Optical Beam-Steering Switch With Single-SLM Beam Remapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical wavelength selective switches (WSSs) are limited by the use of two separate spatial light modulator (SLM) devices, which restricts the compactness and capacity of the switch due to inefficient utilization of SLM areas, limiting the number of accessible output ports and diffraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch design utilizing a single SLM device with a beam steering optical device that remaps the deflected array of beams by changing their spatial positioning and/or orientation, allowing for better utilization of the SLM area and increasing the number of switchable positions and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate spatial light modulator (SLM) devices are used in existing optical WSSs, then the switching functionality is achieved, but the compactness and capacity are limited due to inefficient utilization of SLM areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate SLM devices into a single SLM device by implementing a beam steering optical system that performs both spectral deflection and spatial remapping functions. This consolidation increases SLM area utilization efficiency while maintaining full switching capacity between N input ports and M output ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional spatial remapping dimension through the beam steering optical device, which transforms the deflected beam array from the first SLM plane into a remapped array for the second SLM plane. This dimensional transformation enables more efficient packing of spectral channels and increases the effective capacity of the single SLM device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate SLM devices are used, then beam deflection functionality is achieved, but the number of accessible output ports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the roles of two separate SLM devices into one unified SLM device, where the first SLM plane handles spectral deflection and the second SLM plane handles output routing, with the beam steering optical device bridging them. This reduces device complexity by eliminating one SLM device while maintaining the ability to access all M output ports from N input ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam steering optical device acts as an intermediary between the first and second SLM planes, performing the remapping function that previously required a separate SLM device. This intermediary component enables the single SLM device configuration to achieve the same port accessibility as the two-device configuration.
3Productivity
If two separate SLM devices are used, then spectral deflection is achieved, but diffraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectral deflection and spatial remapping functions into a single SLM device configuration, which improves diffraction efficiency by eliminating the beam propagation and potential loss between two separate SLM devices. The beam steering optical device maintains optical quality while enabling the consolidated configuration.
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 solution enhances the compactness and capacity of the WSS by optimizing the SLM area usage, enabling more efficient switching and higher port density without the need for additional SLM devices.
Implementation Method 1
The beam steering optical device is configured to remap the deflected array of beams from the first programmable deflection plane to form a remapped array of beams directed to the second programmable deflection plane, by changing the spatial positioning and/or orientation of each beam
Implementation Method 2
The beam steering optical device is configured to remap the deflected array of beams by causing them to undergo two individual reflections, refractions or diffractions
Implementation Method 3
The beam steering optical device is configured to remap the deflected array of beams by causing them to undergo two individual reflections, refractions or diffractions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch comprising a set of input ports and a set of output ports, each input and output port configured to transport an optical signal having at least one component frequency channel. The switch comprises a first programmable deflection plane configured to deflect beams incident on it from the set of input ports to form a deflected array of beams, and a second programmable deflection plane configured to deflect beams incident on it towards the set of output ports. The switch also comprises a beam steering optical device positioned in the optical path between the first and second programmable deflection planes, configured to remap the deflected array of beams to form a remapped array of beams directed to the second programmable deflection plane, by changing the spatial positioning and/or orientation of each beam from the deflected array of beams in the remapped array of beams such that the spatial positioning and/or orientation of at least one beam of the deflected array of beams is changed differently to at least one other beam of the deflected array of beams.