17851252. Compact Light Splitting Devices and Methods simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
Compact Light Splitting Devices and Methods
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Yi-Kuei Wu of San Jose CA (US)
Compact Light Splitting Devices and Methods - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17851252 titled 'Compact Light Splitting Devices and Methods
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes configurations for a light splitting device used to split light over a range of wavelengths. The device includes two couplers with complementary splitting power relationships and a phase delay between them to achieve an even distribution of optical power across the wavelengths.
- The light splitting device consists of a first coupler and a second coupler.
- The first coupler has a first splitting power relationship, and the second coupler has a second splitting power relationship.
- The first and second splitting power relationships are complementary to each other over a range of wavelengths.
- A phase delay is positioned between the first and second couplers.
- The phase delay ensures that the output light has an approximately even optical power distribution across the range of wavelengths.
- The first and second couplers can be either directional couplers or tapered couplers.
Potential Applications
- Optical communication systems
- Fiber optic networks
- Optical signal processing
- Spectroscopy
- Biomedical imaging
Problems Solved
- Uneven distribution of optical power across different wavelengths
- Inefficient light splitting
- Limited bandwidth of light splitting devices
Benefits
- Even distribution of optical power across a range of wavelengths
- Improved efficiency of light splitting
- Increased operating bandwidth for light splitting devices
Original Abstract Submitted
Configurations for a light splitting device used for light splitting over an operating bandwidth of wavelengths are disclosed. The light splitting device may include a first coupler and a second coupler, where the first coupler has a first splitting power relationship and the second coupler has a second splitting power relationship and the first and second splitting power relationships are complementary to one another over the operating bandwidth of wavelengths. The light splitting device may further include a phase delay positioned between the first and second couplers. The phase delay may result in the output light having an approximately even optical power distribution across the operating bandwidth of wavelengths. In some embodiments, the first and second couplers may be directional couplers and, in other embodiments, the first and second couplers may be tapered couplers.
