Z-Block WDM Coupling to Multicore Fiber Cores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices face challenges in efficiently coupling multiple optical channels to multicore optical fibers due to the large volume requirements and high material/process costs associated with photonic light-wave circuits, which reduce channel density and increase packaging size.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus comprising a WDM device, such as a Z-block, optically coupled with a multicore optical fiber using a lens, where the pitch between light-carrying media and the angle between the Z-block's surfaces are aligned to match the multicore fiber's optical cores, allowing for efficient coupling of discrete laser sources without significant increases in package size or material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photonic light-wave circuits are used to fan-in to the small pitch between optical cores of multicore fiber, then optical coupling is achieved, but material and process costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive photonic light-wave circuits with a simpler, lower-cost optical coupling mechanism using discrete optical components that can be implemented with standard manufacturing processes, significantly reducing material and process costs while maintaining coupling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core function of optical coupling from the complex photonic light-wave circuit architecture, isolating it into a simpler subsystem that can be implemented independently using less expensive components and processes
2Reliability
If single-channel optical fibers are used for multiple optical channels, then optical transmission is achieved, but fiber management volume increases and channel density at fiber termination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-channel optical fiber paths into a single multicore fiber that can carry multiple optical channels simultaneously, reducing the total fiber management volume and increasing channel density at the termination point while maintaining reliable optical transmission for each channel
3Reliability
If single-channel optical fibers are used for multiple optical channels, then optical transmission is achieved, but packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical channels into a single multicore fiber bundle, allowing multiple channels to share a common packaging structure rather than requiring separate packaging for each single-channel fiber, thereby reducing overall packaging size while maintaining transmission reliability
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 solution provides a low-cost, resilient method for coupling multiple optical channels to multicore fibers, increasing package density and value while maintaining manufacturing and assembly tolerance, without requiring substantial modifications to existing equipment or processes.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of wavelength filters are arranged at the first surface
Implementation Method 2
A first portion of the second surface is optically reflective
Implementation Method 3
a lens arranged between the WDM device and a multicore optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein include an optical apparatus comprising a plurality of light-carrying media, a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device optically coupled with the plurality of light-carrying media, and a lens arranged between the WDM device and a multicore optical fiber. An arrangement of the plurality of light carrying media and the WDM device are selected to align each of the plurality of light-carrying media with a respective optical core of the multicore optical fiber.