Bidirectional PCSEL Coherent Receivers Without Beam Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coherent receivers are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coherent optical receiver design utilizing a PCSEL that emits light in two directions, eliminating the need for a beam splitter and incorporating hybrid receivers and a signal processing unit to convert optical signals to electrical signals, with optional polarization and rotation of light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coherent receivers are used, then reliable optical signal reception is achieved, but the system becomes costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated coherent receiver system. The PCSEL generates both the local oscillator signal and the first optical signal, eliminating the need for separate laser sources and beam splitters. The hybrid receiver integrates the mixing of optical signals and conversion to electrical signals in a single unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCSEL serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the local oscillator signal, produces the first optical signal for reception, and can be configured to emit light in two directions to provide both signal and local oscillator functions from a single device, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If conventional coherent receivers are used, then reliable optical signal reception is achieved, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functional components into a single integrated coherent receiver system, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable signal reception through the unified design of the PCSEL and hybrid receiver components.
3Reliability
If conventional coherent receivers are used, then reliable optical signal reception is achieved, but the system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design combines signal generation, mixing, and conversion functions into a single coherent receiver system, reducing energy losses associated with multiple separate components and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliable optical signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCSEL continuously generates both the local oscillator signal and the first optical signal without interruption, and the hybrid receiver continuously converts optical signals to electrical signals, ensuring uninterrupted signal processing and improving system productivity and efficiency.
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 design achieves a more compact and efficient coherent receiver with improved performance and reduced costs compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a PCSEL generating a first and a second light beam, wherein a physical emission direction of the first light beam is at an angle of approximately 180 degrees to a physical emission direction of the second light beam
Implementation Method 2
a first hybrid receiver receiving a first portion of an input light signal to the coherent optical receiver and the first light beam as a local oscillator signal, generating one or more first optical hybrid receiver output signals
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a coherent optical receiver, where the coherent optical receiver comprises a PCSEL that generates a first and a second light beam. In accordance with various embodiments, the physical emission direction of the first light beam may be at an angle of 180 degrees, or 180 degrees plus/minus 10 degrees in some instances, to the physical emission direction of the second light beam. Embodiments may also comprise a first hybrid receiver that receives a first portion of an input light signal to the coherent optical receiver and the first light beam as a local oscillator signal, generating one or more first optical hybrid receiver output signals. Embodiments may also comprise a second hybrid receiver that receives a second portion of the input light signal to the coherent optical receiver and the second light beam as a local oscillator signal, generating one or more second optical hybrid receiver output signals.