second optical beam with minimal loss due to light divergence
Implementation Method 2
The optical filter is able to receive an optical beam containing multiple λn and subsequently extract a first wavelength (λ1) from λn
Implementation Method 3
using a relay lens to extend optical working distance of collimator(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Method and multiport free-space wavelength division multiplexing (“WDM”) device capable of handling multiple optical signals carried in multiple wavelengths (“λn”) using a relay lens are disclosed. The WDM device includes an optical filter, collimator, optical relay, and a relay optical filter. The optical filter is able to receive an optical beam containing multiple λn and subsequently extract a first wavelength (“λ1”) from λn. A second optical beam is formed by the remaining of λn. The collimator, in one example, receives λ1 from the optical filter. Upon receiving the second optical beam, the optical relay collimates the second optical beam with minimal loss due to light divergence. The relay optical filter, in one aspect, is configured to receive the collimated second optical beam and redirects the collimated second optical beam to a predefined intended orientation.