WO2001009657A1 - Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses - Google Patents
Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses Download PDFInfo
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- WO2001009657A1 WO2001009657A1 PCT/US2000/014814 US0014814W WO0109657A1 WO 2001009657 A1 WO2001009657 A1 WO 2001009657A1 US 0014814 W US0014814 W US 0014814W WO 0109657 A1 WO0109657 A1 WO 0109657A1
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- lens
- diffractive optic
- diffraction grating
- collimatmg
- multiplexed
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
- G02B6/293—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
- G02B6/29304—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by diffraction, e.g. grating
- G02B6/29305—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by diffraction, e.g. grating as bulk element, i.e. free space arrangement external to a light guide
- G02B6/2931—Diffractive element operating in reflection
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
- G02B6/293—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
- G02B6/29304—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by diffraction, e.g. grating
- G02B6/29305—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by diffraction, e.g. grating as bulk element, i.e. free space arrangement external to a light guide
- G02B6/29307—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by diffraction, e.g. grating as bulk element, i.e. free space arrangement external to a light guide components assembled in or forming a solid transparent unitary block, e.g. for facilitating component alignment
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
- G02B6/293—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
- G02B6/29379—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means characterised by the function or use of the complete device
- G02B6/2938—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means characterised by the function or use of the complete device for multiplexing or demultiplexing, i.e. combining or separating wavelengths, e.g. 1xN, NxM
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4204—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms
- G02B6/4215—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms the intermediate optical elements being wavelength selective optical elements, e.g. variable wavelength optical modules or wavelength lockers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4246—Bidirectionally operating package structures
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing and, more particularly, to wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses.
- Wavelength division multiplexing is a rapidly emerging technology that enables a very significant increase in the aggregate volume of data that can be transmitted over optical fibers.
- WDM Wavelength division multiplexing
- the basic concept of WDM is to launch and retrieve multiple data channels in and out, respectively, of an optical fiber. Each data channel is transmitted at a unique wavelength, and the wavelengths are appropriately selected such that the channels do not interfere with each other, and the optical transmission losses of the fiber are low.
- WDM is a cost-effective method of increasing the volume of data (commonly termed bandwidth) transferred over optical fibers.
- Alternate competing technologies for increasing bandwidth include the burying of additional fiber optic cable or increasing the optical transmission rate over optical fiber.
- the burying of additional fiber optic cable is quite costly as it is presently on the order of $15,000 to $40,000 per kilometer.
- Increasing the optical transmission rate is limited by the speed and economy of the electronics surrounding the fiber optic system.
- TDM time division multiplexing
- WDM offers the potential of both an economical and technological solution to increasing bandwidth by using many parallel channels. Further, WDM is complimentary to TDM. That is, WDM can allow many simultaneous high transmission rate TDM channels to be passed over a single optical fiber.
- the use of WDM to increase bandwidth requires two basic devices that are conceptually symmetrical.
- the first device is a wavelength division multiplexer. This device takes multiple beams, each with discrete wavelengths that are initially spatially separated m space, and provides a means for spatially combining all of the different wavelength beams into a single polychromatic beam suitable for launching into an optical fiber.
- the multiplexer may be a completely passive optical device or may include electronics that control or monitor the performance of the multiplexer.
- the input to the multiplexer is typically accomplished with optical fibers, although laser diodes or other optical sources may also be employed.
- the output from the multiplexer is a single polychromatic beam which is typically directed into an optical fiber.
- the second device for WDM is a wavelength division demultiplexer.
- This device is functionally the opposite of the wavelength division multiplexer. That is, the wavelength division demultiplexer receives a polychromatic beam from an optical fiber and provides a means of spatially separating the different wavelengths of the polychromatic beam.
- the output from the demultiplexer is a plurality of monochromatic beams which are typically directed into a corresponding plurality of optical fibers or photodetectors.
- the WDM devices and/or methods disclosed m the above-listed publications are all classical optics-based WDM approaches which employ very basic lenses that are adequate only for use with multimode optical fibers and are inadequate for use with single mode optical fibers because the core diameter of a single mode optical fiber (i.e., typically 8 ⁇ m) is much smaller than the core diameter of a multimode optical fiber (i.e., typically 62.5 ⁇ m) . That is, due to the very basic lenses employed therein, WDM devices incorporating the principles set forth m the classical optics-based WDM approaches disclosed m the above-listed publications are unable to receive and transmit optical beams from and to single mode optical fibers, respectively, without incurring unacceptable amounts of insertion loss and channel crosstalk.
- gradient refractive index lenses e.g., Gradium lenses
- the use of these gradient refractive index lenses results in a significant improvement m the quality of the imaging system within WDM devices.
- costs associated with manufacturing these gradient refractive index lenses is significantly greater than the costs associated with manufacturing standard homogeneous index lenses, despite the fact that both are typically formed of standard optical glass materials.
- the primary object of the present invention is to provide wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices which use diffractive optic lenses to achieve increased device performance, as well as reduced device cost, complexity, and manufacturing risk.
- an improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.
- the improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device comes from the use of a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating.
- the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
- the diffraction grating is typically a reflective diffraction grating oriented at the Littrow diffraction angle with respect to the first and second directions .
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens has substantially planar front and back surfaces, and a microscopic pattern associated with the diffractive optic can be formed on either the substantially planar front surface or the substantially planar back surface.
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens can be one of several types such as, for example, a binary diffractive optic lens or a Fresnel diffractive optic lens.
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens typically operates in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum since this is the region where the power loss (attenuation) and dispersion of silica- based optical fibers is very low. Accordingly, the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens is typically formed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, crystalline, and plastic, as well as from any of a number of other appropriate materials that efficiently transmit optical beams in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- the improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device can be the use of a diffractive optic collimating lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and a diffractive optic focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating.
- the second direction is different from, but not opposite, the first direction.
- an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device can be provided. That is, an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device can be provided comprising a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction, and for focusing a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction. In this case, the second direction is again substantially opposite the first direction.
- the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device also comprises a first homogeneous index boot lens affixed to the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens for transmitting the plurality of monochromatic optical beams from the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens along the first direction, and for transmitting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam to the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens along the second direction.
- the first homogeneous index boot lens has a planar interface surface.
- the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device further comprises a diffraction grating formed at the planar interface surface of the first homogeneous index boot lens for combining the plurality of monochromatic optical beams into the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and for reflecting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam back into the first homogeneous index boot lens.
- the diffraction grating is typically a reflective diffraction grating oriented at the Littrow diffraction angle with respect to the first and second directions.
- the homogeneous index boot lens can be incorporated into the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens such that the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens has the planar interface surface at which the diffraction grating is formed.
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens can have a planar interface surface for accepting the plurality of monochromatic optical beams from at least one optical source (e.g., optical fibers, laser diodes) , and for outputting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam to at least one optical receiver (e.g., optical fibers, photodetectors).
- the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device further comprises a second homogeneous index boot lens affixed to the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens for transmitting the plurality of monochromatic optical beams to the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens along the first direction, and for transmitting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam from the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens along the second direction.
- the second homogeneous index boot lens preferably has a planar interface surface for accepting the plurality of monochromatic optical beams from at least one optical source, and for outputting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam to at least one optical receiver.
- a wavelength division multiplexing device comprising a diffractive optic collimating lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams, and a diffraction grating for combining the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and for reflecting the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.
- the wavelength division multiplexing device also comprises a diffractive optic focusing lens for focusing the reflected, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.
- the wavelength division multiplexing device can further comprise at least one reflecting element for reflecting the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams toward the diffraction grating, and/or at least one reflecting element for reflecting the reflected, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam toward the diffractive optic focusing lens.
- the improved wavelength division multiplexing device can also be an improved wavelength division demultiplexing device
- the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device can also be an integrated wavelength division demultiplexing device
- the wavelength division multiplexing device can also be a wavelength division demultiplexing device.
- Figure la is a side view of a wavelength division multiplexing device having a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure lb is a top view of the wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure la.
- Figure lc is a perspective end view of a portion of the wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure la.
- Figure 7a is a side view of an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device having a back extended diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 7b is a top view of the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure 7a.
- Figure 8 is a side view of a wavelength division multiplexing device using a diffractive optic collimating lens, a diffractive optic focusing lens, and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 10 comprises a plurality of optical input fibers 12, an input fiber coupling device 14, a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16, a reflective diffraction grating 18, an output fiber coupling device 20, and a single optical output fiber 22. All of the above-identified components of the multiplexing device 10 are disposed along an optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10, as will be described in more detail below.
- optical input fibers 12 and the optical output fiber 22, as well as any other optical fibers described herein as being used in conjunction with WDM devices in accordance with the present invention are single mode optical fibers.
- WDM devices are single mode optical fibers.
- this does not limit the present invention WDM devices to use with only single mode optical fibers.
- Figure 2a is an end and a cross-sectional view of a binary diffractive optic lens having a concentric circular pattern of steps surrounding a center raised region etched into the lens material.
- Figure 2b is an end and a cross-sectional view of a
- Fresnel diffractive optic lens having a concentric circular pattern of peaks surrounding a center raised region applied to the lens material.
- Figure 3a is a perspective view of a coupling device containing a plurality of laser diodes for replacing the plurality of optical input fibers in the multiplexing device shown in Figure la.
- Figure 3b is a perspective view of a coupling device containing a plurality of photodetectors for replacing the plurality of optical input fibers in the demultiplexing device shown in Figure 4a.
- Figure 4a is a side view of a wavelength division demultiplexing device having a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 4b is a top view of the wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure 4a.
- Figure 5a is a side view of an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device having a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 5b is a top view of the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure 5a.
- Figure 6a is a side view of an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device having a front extended diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 6b is a top view of the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure 6a.
- Figure 7a is a side view of an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device having a back extended diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 7b is a top view of the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device shown in Figure 7a.
- Figure 8 is a side view of a wavelength division multiplexing device using a diffractive optic collimating lens, a diffractive optic focusing lens, and a reflective diffraction grating in accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 10 comprises a plurality of optical input fibers 12, an input fiber coupling device 14, a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16, a reflective diffraction grating 18, an output fiber coupling device 20, and a single optical output fiber 22. All of the above-identified components of the multiplexing device 10 are disposed along an optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10, as will be described in more detail below.
- optical input fibers 12 and the optical output fiber 22, as well as any other optical fibers described herein as being used in conjunction with WDM devices in accordance with the present invention are single mode optical fibers.
- WDM devices are single mode optical fibers.
- this does not limit the present invention WDM devices to use with only single mode optical fibers.
- Figure 7a is a side view of an integrated wavelength division multiplexing device having a back extended diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens and a reflective diffraction grating m accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 7b is a top view of the integrated wavelength division multiplexing device shown m Figure 7a.
- Figure 8 is a side view of a wavelength division multiplexing device using a diffractive optic collimating lens, a diffractive optic focusing lens, and a reflective diffraction grating m accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 10 comprises a plurality of optical input fibers 12, an input fiber coupling device 14, a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16, a reflective diffraction grating 18, an output fiber coupling device 20, and a single optical output fiber 22. All of the above-identifled components of the multiplexing device 10 are disposed along an optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10, as will be described m more detail below.
- optical input fibers 12 and the optical output fiber 22, as well as any other optical fibers described herein as being used m conjunction with WDM devices m accordance with the present invention are single mode optical fibers .
- WDM devices to use with only single mode optical fibers.
- 11 device ' s can also be used with multimode optical fibers " .
- the multiplexing device 10 is operating in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum as a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) device (i.e., operating with data channels having channel spacings of 1 nm or less) .
- DWDM dense wavelength division multiplexing
- the present invention WDM devices can also be standard WDM devices (i.e., operating with data channels having channel spacings greater than 1 nm) .
- the plurality of optical input fibers 12 are grouped into a one- dimensional input fiber array (i.e., a 1 x 4 array) by the input fiber coupling device 14, while the single optical output fiber 22 is secured to the output fiber coupling device 20.
- Both the input fiber coupling device 14 and the output fiber coupling device 20 are used for purposes of ease of optical fiber handling and precision placement, and can be formed of, for example, a silicon V-groove assembly.
- FIG. lc there is shown a perspective end view of a portion of the multiplexing device 10 revealing how the plurality of optical input fibers 12 are grouped into the one- dimensional input fiber array by the input fiber coupling device 14, and how the single optical output fiber 22 is secured to the output fiber coupling device 20.
- Figure lc also shows a monochromatic optical input beam 24 being transmitted from each of the plurality of optical input fibers 12, and a single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 being transmitted to the single optical output fiber 22.
- each monochromatic optical input beam 24 is superimposed on each corresponding unique wavelength by means (e.g., laser diodes connected to the plurality of optical input fibers 12), which are not shown here and which do not form a part of this invention, but are well known m the art.
- means e.g., laser diodes connected to the plurality of optical input fibers 12
- the unique wavelengths of the monochromatic optical input beams 24 are appropriately preselected such that the data channels do not interfere with each other (i.e., there is sufficient channel spacing) , and the optical transmission losses through both the optical input fibers 12 and the optical output fiber 22 are low, as is also well known m the art .
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 being transmitted to the single optical output fiber 22 is carrying a plurality of channels of data at the unique wavelengths of each of the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24.
- the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24 are combined into the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 through the combined operation of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 and the reflective diffraction grating 18, as will be described m more detail below.
- the input fiber coupling device 14 and the output fiber coupling device 20 are disposed offset from, but symmetrically about, the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10 so as to insure that the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is directed to the
- This offset spacing of the input fiber coupling device 14 and the output fiber coupling device 20 is determined based upon the focusing power of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16, as well as the characteristics of the diffraction grating 18 and the wavelengths of each of the monochromatic optical input beams 24.
- each of the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24 are transmitted from their corresponding optical input fiber 12 into the air space between the input fiber coupling device 14 and the diffractive optic collimating/ focusing lens 16.
- the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24 are expanded m diameter until they become incident upon the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16.
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 collimates each of the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24, and then transmits each collimated, monochromatic optical input beam 24' to the reflective diffraction grating 18.
- the optical axis of the diffractive optic coll ⁇ mat ⁇ ng/focusing lens 16 coincides with the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10 so as to insure that the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is directed to the single optical output fiber 22 secured to the output fiber coupling device 20, and not to any of the plurality of optical input fibers 12 secured to the input fiber coupling device 14, or anywhere else, as will be described m more detail below.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 operates to
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 is oriented at a special angle (i.e., the Littrow diffraction angle, ⁇ relative to the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10 in order to obtain the Littrow diffraction condition for an optical beam having a wavelength that lies within or near the wavelength range of the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24'.
- the Littrow diffraction condition requires that an optical beam be incident on and reflected back from a reflective diffraction grating at the exact same angle. Therefore, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the reflective diffraction grating 18 is used to obtain near-Littrow diffraction for each of the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24'.
- the Littrow diffraction angle, a x depends upon numerous variables, which may be varied as necessary to optimize the performance of the multiplexing device 10.
- variables affecting the Littrow diffraction angle, oc ⁇ include the desired grating diffraction order, the grating blaze angle, the number of data channels, the spacing of the data channels, and the wavelength range of the multiplexing device 10.
- the 15 diffraction grating 18 can be formed from a variety o " f ⁇ materials and by a variety of techniques.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be formed by a three-dimensional hologram in a polymer medium, or by replicating a mechanically ruled master with a polymer material. In both cases, the polymer is overcoated with a thin, highly reflective metal layer such as, for example, gold or aluminum.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be formed by chemically etching into a planar material such as, for example, glass or silicon, which is also overcoated with a thin, highly reflective metal layer such as, for example, gold or aluminum.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 operates to angularly disperse the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24'.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 removes the angular separation of the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24', and reflects a single collimated, polychromatic optical output beam 26' back towards the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16.
- the single collimated, polychromatic optical output beam 26' contains each of the unique wavelengths of the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24'.
- the single collimated, polychromatic optical output beam 26' is a single collimated, multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26'.
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 focuses the single collimated, multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26', and then transmits the resulting single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 to the output fiber coupling device 20 where it becomes incident upon the single optical output fiber 22.
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is then coupled into single optical output
- the input fiber coupling device 14 and the output fiber coupling device 20 are disposed offset from, but symmetrically about, the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 10 so as to insure that the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is directed to the single optical output fiber 22 secured to the output fiber coupling device 20.
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is also insured of being directed to the single optical output fiber 22 in a very efficient manner (i.e., with very low insertion losses and negligible channel crosstalk) by virtue of the enhanced imaging of both the input optical beams 24 and output optical beam 26 within the multiplexing device 10 through the use of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16.
- This enhanced imaging of both the input optical beams 24 and output optical beam 26 within the multiplexing device 10 is a direct result of the collimating/focusing lens 16 being a diffractive optic type lens rather than a refractive optic type lens, as described -in more detail below.
- refractive optics There are two basic types of transmission optics: refractive optics and diffractive optics.
- refractive optics There are two basic types of transmission optics: refractive optics and diffractive optics.
- most lenses have been refractive optic lenses, which have been used in applications such as, for example, eyeglasses, microscopes, and binoculars.
- a refractive optic lens is typically fabricated such that the lens material (e.g., glass, crystalline, or plastic) has a varying thickness and smooth, spherical curved surfaces. Incoming light is bent or refracted based upon the angle of incidence of the incoming light and the change in
- a diffractive optic lens works by breaking up an incoming wave of light into a large number of wavelets, which recombme to form a completely new wave or waves at an exit surface of the diffractive optic lens.
- the new wave(s) can move m a direction that is the same as or different from the direction of the incoming light wave depending upon the profile of the diffractive optic lens.
- a diffractive optic lens can also convert a single input light beam into multiple output light beams, focus an input light beam onto a point or into a pattern, homogenize an input light beam, or diffuse an input light beam into a controlled area.
- a diffractive optic lens breaks up an incoming light wave by forcing it through a microscopic pattern that is formed on a surface of the lens material (e.g., glass, crystalline, or plastic) .
- the microscopic pattern is typically formed on the surface of the lens material using a photolithography process. It should be noted that the microscopic pattern can also be applied, transferred, or replicated onto a lens or substrate surface using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique.
- the microscopic pattern can take many forms but, for the purpose of collimating and focusing light beams in accordance with the present invention, the microscopic pattern may take the form of a concentric circular pattern of steps or peaks surrounding a center raised region, all being centered about an optical axis.
- diffractive optic lens is a binary diffractive optic lens, which generally has blocklike steps.
- Another type of diffractive optic lens is a Fresnel diffractive optic lens, which generally has curved peaks.
- Figure 2a there is shown an end and a cross-sectional view of a binary diffractive optic lens 116 having a concentric circular pattern of steps 118 surrounding a center raised region 120.
- the microscopic pattern is shown etched into the lens material.
- Figure 2b there is shown an end and a cross-sectional view of a Fresnel diffractive optic lens 216 having a concentric circular pattern of peaks 218 surrounding a center raised region 220.
- the microscopic pattern is shown applied to the lens material.
- the size and spacing of the stairs, peaks, and center raised region determine how the incoming light will be affected, as is commonly known in the art.
- the size of the features is on the order of the wavelength of the light that is incident on the lens.
- the microscopic pattern need only be formed on one surface of a diffractive optic lens. That is, the microscopic pattern need only be formed on either the front or back surface of a diffractive optic lens in order for the lens to be functional. Also, the microscopic pattern that is formed on a diffractive optic lens is indeed microscopic such that the surface having the microscopic pattern is typically substantially planar. The surface not having
- the microscopic pattern is also typically substantially planar.
- a diffractive optic lens i.e., the front patterned surface and the back unpatterned surface, or vice versa
- both surfaces of a diffractive optic lens are typically substantially planar is an important aspect of the present invention when forming an integrated device using one or more diffractive optic lenses, as described in more detail below.
- a diffractive optic lens can typically achieve 90 percent or greater focusing or coupling efficiency, and while a conventional refractive optic lens commonly requires one or more lenses together to bend light, a diffractive optic lens can perform the same function with a thickness as small as a thousandth of a millimeter. Also, by choosing the appropriate steepness and spacing of the steps or the peaks, it is possible to avoid or eliminate problems such as spherical and other types of aberrations. Furthermore, diffractive optic lenses, when produced in large quantities, are often significantly cheaper and more uniform than refractive optic lenses for performing even relatively simple optical functions such as collimating and focusing. Additionally, once an original diffractive optic lens has been fabricated, it can be reproduced through embossing, plastic injection molding, or batch photolithographic processing, thereby reducing the cost of multiple diffractive optic lenses.
- the plurality of optical input fibers 12 could be replaced in the multiplexing device 10 by a corresponding plurality of laser diodes 28 secured within a coupling device 30, such as shown in Figure 3a.
- the coupling device 30 performs a similar function to the input fiber coupling device 14, that being to precisely group the plurality of laser diodes 28 into a one-dimensional input array.
- the plurality of laser diodes 28 are used in place of the
- the array of laser diodes 28 may operate alone, or may be used with appropriate focusing lenses to provide the best coupling and the lowest amount of signal loss and channel crosstalk.
- the multiplexing device 10 may be operated in a converse configuration as a demultiplexing device 40, such as shown in Figures 4a and 4b.
- the demultiplexing device 40 is physically identical to the multiplexing device 10, and is therefore numerically identified as such.
- the demultiplexing device 40 is functionally opposite to the multiplexing device 10. That is, a single multiplexed, polychromatic optical input beam 42 is transmitted from the single optical fiber 22, and a plurality of monochromatic optical output beams 44 are transmitted to the plurality of optical fibers 12, wherein each one of the plurality of monochromatic optical output beams 44 is transmitted to a corresponding one of the plurality of optical fibers 12.
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical input beam 42 is simultaneously carrying a plurality of channels of data, each at a unique wavelength which is preferably, but not required to be, within the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- the plurality of monochromatic optical output beams 44 are each carrying a single channel of data at a corresponding one of the unique wavelengths of the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical input beam 42.
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical input beam 42 is separated into the plurality of monochromatic optical output beams 44 through the combined operation of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 and the
- the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 and the reflective diffraction grating 18 operate to perform a demultiplexing function.
- the plurality of optical fibers 12 could be replaced in the demultiplexing device 40 by a corresponding plurality of photodetectors 48 secured within a coupling device 50, such as shown in Figure 3b.
- the coupling device 50 performs a similar function to the fiber coupling device 14, that being to precisely group the plurality of photodetectors 48 into a one-dimensional input array.
- the plurality of photodetectors 48 are used in place of the plurality of optical fibers 12 to receive the plurality of monochromatic optical output beams 44 from the demultiplexing device 40.
- the array of photodetectors 48 may operate alone, or may be used with appropriate focusing lenses to provide the best coupling and the lowest amount of signal loss and channel crosstalk.
- FIG. 5a and 5b there are shown a side view and a top view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a wavelength division multiplexing device 60 in accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 60 is physically identical to the multiplexing device 10, except for the addition of a first homogeneous index boot lens 62 between the fiber coupling devices 14, 20 and the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16, and a second homogeneous index boot lens 64 between the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 and the reflective diffraction grating 18.
- the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 has a planar front surface 62a for mating with the fiber coupling devices 14 and 20 and the associated secured optical fibers 12 and 22, respectively.
- the fiber coupling devices 14 and 20 and the secured optical fibers 12 and 22 may be either abutted against the planar front surface 62a or affixed to the planar front surface 62a using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique, depending upon system mobility requirements and optical beam alignment and loss considerations .
- the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 also has a planar back surface 62b for mating with a planar front surface 16a of the diffractive optic collimating/ focusing lens 16.
- the planar back surface 62b of the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 is typically joined or affixed to the planar front surface 16a of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique.
- the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 has a planar front surface 64a for mating with a planar back surface 16b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16.
- the planar front surface 64a of the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 is typically joined or affixed to the planar back surface 16b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique.
- the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 also has a planar back surface 64b that is angled similar to the reflective diffraction grating 18 at the Littrow diffraction angle, a x , relative to the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 60.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be formed directly on the planar back surface 64b of the second homogeneous index boot lens 64, thereby avoiding the joining or affixing of the reflective diffraction grating 18 to the planar back surface 64b of the second homogeneous index boot lens 64.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 and the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 are integrated along with the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 and the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 to form a compact, rigid, and environmentally and thermally stable multiplexing device 60.
- the integrated nature of this multiplexing device 60 is particularly useful for maintaining component alignment, which provides long-term performance in contrast to some non-integrated air-spaced devices that characteristically degrade in alignment and therefore performance over time.
- the microscopic pattern can be formed on either the planar front surface 16a or the planar back surface 16b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 without substantially changing the planar characteristics of that surface.
- the planar characteristics of both the planar front surface 16a and the planar back surface 16b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16 allow for easy mating and integrated assembly with the planar back surface 62b of the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 and the planar front surface 64a of the second homogeneous index boot lens 64, respectively.
- the multiplexing device 60 is functionally identical to the multiplexing device 10, except for a slight decrease m optical beam transmission efficiency due to the addition of the first and second homogeneous index boot lenses 62 and 64, respectively. However, even with this slight decrease m optical beam transmission efficiency, the optical performance of the multiplexing device 60 is still exceptional due to the use of a diffractive optic type lens instead of a refractive optic type lens for the collimating/focusing lens 16.
- the use of a diffractive optic type lens for the collimating/focusing lens 16 can be used to eliminate aberrations caused by the spherical nature of a refractive optic type lens. And these aberrations are still eliminated despite the addition of the first and second homogeneous index boot lenses 62 and 64, respectively.
- FIG. 6a and 6b there are shown a side view and a top view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a wavelength division multiplexing device 70 m accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 70 is physically identical to the multiplexing device 60, except that the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 has been removed and the planar front surface 16'a of the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16' has been extended so as to allow the fiber coupling devices 14, 20 and the secured optical fibers 12 and 22, respectively, to be either abutted against the planar front surface 16 'a or affixed to the planar front surface 16' a using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique,
- the microscopic pattern is formed on the planar back surface 16 'b of the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16' without substantially changing the planar characteristics of that surface.
- the integrated nature of the multiplexing device 70 is particularly useful for maintaining component alignment, which provides long-term performance m contrast to some non- integrated air-spaced devices that characteristically degrade alignment and therefore performance over time.
- the multiplexing device 70 is functionally identical to the multiplexing device 60, except for a slight increase optical beam transmission efficiency due to the removal of the first homogeneous index boot lens 62.
- FIG. 7a and 7b there are shown a side view and a top view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a wavelength division multiplexing device 80 m accordance with the present invention.
- the multiplexing device 80 is physically identical to the multiplexing device 60, except that the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 has been removed and the planar back surface 16' 'b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16'' has been extended out to the reflective diffraction grating 18 and angled similar to the reflective diffraction grating 18 at the Littrow diffraction angle, a ⁇ , relative to the optical axis X-X of the multiplexing device 80.
- the microscopic pattern is formed on the planar front surface 16' 'a of the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16'' without substantially changing the planar characteristics of that surface.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be formed using a separate material, and
- this material can then be joined or affixed to the planar back surface 16' 'b of the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16'' using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 can be formed directly on the planar back surface 16' 'b of the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16'', thereby avoiding the joining or affixing of the reflective diffraction grating 18 to the planar back surface 16' 'b of the diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens 16''.
- the reflective diffraction grating 18 and the diffractive optic collimatmg/focusmg lens 16'' are integrated along with the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 to form a compact, rigid, and environmentally and thermally stable multiplexing device 80.
- the integrated nature of the multiplexing device 80 is particularly useful for maintaining component alignment, which provides long-term performance m contrast to some non-integrated air-spaced devices that characteristically degrade alignment and therefore performance over time.
- the multiplexing device 80 is functionally identical to the multiplexing device 60, except for a slight increase m optical beam transmission efficiency due to the removal of the second homogeneous index boot lens 64.
- first homogeneous index boot lens 62 or the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 may be removed from the multiplexing device 60, the second homogeneous index boot lens 64 may be removed from the multiplexing device 70, and the first homogeneous index boot lens 62 may be removed from the multiplexing device 80 m order to create additional alternate embodiments (not shown) while still retaining the above-described benefits of using a
- FIG 8 there is shown a side view of an alternate embodiment of a wavelength division multiplexing device 100 m accordance with the present mvention.
- the multiplexing device 100 differs from the previously described embodiments by using a separate diffractive optic collimating lens 102, a separate diffractive optic focusing lens 106, and a reflective diffraction grating 104 that is configured to operate at reflecting angle that is different than the reflecting angle of the previously described embodiments.
- the diffractive optic collimating lens 102 collimates the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams 24, and then transmits the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24' to the reflective diffraction grating 104.
- the reflective diffraction grating 104 removes the angular separation from the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical input beams 24' and reflects the single collimated, multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26' toward the diffractive optic focusing lens 106.
- the diffractive optic focusing lens 106 focuses the single collimated, multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26', and then transmits the resulting single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 to the output fiber coupling device 20 where it becomes incident upon the single optical output fiber 22.
- the single multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam 26 is then coupled into the single optical output fiber 22 for transmission therethrough.
- homogeneous index boot lenses can be added to the multiplexing device 100 and/or either one of the diffractive optic collimating lens 102 or the diffractive
- optic f ⁇ cusmg lens 106 can be extended so as to allow the fiber coupling device 14 and the secured optical fibers 12 or the fiber coupling device 20 and the secured optical fibers 22, respectively, to be either abutted against the planar front surface of tne diffractive optic collimating lens 102 or the diffractive optic focusing lens 106 or affixed to the planar front surface of the diffractive optic collimating lens 102 or the diffractive optic focusing lens 106 using optical cement or some other optically transparent bonding technique, depending upon system mobility requirements and optical beam alignment and loss considerations.
- the benefits and detriments associated with using these substitute/additional components are applicable to the multiplexing device 100 as would be the case with the embodiments described above.
- the most significant benefits come from the use of a diffractive optic type lens instead of a refractive optic type lens for the collimating lens 102 and the focusing lens 106. That is, regardless of embodiment, the use of diffractive optic type lenses m WDM devices yields increased device performance, as well as reduced device cost, complexity, and manufacturing risk. Simply said, the use of diffractive optic type lenses allows for the construction of a family of simple, low cost, yet very powerful WDM devices, particularly for use DWDM (i.e., high channel number) applications.
- DWDM i.e., high channel number
- additional lenses can be added to the above described devices if such is required or desired to further increase the performance of the devices.
- additional diffractive optic lenses or refractive optic lenses can be added to the above described devices if such is required to further increase the fiber coupling efficiency (FCE) of the devices.
- FCE fiber coupling efficiency
- the FCE of a WDM device expresses the efficiency of only the optical system of the WDM device for each data channel, without taking into account the efficiency of the diffraction grating. In these situations, a trade-off is typically made between a small increase m the FCE and the additional cost associated with adding additional lenses to a device.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00936404A EP1204890A1 (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2000-05-31 | Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses |
JP2001514613A JP2003506738A (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2000-05-31 | Wavelength division multiplexing device / demultiplexing device using diffractive optical lens |
AU51724/00A AU5172400A (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2000-05-31 | Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses |
CA002380512A CA2380512A1 (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2000-05-31 | Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/363,041 | 1999-07-29 | ||
US09/363,041 US6243513B1 (en) | 1997-12-13 | 1999-07-29 | Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses |
Publications (1)
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WO2001009657A1 true WO2001009657A1 (en) | 2001-02-08 |
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PCT/US2000/014814 WO2001009657A1 (en) | 1999-07-29 | 2000-05-31 | Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices using diffractive optic lenses |
Country Status (7)
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US (1) | US6243513B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1204890A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003506738A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1372648A (en) |
AU (1) | AU5172400A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2380512A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001009657A1 (en) |
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US6684010B1 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2004-01-27 | Digital Optics Corp. | Wavelength compensated optical wavelength division coupler and associated methods |
US7817883B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2010-10-19 | Tessera North America, Inc. | Optical assembly and method of making same |
US8532445B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2013-09-10 | Digitaloptics Corporation East | Optical assembly |
US7466502B2 (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2008-12-16 | Tessera North America, Inc. | Optical wavelength division coupler and associated methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6243513B1 (en) | 2001-06-05 |
EP1204890A1 (en) | 2002-05-15 |
JP2003506738A (en) | 2003-02-18 |
CA2380512A1 (en) | 2001-02-08 |
AU5172400A (en) | 2001-02-19 |
CN1372648A (en) | 2002-10-02 |
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