Apple patents laser setup that removes bulky optical isolators
Apple describes a communication circuit using two lasers and a special coupler to send signals. The design uses optical resonators to stabilize the lasers, eliminating the need for separate isolator components.
In the filing’s own words
An electronic device may include communication circuity that conveys signals using with a first laser that outputs a first optical signal and a second laser that outputs a second optical signal. The communication circuitry may include a multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler having first and second input ports and first and second output ports. The first laser may provide the first optical signal to the first input port. The second laser may provide the second optical signal to the second input port. The MMI coupler may be configured to exhibit a phase relationship between its ports that isolates the first and second lasers. One or two optical resonators may self-injection lock the lasers. The optical signals may exhibit low phase noise and jitter without the use of bulky optical isolators in the electronic device.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. Communication circuitry comprising: a first laser; a second laser; a multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler having a first input port, a second input port, a first output port, and a second output port; a first optical path that couples an output of the first laser to the first input port of the MMI coupler; a second optical path that couples an output of the second laser to the second input port of the MMI coupler; and a first optical resonator disposed on the first optical path.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Communications Circuitry with Isolator-Free Optical Injection Locking
- Publication number
- US20260319180A1
- Application number
- 19178618
- Filed
- Apr 14, 2025
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G02B 6/2813 Physics & computingG02B 6/12019 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.