AWG Filter Wavelength Interrogation Sensor Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wavelength interrogator architecture is limited by the number of discrete sine filters, which restricts the number of sensors that can be deployed, and each filter is tuned to operate in a specific wavelength range, limiting the flexibility in sensing multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber with a plurality of sequential gratings is coupled to a circulator, directing reflected energy to an array waveguide grating (AWG) that segregates each wavelength to a particular output channel, allowing for simultaneous interrogation of multiple sensors using adjacent AWG channel detector responses and utilizing broadband sources to extend the range of sensors that can be interrogated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If discrete sine filters are used in the wavelength interrogator, then wavelength discrimination is achieved, but the number of sensors is limited by the number of filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete sine filters into a single arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) device. The AWG simultaneously provides wavelength discrimination for multiple sensors by using its multiple output channels, each responsive to different wavelength ranges. This consolidation allows unlimited numbers of sensors to be interrogated by a single AWG device, eliminating the limitation where the number of sensors is constrained by the number of discrete filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The AWG serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength discriminator, a multiplexer, and a demultiplexer. Each output channel of the AWG can be assigned to different wavelength ranges, allowing the single device to handle multiple sensor types and wavelength ranges. This multi-functionality enables the system to interrogate unlimited numbers of sensors across various wavelength ranges without requiring separate discrete filters for each sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual sine filters tuned to specific wavelength ranges are used, then wavelength discrimination is achieved, but flexibility in sensing multiple wavelengths simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength ranges into a single AWG device with multiple output channels. Each channel can be independently assigned to different wavelength ranges, allowing the system to simultaneously sense multiple wavelengths. This merging approach provides greater flexibility compared to using separate discrete filters, as the AWG can be configured to handle any number of wavelength ranges through its multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The AWG provides dynamic wavelength assignment flexibility where the system can adaptively assign different wavelength ranges to different output channels based on the specific sensing requirements. This dynamic configuration capability allows the system to sense multiple wavelengths simultaneously across different ranges without being constrained by fixed discrete filter configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple discrete filters are used to cover different wavelength ranges, then comprehensive wavelength coverage is achieved, but the system cannot simultaneously interrogate unlimited numbers of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple discrete filters into a single AWG device that can simultaneously interrogate unlimited numbers of sensors. The AWG's multiple output channels are assigned to different wavelength ranges, allowing each channel to serve as a filter for its designated range while enabling simultaneous interrogation of multiple sensors across all ranges. This eliminates the need for multiple discrete filter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The AWG serves as a universal device that can handle any number of sensors across multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously. Each output channel functions as an independent wavelength-selective element, allowing the single device to replace multiple discrete filters while providing enhanced capability to interrogate unlimited numbers of sensors simultaneously.
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 approach enables the simultaneous interrogation of multiple sensors using a single AWG, overcoming the limitations of discrete filters and allowing for an unlimited number of sensors to be monitored by leveraging the AWG's aliasing response and selective source excitation, thereby increasing channel reuse and flexibility in wavelength discrimination.
Implementation Method 1
an array waveguide grating (AWG), which segregates each wavelength to a particular AWG output channel
Implementation Method 2
arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) filter
Implementation Method 3
reflected optical energy from the fiber gratings reflected back to the circulator
Implementation Method 4
fiber Bragg gratings for sensing, each fiber grating operating in a unique wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength interrogator is coupled to a circulator which couples optical energy from a broadband source to an optical fiber having a plurality of sensors, each sensor reflecting optical energy at a unique wavelength and directing the reflected optical energy to an AWG. The AWG has a detector coupled to each output, and the reflected optical energy from each grating is coupled to the skirt edge response of the AWG such that the adjacent channel responses form a complementary pair response. The complementary pair response is used to convert an AWG skirt response to a wavelength.