How are fiber optic couplers classified

A fiber optic coupler is a device for coupling and distributing optical signals in a fiber optic communication system. It can couple optical signals from multiple input fibers into one output fiber, or distribute optical signals from one input fiber into multiple output fibers. According to its working principle and structural characteristics, fiber optic coupler can be divided into many different classifications.

Classification based on working principle:

Simple coupler: also known as star coupler, is the most common type of fiber optic coupler. It couples the optical signals from multiple input fibers into one output fiber by concentrating them, or distributes the optical signals from one input fiber into multiple output fibers. Simple type coupler is generally realized by using grating or waveguide structure.

Passive coupler: Also known as microwave coupler, it is a passive element that does not require external energy input. It achieves the coupling and distribution of optical signals by adjusting the relative position and angle between the input and output fibers. Passive couplers are generally realized using fiber arrays, gratings or waveguide structures.

Active coupler: also known as adjustable coupler, is a device that can be adjusted by external control signals to adjust the optical signal coupling and distribution. Active coupler is generally achieved using electro-optic effect or thermo-optic effect, by adjusting the voltage or temperature to change the coupling effect between optical fibers.

Classification based on structural features:

Fiber-optic array coupler: an array composed of multiple optical fibers, the coupling and distribution of optical signals is achieved by adjusting the spacing and angle between the fibers. Fiber array coupler can achieve high throughput optical signal coupling and distribution, commonly used in optical communication systems and optical sensors.

Grating coupler: The grating structure is used to realize the coupling and distribution of optical signals. Grating coupler has high coupling efficiency and small insertion loss, commonly used in fiber grating sensors and fiber grating filters.

Waveguide coupler: the use of waveguide structure to achieve the coupling and distribution of optical signals. Waveguide couplers have smaller size and higher integration, commonly used in integrated optical routers and optical switches.

Classification based on application scenarios:

Multimode coupler: used in multimode fiber optic communication system, capable of realizing the optical signals from multiple input fibers coupled to one output fiber, or distributing the optical signals from one input fiber to multiple output fibers.

Single-mode coupler: Used in single-mode fiber optic communication system, it can realize coupling of optical signals from a single input fiber to an output fiber, or distributing optical signals from an input fiber to multiple output fibers.

In short, fiber optic coupler can be classified according to its working principle, structural characteristics and application scenarios, and different types of fiber optic couplers have different characteristics and application advantages in optical signal coupling and distribution.

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