2D Fiber Array Wavelength Switch for Higher Port Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength selective switches face challenges in maintaining isolation between adjacent ports while expanding port/channel capacity, as reducing the spacing between fibers leads to deteriorating isolation due to increased beam concatenation.
Innovation Solution
A 2D fiber array design with alternately arranged columns of fibers offset in the dispersion direction, combined with a novel grating partition and optical path adjustment components, including lenses and an optical switching engine, to guide and disperse beams to desired ports, enhancing isolation and reducing module height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the spacing between fibers is reduced to expand port/channel capacity, then the port/channel expansion is achieved, but the isolation between adjacent ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional one-dimensional (1D) fiber array arrangement to a two-dimensional (2D) fiber array arrangement. In the 2D arrangement, fibers are organized in multiple rows and columns with offset positioning, creating additional spatial dimensions for beam separation. This dimensional change allows beams from adjacent channels to be separated not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction, thereby maintaining isolation performance while increasing the number of ports that can be accommodated within the same physical space.
2Length of stationary object
If the module height is reduced while maintaining the same isolation requirement, then the device size is reduced, but the isolation between adjacent ports becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a 2D fiber array with offset rows, the patent utilizes both horizontal and vertical dimensions for beam separation. The offset arrangement creates angular separation between beams from different rows, which translates to spatial separation at the fiber plane. This allows the module height to be reduced while maintaining isolation, because the isolation is achieved through the combined effect of horizontal and vertical positioning rather than relying solely on vertical spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial characteristics to different regions of the fiber array. Specifically, adjacent fibers in the 2D arrangement have different local positioning characteristics due to the offset row structure. This local differentiation in spatial positioning creates unique beam propagation paths for each fiber, enhancing isolation performance even when the overall module height is reduced.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 2D fiber array design improves adjacent port isolation by up to 10 dB and allows for a reduced module height without increasing physical dimensions, addressing the limitations of conventional 1D arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion unit, configured to disperse the first beam from the first optical path adjustment component, to generate a plurality of first sub-beams corresponding to different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a period of the grating is changed, so that beams of corresponding wavelengths can be diffracted to different angles
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch comprising a 2D fiber array and a dispersion unit, the dispersion unit is configured to disperse the first beam output from one of the fibers in the 2D fiber array, and generate a plurality of first sub-beams, the dispersion unit is also configured to combine at least a portion of the plurality of first sub-beams to generate a combined second beam, and to transmit the second beam to another fibers in the 2D fiber array; the 2D fiber array comprising a first column of fibers and a second column of fibers, fibers in the second column of fibers and fibers in the first column of fibers are alternately arranged in a switching direction, the second column of fibers is offset from the first column of fibers by a predetermined spacing in a dispersion direction, the dispersion direction is perpendicular to the switching direction.