Systems, methods, and computer program products for configurable channelized broadband light sources

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer program products for configurable channelized broadband light sources. A system may include a broadband light source device that may include at least one processor programmed or configured to receive an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining which of a plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; and operating a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on determining that the first component is to be operated. Methods and computer program products are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates generally to fiber optic communications and, in some non-limiting embodiments, to systems, methods, and computer program products for a configurable channelized broadband optical source that can be used during restoration of transmission system failures in optical communication networks. Background Art

[0002] Optical communication (e.g., optical telecommunications) can refer to methods of communicating between two locations separated by a distance using light to carry information. An optical communication system may use a transmitter that encodes a message into an optical signal, a channel that carries the optical signal to its destination, and a receiver that reproduces the message from the optical signal received by the receiver.

[0003] Fiber optic communication may refer to a form of optical communication that involves transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light (e.g., infrared light) through optical fibers. Light may be used in the form of a carrier wave modulated to carry information. In certain circumstances, such as when high bandwidth, long distances, and / or resistance to electromagnetic interference are required, optical fiber may be more desirable than electrical cables. Fiber optic communication can transmit voice, video, and telemetry over local area networks or across long distances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide systems, apparatus, products, and / or methods that overcome some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] According to a non-limiting embodiment, a broadband light source device is provided, which may include at least one processor, which is programmed or configured to: receive an electrical control signal for operating a component among multiple components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determine which component of the multiple components of the spectrum control device is to be operated based on the electrical control signal; and operate a first component among the multiple components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0006] According to a non-limiting embodiment, a method for operating a broadband light source device is provided, which may include: receiving, with at least one processor, an electrical control signal for operating a component among multiple components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining, with at least one processor, which component among the multiple components of the spectrum control device is to be operated based on the electrical control signal; and operating, with at least one processor, a first component among the multiple components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0007] According to a non-limiting embodiment, a computer program product for operating a broadband light source device is provided, which may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, which non-transitory computer-readable medium includes one or more instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: receive an electrical control signal for a component among multiple components of a spectrum control device for operating the broadband light source device; determine which component of the multiple components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; and operate the first component among the multiple components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0008] Further embodiments are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0009] Item 1: A broadband light source device comprising: at least one processor programmed or configured to: receive an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determine which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; and operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0010] Item 2: The broadband light source device of Item 1, wherein the spectrum control device comprises: a liquid crystal device, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, a digital light processing (DLP) device, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) device, or any combination thereof.

[0011] Clause 3: The broadband light source device of clause 1 or clause 2, further comprising: a host controller; and a laser light source; and wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to: activate the laser light source based on a signal from the host controller.

[0012] Clause 4: The broadband light source device of any of clauses 1-3, wherein each of the multiple components of the spectrum control device includes a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein, when operating a first component of the multiple components of the spectrum control device, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: control the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0013] Item 5: The broadband light source device of any one of items 1-4, wherein, when controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: control the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0014] Clause 6: The broadband light source device of any of clauses 1-5, wherein, when determining which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device is to be operated, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: determine a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal; and determine a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to be operated that corresponds to the first wavelength range of light.

[0015] Clause 7: The broadband light source device of any of clauses 1-6, wherein, upon receiving an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: receive the electrical control signal based on the presence of a power reduction in an optical transmission band in a plurality of optical transmission bands of an optical communication network.

[0016] Item 8: A method for operating a broadband light source device, comprising: receiving, with at least one processor, an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining, with at least one processor, which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device is to be operated based on the electrical control signal; and operating, with at least one processor, a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0017] Clause 9: The method of clause 8, further comprising: activating the laser light source based on a signal from a host controller.

[0018] Clause 10: The method of clause 8 or clause 9, wherein each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein operating a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises controlling a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving an electrical control signal.

[0019] Clause 11: The method of any of clauses 8-10, wherein controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal includes: controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0020] Clause 12: The method of any of clauses 8-11, wherein determining which component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device to operate comprises: determining a first wavelength range of light based on data included in an electrical control signal; and determining a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate that corresponds to the first wavelength range of light.

[0021] Clause 13: The method of any of clauses 8-12, wherein receiving an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device comprises receiving the electrical control signal based on a power reduction in an optical transmission band of a plurality of optical transmission bands of an optical communication network.

[0022] Clause 14: The method of any of clauses 8-13, wherein receiving the electrical control signal comprises receiving the electrical control signal to operate the broadband light source apparatus based on instructions received from an optical channel monitor (OCM).

[0023] Item 15: A computer program product for operating a broadband light source device, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including one or more instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determine which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; and operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to be operated.

[0024] Clause 16: The computer program product of clause 15, wherein each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device cause the at least one processor to: control a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0025] Clause 17: The computer program product of clause 15 or 16, wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to control a voltage applied to a first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving an electrical control signal cause the at least one processor to: control a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0026] Clause 18: The computer program product of any of clauses 15-17, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to: activate a laser light source.

[0027] Clause 19: The computer program product of any of clauses 15-18, wherein the one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to determine which component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device to operate cause the at least one processor to: determine a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal; and determine a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate that corresponds to the first wavelength range of light.

[0028] Clause 20: The computer program product of any of clauses 15-19, wherein the one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to receive an electrical control signal for operating a component in a plurality of components of a spectrum control device cause the at least one processor to: receive the electrical control signal based on the presence of a power reduction in an optical transmission band in a plurality of optical transmission bands of an optical communication network.

[0029] These and other features and characteristics of the presently disclosed subject matter, as well as the methods of operation and function of the related elements of structure and the economy of assembly and manufacture of parts, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed subject matter. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Additional advantages and details of the disclosed subject matter are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of an environment in which systems, apparatus, products, and / or methods described herein may be implemented according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 diagrams of non-limiting embodiments of components of one or more devices;

[0033] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment of a process for operating a broadband light source apparatus according to the disclosed subject matter;

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a broadband light source connected to a wavelength selective switch (WSS);

[0035] Figure 5 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a broadband light source apparatus according to the disclosed subject matter;

[0036] Figure 6 is a table of outputs provided by a plurality of states of a broadband light source device according to the disclosed subject matter; and

[0037] Figure 7 is a non-limiting embodiment of a control schematic diagram of a broadband light source device according to the disclosed subject matter;

[0038] Figure 8is a diagram of a non-limiting example of an implementation for controlling a wavelength blocking device according to the disclosed subject matter; and

[0039] Figure 9A-9B is a diagram of another non-limiting example of an implementation of a process for operating a broadband light source apparatus in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and their derivatives shall relate to the disclosed subject matter as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter may assume various alternative variations and step sequences unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting.

[0041] Unless explicitly described as such, any aspect, component, element, structure, action, step, function, instruction, etc. used in this article should not be interpreted as critical or necessary. Moreover, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". In addition, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.) and can be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one". In the case of intending only one item, the term "one" or similar language is used. Moreover, as used herein, the term "having" etc. is intended to be an open term. In addition, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on", unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0042] Some non-limiting embodiments are described herein in conjunction with threshold values. As used herein, satisfying a threshold value may refer to a value greater than a threshold value, more than a threshold value, higher than a threshold value, greater than or equal to a threshold value, less than a threshold value, less than a threshold value, lower than a threshold value, less than or equal to a threshold value, equal to a threshold value, etc.

[0043] In some cases, fiber optic communications may involve the use of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), a fiber optic multiplexing technology used to increase the bandwidth of existing fiber optic communication networks. DWDM can combine data signals (e.g., information-carrying signals) from different sources over a single pair of optical fibers while maintaining complete separation of the data signals. DWDM may involve the use of C-band and L-band signals.

[0044] When C-band and L-band signals propagate along a single optical fiber, the signals from the C-band and L-band interact, changing the power of the signals. In some cases, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the optical fiber can transfer energy from a higher frequency to a lower frequency, such as from the C-band to the L-band, and the magnitude of the transferred energy can depend on the strength of the signals and the separation between the signals.

[0045] Solutions for SRS can involve amplifying signals from both the C-band and the L-band. In some cases, the amplification design can use separate gain blocks (e.g., separate erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) gain blocks). Due to the effects associated with varying SRS, there is the possibility that an outage in one band (e.g., due to an amplifier-induced malfunction and / or electrical failure) could cause problems in the other band. However, it can be highly undesirable to cause problems in both bands when only one band experiences an outage, so the impact on the band not experiencing the outage is preferably brief and limited.

[0046] Non-limiting embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to a broadband light source device and may include at least one processor programmed or configured to receive an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determine which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; and operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on the determination that the first component is to operate. In some non-limiting embodiments, the spectrum control device may include a liquid crystal device, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, a digital light processing (DLP) device, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) device, or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device may include a host controller and a laser light source, and the at least one processor may also be programmed or configured to activate the laser light source based on a signal from the host controller.

[0047] In some non-limiting embodiments, each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device may include a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and when operating a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device, the at least one processor may be programmed or configured to control a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving an electrical control signal. In some non-limiting embodiments, when controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal, the at least one processor may be programmed or configured to control the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects light within a first wavelength range within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

[0048] In some non-limiting embodiments, when determining which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate, the at least one processor may be programmed or configured to determine a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal, and to determine to operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device that corresponds to the first wavelength range of light. In some non-limiting embodiments, when receiving the electrical control signal for operating a component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device, the at least one processor may be programmed or configured to receive the electrical control signal based on the presence of a power reduction in an optical transmission band of a plurality of optical transmission bands of the optical communication network.

[0049] In this way, the broadband light source device can provide an independent, channelized source for spectral control of C+L band signals, with an optical response time of approximately 5ms or less. Furthermore, the output spectrum can be fully off, fully on, or any profile in between, tailored to different application scenarios. Furthermore, the output extinction ratio can be better than 35dB, significantly relaxing the port isolation requirements for the ports involved.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a diagram of an example environment 100 in which the systems, devices, products, and / or methods described herein may be implemented. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, environment 100 may include a broadband light source device 102, which includes a light source 104, a wavelength selective switch (WSS) 106, a host controller 108, and an optical channel monitor (OCM) 110. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102, the host controller 108, and the optical channel monitor (OCM) 110 may be interconnected (e.g., connected to communicate) via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0051] The broadband light source device 102 may include one or more devices configured to communicate with the host controller 108 and / or the OCM 110 and control the operation of the light source (e.g., a laser). For example, the broadband light source device 102 may include circuits, controllers, processing devices, computing devices (e.g., a server, a group of servers, etc.), and / or other similar devices. Additionally or alternatively, the broadband light source device 102 may be a component of an optical communication network and / or may communicate with a system for recovering a transmission system failure in an optical communication network. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may communicate with a data storage device, which may be located locally or remotely from the broadband light source device 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may be capable of receiving information from the data storage device, storing information in the data storage device, transmitting information to the data storage device, and / or searching for information stored in the data storage device. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may be capable of providing an output including a spectrum in the C-band (e.g., an electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength range between 1530 nm and 1565 nm) and / or the L-band (e.g., an electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength range between 1570 nm and 1610 nm). In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may be capable of providing an output including a spectrum in the following light transmission bands: a light transmission band that does not include the C-band or the L-band, or a light transmission band in addition to the C-band or the L-band. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may include the ability to select a specific spectrum among multiple spectrums.

[0052] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 may include a light source 104 and a WSS 106. In some non-limiting embodiments, the light source 104 may include a light source (e.g., a laser light source (such as a laser), a pump laser, a broadband light source, an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light source, etc.) capable of generating light at a wavelength and / or within a wavelength range corresponding to one or more optical transmission bands of the optical communication network. In some non-limiting embodiments, the WSS 106 may include a wavelength selective switch (WSS) device that is capable of routing (e.g., switching) signals to optical fibers in the optical communication network based on wavelength or wavelength range. In some non-limiting embodiments, the WSS 106 may include components such as gratings and / or spectrum control devices that allow the WSS 106 to selectively route signals based on their desired wavelength or wavelength range, regardless of signals outside the desired wavelength or wavelength range.

[0053] In some non-limiting embodiments, WSS 106 may include a spectrum control device comprising a liquid crystal device, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, a digital light processing (DLP) device, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) device, or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments, WSS 106 may include a controller, and the controller may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that allows control of the voltage applied to one or more components (such as liquid crystal pixels) of the spectrum control device within 1 ms. In some non-limiting embodiments, the response time of one or more components of the spectrum control device may be less than 3 ms. In some non-limiting embodiments, the total response time of broadband light source device 102 may be less than 5.5 ms. In one example, the total response time of broadband light source device 102 may be less than 5 ms.

[0054] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can have multiple output spectrum states. For example, the broadband light source device 102 can have a completely blocked output spectrum state, a completely open output spectrum state, or a distribution between the completely blocked output spectrum state and the completely open output spectrum state (e.g., a band output spectrum state) as appropriate based on the application scenario. In some non-limiting embodiments, the output extinction ratio of the broadband light source device 102 can be greater than 35 dB. In this way, compared to broadband light sources that do not have a high output extinction ratio (e.g., amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light sources), the port isolation requirements of the WSS 106 on the ports that transmit light from the light source 104 can be relaxed.

[0055] The host controller 108 may include one or more devices configured to communicate with the broadband light source device 102 and / or the OCM 110. For example, the host controller 108 may include circuits, controllers, processing devices, computing devices (e.g., a server, a group of servers, etc.), and / or other similar devices. In some non-limiting embodiments, the host controller 108 may be configured to communicate according to the RS232 communication protocol. In some non-limiting embodiments, the host controller 108 may be capable of transmitting a signal (e.g., a command signal, such as an electrical control signal) to the broadband light source device 102 (e.g., the WSS 106 of the broadband light source device 102) in less than 1.5 ms. In some non-limiting embodiments, the host controller 108 may be capable of transmitting a signal on one or more of 96 channels. In some non-limiting embodiments, the host controller 108 may be a component of the broadband light source device 102.

[0056] The OCM 110 may include one or more devices configured to communicate with the broadband light source device 102 and / or the host controller 108. For example, the OCM 110 may include circuits, controllers, processing devices, computing devices (e.g., servers, server groups, etc.), and / or other similar devices. In some non-limiting embodiments, the OCM 110 may include an optical channel monitor (OCM) device (e.g., a fast OCM, an OCM sensing device, etc.) and / or other components of the optical communication network.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a diagram of example components of device 200. Device 200 may correspond to broadband light source device 102 (e.g., one or more components of broadband light source device 102, such as light source 104 and / or WSS 106), host controller 108, and / or OCM 110. In some non-limiting embodiments, broadband light source device 102, host controller 108, and / or OCM 110 may include at least one device 200 and / or at least one component of device 200. Figure 2 As shown in , device 200 may include a bus 202 , a processor 204 , a memory 206 , a storage component 208 , an input component 210 , an output component 212 , and a communication interface 214 .

[0058] The bus 202 may include components that allow communication between components of the device 200. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component that can be programmed to perform a function (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a device configured to implement a logical function, etc.). The memory 206 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage memory (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 204.

[0059] The storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 200. For example, the storage component 208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state disk, etc.), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cassette, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of computer-readable medium, and a corresponding drive.

[0060] Input components 210 may include components that allow device 200 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, buttons, switches, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input components 210 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output components 212 may include components that provide output information from device 200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

[0061] The communication interface 214 may include a transceiver-type component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables the device 200 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. The communication interface 214 may allow the device 200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, interface, cellular network interface, etc.

[0062] Device 200 can perform one or more processes described herein. Device 200 can perform these processes based on processor 204 executing software instructions stored by computer-readable media (such as memory 206 and / or storage component 208). Computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) are defined herein as non-transitory memory devices. Memory devices include memory space located within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices.

[0063] The software instructions may be read into the memory 206 and / or storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via the communication interface 214. When executed, the software instructions stored in the memory 206 and / or storage component 208 may cause the processor 204 to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may replace or be combined with software instructions to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0064] Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments, the device 200 may include Figure 2, additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in . Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 200.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG3 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment of a process 300 for operating a broadband light source device, such as an ASE light source. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps in process 300 may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by broadband light source device 102 (e.g., one or more devices of broadband light source device 102, such as light source 104 and / or WSS 106). In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps in process 300 may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by another device or group of devices, such as host controller 108 and / or OCM 110, that is separate from or includes broadband light source device 102.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, at step 302, process 300 includes receiving a control signal. For example, the broadband light source device 102 may receive a control signal (e.g., an electrical control signal) from the host controller 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the control signal may be a signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device 102 (e.g., a spectrum control device of the WSS 106 of the broadband light source device 102). In some non-limiting embodiments, the control signal may include data associated with an optical transmission band of an optical communication network, the optical transmission band of the optical communication network corresponding to a component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device. In some non-limiting embodiments, the optical transmission band may be a C-band (e.g., an electromagnetic spectrum within a wavelength range between 1530 nm and 1565 nm) or an L-band (e.g., an electromagnetic spectrum within a wavelength range between 1570 nm and 1610 nm). In some non-limiting embodiments, the optical transmission band may be a frequency band that does not include the C-band or the L-band. In some non-limiting embodiments, the optical transmission band may be any frequency band used for optical communication. In some non-limiting embodiments, each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device may correspond to an optical transmission band of the optical communication network.

[0067] In some non-limiting embodiments, the OCM 110 may identify that a power reduction is present in the optical transmission band (e.g., based on a total power loss in the optical transmission band, based on a partial power loss in the optical transmission band, etc.), and the OCM 110 may transmit an electrical signal to the host controller 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the host controller 108 may determine the optical transmission band based on the electrical signal received from the OCM 110, and the host controller 108 may generate an electrical control signal for transmission to the broadband light source device 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the electrical control signal may include data associated with the optical transmission band that is experiencing a power reduction (e.g., identification data associated with the optical transmission band, such as an identification of a C-band, an L-band, etc.).

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown in , at step 304, process 300 includes determining which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate. For example, the broadband light source device 102 can determine which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can determine which component of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal received from the host controller 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can determine a first wavelength range of light (e.g., C-band, L-band, etc.) based on data included in the electrical control signal, and the broadband light source device 102 can determine a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate that corresponds to the first wavelength range of light.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, at step 306, process 300 includes operating components of the spectrum control device. For example, broadband light source device 102 may operate (e.g., drive, control, activate, etc.) components of the spectrum control device that are determined to be operated based on the control signal. In some non-limiting embodiments, the optical communication light source may include a broadband light source.

[0070] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can operate one or more of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device (e.g., a single component, a plurality of components, a plurality of components simultaneously, etc.) based on determining to operate the first component. In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more components can correspond to data associated with one or more optical transmission frequency bands included in the electrical control signal received from the host controller 108.

[0071] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can emit light in one or more light transmission bands as output. For example, the broadband light source device 102 can emit light in one or more light transmission bands as output within 5.5 ms (e.g., within 5 ms, 4.5 ms, etc.).

[0072] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can operate one or more components to reflect light in one or more optical transmission bands (e.g., to allow light to be emitted as output by the broadband light source device 102) or block light in one or more optical transmission bands (e.g., to prevent light from being emitted as output by the broadband light source device 102). For example, where each of the multiple components of the spectrum control device includes a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, the broadband light source device 102 can control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal device when operating the components of the spectrum control device. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal pixel so that the liquid crystal pixel reflects light (e.g., to reflect light toward an output fiber of the broadband light source device 102) or control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal pixel so that the liquid crystal pixel blocks light (e.g., to prevent, block, etc. light from being reflected toward an output fiber of the broadband light source device 102, such as by absorption). In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal pixel within a time period (e.g., 5 ms) of receiving an electrical control signal from the host controller 108.

[0073] In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 102 can activate the light source 104 to provide light (e.g., in a specific light transmission band) as output. For example, the broadband light source device 102 can activate the light source 104 based on a signal from the host controller 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the light source 104 can be in a fully on state such that no signal is required to activate the light source 104.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of an ASE light source 404 connected to a wavelength selective switch (WSS) 402. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, WSS 402 includes a plurality of signal ports as inputs of WSS 402 and a line outlet as output of WSS 402. Figure 4 As further shown in FIG, ASE light source 404 can be connected to a signal port of WSS 402 as an input. In some non-limiting embodiments, in the event of a failure of one or more inputs to WSS 402, WSS 402 can provide light received from ASE light source 404 as an output of WSS 402. In some non-limiting embodiments, ASE light source 404 can be the same as or similar to broadband light source device 102.

[0075] In some non-limiting embodiments, the ASE light source 404 can insert light at the input based on an OCM (e.g., C-band OCM or L-band OCM) that performs a sweep operation using a line card or node control loop operating at intervals of 10 seconds or longer (e.g., at 2 sweeps / second) based on a power balancing algorithm. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ASE light source 404 can insert light at the input, and the WSS 402 can provide the light to the line outlet of the WSS 402 in less than 1 second.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a broadband light source device 502. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 502 can be the same as or similar to the broadband light source device 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 502 can include a light source that provides a full spectrum. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, a broadband light source device 502 may include a pump laser 504 (eg, as a light source), an input optical fiber 506 , an input beam shaping component 508 , a reflector 510 , and an output optical fiber 512 .

[0077] In some non-limiting embodiments, the pump laser 504 can provide a beam that is transmitted along an input optical fiber 506 to an input beam shaping assembly 508. In some non-limiting embodiments, the input beam shaping assembly 508 can include a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) coupler that combines and / or separates the signal wavelength and / or pump wavelength. The output of the input beam shaping assembly 508 is provided to a reflector 510 and can provide one or more specific optical spectra (e.g., corresponding to one or more specific optical transmission bands, such as the C-band and / or the L-band) as the output of the broadband light source device 502 along the output optical fiber 506 (e.g., via a spectrum control device). In some non-limiting embodiments, the input optical fiber and / or the output optical fiber 512 can include erbium-doped fiber. In some non-limiting embodiments, the pump laser 504 can be the same as or similar to the light source 104.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a table of output spectra provided based on multiple output spectrum states of non-limiting embodiments of broadband light source devices (eg, broadband light source device 102, ASE light source 404, broadband light source device 502, etc.). Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the broadband light source device can have multiple output spectrum states 604, 608 and 610. Figure 6 As further shown in FIG. 6 , completely blocking the output spectrum state 604 may include reducing the signal distribution from the input (eg, the input optical signal provided by the pump laser 504, the input optical signal provided by the broadband light source device 502) by 35 db or more. Figure 6 As further shown in , the fully on output spectrum state may include a signal distribution having a width of the spectrum to be output corresponding to the full width of the spectrum that can be output by the broadband light source device at the desired amplitude. Figure 6 As further shown in FIG, a band-on output spectrum state can include a signal profile having a spectrum width to be output that is reduced compared to the full width of the spectrum that can be output by the broadband light source device at the desired amplitude. In some non-limiting embodiments, the reduced spectrum width can be a specific spectrum band, such as a specific optical transmission band.

[0079] Now refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG is a diagram of a control component diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a broadband light source device 702 (e.g., control electronics for WSS 706, or control electronics for a spectrum selection / configuration device). In some non-limiting embodiments, the broadband light source device 702 can be the same as or similar to the broadband light source device 102, the ASE light source 404, and / or the broadband light source device 502. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the broadband light source device 702 may include a WSS 706, a controller 708 and an optical communication network device 710. Figure 7 As further shown in FIG, WSS 706 may include an ASIC 706-2 and a spectrum control device 706-4. In some non-limiting embodiments, ASIC 706-2 may include a plurality of control lines electrically connected to a plurality of liquid crystal cells (e.g., liquid crystal pixels) of spectrum control device 706-4 to control each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells (e.g., control a voltage applied to each of the liquid crystal cells) based on a control signal received by ASIC 706-2.

[0080] In some non-limiting embodiments, the controller 708 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) 708-2, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 708-4, a power supply monitor 708-8, a temperature sensor 708-6, a power converter 708-10, and an interface connector 708-12. In some non-limiting embodiments, the EEPROM 708-4 may store operating data (e.g., system operating commands) for the MCU 708-2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the power supply monitor 708-8 and the temperature sensor 708-6 may monitor the power supply of the MCU 708-2 and the temperature of the MCU 708-2, respectively. In some non-limiting embodiments, the power converter 708-10 may control the power supplied to the MCU 708-2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the MCU 708-2 may provide control signals (e.g., electrical control signals) to the WSS 706 to operate the spectrum control device 706-4.

[0081] In some non-limiting embodiments, the interface connector 708-12 may include a connector that allows the controller 708 to connect to an optical communication network device 710, which may include an OCM, an amplifier, a transceiver, a receiver, a transmitter, etc. The interface connector 708-12 may include components that allow the controller 708 to communicate according to the RS232 protocol. In some non-limiting embodiments, the interface connector 708-12 may include components for connecting to a power source, an alarm, an alarm reset (e.g., a hard alarm reset, a soft alarm reset, etc.), and / or transmitting and receiving data.

[0082] Now refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 ASIC 706-2 and spectrum control device 706-4. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, ASIC 706-2 may include an interface 808 and a plurality of drivers 810. The interface 808 may be a serial peripheral interface (SPI) interface and is designed to interface with the controller 708 (eg, the MCU 708-2 of the controller 708). Figure 8 As further shown in , the spectrum control device 706-4 may include a liquid crystal device 812 having a plurality of liquid crystal cells 814. In some non-limiting embodiments, each driver 810 corresponds to each liquid crystal cell 814, and each corresponding set of drivers 810 and liquid crystal cells 814 is associated with a wavelength range of light (e.g., a light transmission band). In some non-limiting embodiments, the ASIC 706-2 may control (e.g., operate, drive, etc.) the state of each liquid crystal cell 814 to reflect or block (e.g., absorb) light of a specific wavelength range of light. The ASIC 706-2 may control the state of each liquid crystal cell 814 by controlling the voltage applied to each liquid crystal cell 814. In some non-limiting embodiments, the number of drivers 810 and the number of liquid crystal cells 814 may be equal. As Figure 8 As shown in FIG, there may be 384 drivers 810 and liquid crystal cells 814. In some non-limiting embodiments, a plurality of drivers 810 and liquid crystal cells 814 may be provided based on the number of communication channels of the optical communication network.

[0083] Now refer to Figure 9A-9B , Figure 9A-9B is a diagram of a non-limiting example of an implementation 900 of a process (eg, process 300) for operating a broadband light source device. Figure 9A-9BAs shown in , embodiment 900 may include components of a broadband light source apparatus, such as a light source 904 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to light source 104 or pump laser 504), a WSS 906 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to WSS 106 or WSS 706), a controller 908 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to host controller 108 or controller 708), an input fiber 912 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to input fiber 506), a beam shaping assembly 914 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to input beam shaping assembly 508), and an output fiber 916 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to output fiber 512). In some non-limiting embodiments, as Figure 9A-9B As further shown in FIG, WSS 906 may include a spectrum control device 906-4 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to spectrum control device 706-4), which may include a grating 906-42 and a liquid crystal device 906-44 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to input liquid crystal device 812), and an ASIC 906-2 (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to ASIC 706-2).

[0084] like Figure 9A-9B As shown in , embodiment 900 may include an ASIC 906-2 performing steps of a process (e.g., the same or similar process as process 300). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps of the process may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by another device or group of devices (e.g., one or more components of a broadband light source device), such as light source 904, another component of WSS 906, and / or controller 908, separate from or including ASIC 906-2.

[0085] like Figure 9A As shown in the figure at 905 in the figure, the ASIC 906-2 can receive electrical control signals for operating components of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device 906-4. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ASIC 906-2 can receive the electrical control signals from the controller 908. In some non-limiting embodiments, the controller 908 can generate the electrical control signals based on receiving an electrical signal including data associated with power reduction in one or more optical transmission bands (e.g., based on total power loss in one or more optical transmission bands, based on partial power loss in one or more optical transmission bands, etc.) from an optical communication network device (e.g., an OCM). In some non-limiting embodiments, the controller 908 can determine the optical transmission band based on the electrical signal received from the optical communication network device, and the host controller 108 can generate the electrical control signals, wherein the electrical control signals include data associated with the optical transmission band.

[0086] In some non-limiting embodiments, the controller 908 or the WSS 906 (e.g., the ASIC 906-2 of the WSS 906) can activate the light source 904. For example, the controller 908 can activate the light source 904 based on receiving an electrical signal from an optical communication network device. In another example, the WSS 906 can activate the light source 904 based on receiving an electrical control signal from the controller 908.

[0087] like Figure 9A As further shown in FIG, the light beam generated by the light source 904 can be transmitted along the input optical fiber 912. The light beam can be shaped by the beam shaping component in a desired manner (e.g., such that the light beam is properly incident on the grating 906-42). In some non-limiting embodiments, the light beam generated by the light source 904 can include multiple wavelength ranges (e.g., multiple optical transmission bands of an optical communication network).

[0088] like Figure 9A As further shown in FIG, grating 906-42 separates different ranges of wavelengths from a light beam provided along input optical fiber 912. The different ranges of wavelengths are directed to the liquid crystal pixels of liquid crystal device 906-44 based on the spectrum assigned to each liquid crystal pixel (e.g., a red spectrum, a yellow spectrum, a green spectrum, and a violet spectrum).

[0089] like Figure 9B As shown in FIG. 910 , the ASIC 906-2 may determine which liquid crystal pixel of the spectrum control device 906-4 to operate. For example, the ASIC 906-2 may determine which liquid crystal pixel of the spectrum control device 906-4 to operate based on the electrical control signal. In one example, the ASIC 906-2 may determine a first wavelength range of light (e.g., a red spectrum) and a second wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal, and the ASIC 906-2 may determine a first liquid crystal pixel corresponding to the first wavelength range of light and a second liquid crystal pixel corresponding to the second wavelength range of light among the plurality of liquid crystal pixels of the spectrum control device 906-4 to operate.

[0090] like Figure 9BAs shown in the figure at 915 in the figure, the ASIC 906-2 can operate the first liquid crystal pixel and the second liquid crystal pixel of the spectrum control device 906-4. For example, the ASIC 906-2 can operate the first liquid crystal pixel and the second liquid crystal pixel of the spectrum control device 906-4. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ASIC 906-2 can operate the first liquid crystal pixel and the second liquid crystal pixel of the spectrum control device 906-4 by controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel and the second liquid crystal pixel so that the first liquid crystal pixel and the second liquid crystal pixel reflect light in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range (for example, within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal).

[0091] like Figure 9B As shown in , the red spectrum and the green spectrum are reflected by the corresponding liquid crystal pixels of the liquid crystal device 906-44 to the grating 906-42, and the grating 906-42 provides the red spectrum and the green spectrum to the output optical fiber 916, so that the red spectrum and the green spectrum can be provided as output from the broadband light source device.

[0092] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail for purposes of illustration based on what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that such detail is provided for that purpose only and that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A broadband light source device, comprising: At least one processor programmed or configured to: receiving an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; as well as Based on determining that a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device is to be operated, the first component is operated.

2. The broadband light source device according to claim 1, wherein: The spectrum control device comprises: LCD devices, Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, Digital Light Processing (DLP) devices, Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) devices, or Any combination thereof.

3. The broadband light source device according to claim 1, further comprising: Host controller; as well as Laser light source; as well as wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to: The laser light source is activated based on a signal from the host controller.

4. The broadband light source device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein, When operating the first of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: The voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

5. The broadband light source device according to claim 4, wherein: When controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: A voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

6. The broadband light source device according to claim 1, wherein: When determining which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: determining a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal; as well as A first component among the plurality of components of the spectrum control device that corresponds to the first wavelength range of the light is determined to be operated.

7. The broadband light source device according to claim 1, wherein: When receiving the electrical control signal for operating a component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device, the at least one processor is programmed or configured to: The electrical control signal is received based on a power reduction in an optical transmission band of a plurality of optical transmission bands of the optical communication network.

8. A method for operating a broadband light source device, comprising: receiving, with at least one processor, electrical control signals for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining, with at least one processor, which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; as well as A first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device is operated with at least one processor based on a determination to operate the first component.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The laser light source is activated based on a signal from the host controller.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein operating the first of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises: The voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein controlling the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal comprises: A voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein determining which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate comprises: determining a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal; as well as A first component among the plurality of components of the spectrum control device that corresponds to the first wavelength range of the light is determined to be operated.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving the electrical control signal for operating a component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises: The electrical control signal is received based on a power reduction in an optical transmission band of a plurality of optical transmission bands of the optical communication network.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the electrical control signal comprises: The electrical control signals are received based on instructions received from an optical channel monitor (OCM) to operate the broadband light source apparatus.

15. A computer program product for operating a broadband light source device, comprising at least one non-transitory computer readable medium, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising one or more instructions, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to: receiving an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device; determining which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal; as well as Based on determining that a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device is to be operated, the first component is operated.

16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device comprises a liquid crystal pixel of a liquid crystal device, and wherein, The one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to operate the first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device cause the at least one processor to: The voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein: The one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to control a voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal causes the at least one processor to: A voltage applied to the first liquid crystal pixel is controlled so that the first liquid crystal pixel reflects a first wavelength range of light within 5 ms of receiving the electrical control signal.

18. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the at least one processor to: Activate the laser light source.

19. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein: The one or more instructions that cause the at least one processor to determine which of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate cause the at least one processor to: determining a first wavelength range of light based on data included in the electrical control signal; as well as A first component among the plurality of components of the spectrum control device that corresponds to the first wavelength range of the light is determined to be operated.

20. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein: The one or more instructions causing the at least one processor to receive the electrical control signal for operating a component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device causes the at least one processor to: The electrical control signal is received based on a power reduction in an optical transmission band of a plurality of optical transmission bands of the optical communication network.

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