All-Optical Information Exchange via Second-Order Nonlinear Waveguide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current all-optical information exchange systems in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) are complex and costly due to the need for multiple optical filtering and wavelength conversion processes, involving numerous optical components.

Innovation Solution

An all-optical information exchange device utilizing a second-order nonlinear optical waveguide, optical couplers, filters, and a polarization controller, which enables efficient wavelength conversion through a single nonlinear optical effect, reducing the need for multiple wavelength converters and filters by using an annular structure and a control light that meets specific frequency and polarization conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical filtering and wavelength conversion processes are used to achieve all-optical information exchange, then the information exchange function is realized, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveall-optical information exchange functionVSAvoidnumber of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wavelength conversion processes into a single all-optical information exchange process using one second-order nonlinear optical waveguide. The WDM signal light and control light interact simultaneously in the waveguide to achieve wavelength conversion and information exchange, eliminating the need for multiple separate wavelength converters and optical filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second-order nonlinear optical waveguide performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength converter, an optical filter, and an information exchange device. The single waveguide structure replaces multiple specialized components, achieving both wavelength conversion and signal filtering in one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple wavelength converters and filters are deployed to implement wavelength conversion, then the wavelength conversion accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength conversion accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wavelength conversion steps into a single simultaneous conversion process. The control light and WDM signal light interact in one second-order nonlinear optical waveguide to achieve the desired wavelength conversion in a single pass, reducing the cumulative power consumption associated with multiple sequential conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single second-order nonlinear optical waveguide is used to enable all-optical information exchange, then the device complexity is reduced, but the requirement for precise frequency and polarization matching increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical componentsVSAvoidfrequency and polarization matching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the frequency and polarization state of the control light to match specific conditions required for efficient interaction with the WDM signal light in the second-order nonlinear optical waveguide. By dynamically tuning these parameters, the system achieves effective wavelength conversion despite the simplified single-waveguide structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution simplifies the system, reduces costs, and enables efficient all-optical information exchange with reduced power consumption, supporting high-speed data transfer rates while maintaining low noise and high efficiency in wavelength conversion.

Implementation Method 1

a second-order nonlinear optical waveguide... the second-order nonlinear optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide with a second-order nonlinear optical effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSecond-order nonlinear optical effect:

Data Source

PatentEP3046334B1Device and method for all-optical information exchange
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3046334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3046334B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3046334B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An all-optical information exchange device and method are provided. The all-optical information exchange device includes: a second-order nonlinear optical waveguide, a first optical coupler, a third optical coupler, a fourth optical coupler, a first optical filter, a second optical filter and a first polarization controller; the first optical filter is transmissive to a first wavelength/waveband signal light, and the second optical filter is transmissive to a second wavelength/waveband signal light during use.