Channelized Broadband Light Source for C+L Band Outage Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber-optic communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing signal interactions and outages in C-band and L-band due to stimulated Raman scattering, leading to undesirable effects on both bands when one band experiences an outage.

Innovation Solution

A broadband light source device with a spectrum control device, including liquid crystal, MEMS, or DLP components, that rapidly adjusts voltage control to specific wavelength components based on electrical signals, allowing for quick response times and selective spectrum management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fiber-optic communication systems manage C-band and L-band signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but stimulated Raman scattering causes undesirable effects on both bands when one band experiences an outage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidstimulated Raman scattering effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the C-band and L-band signals into separate controllable channels with independent spectrum control devices. This allows selective activation and independent management of each band, preventing Raman scattering interactions between bands while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic spectrum control with rapid response capability (approximately 5 ms response time for liquid crystal devices). The system can dynamically adjust and switch between different band configurations based on operational conditions, enabling quick isolation of affected bands during outages to prevent harmful Raman scattering effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If broadband light source is used for C+L band transmission, then high bandwidth is achieved, but response time for managing outages is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidoutage management response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The broadband light source is divided into multiple independent wavelength components with dedicated spectrum control devices for each band. This segmentation enables selective and rapid control of specific wavelength ranges without affecting others, achieving fast response times while maintaining high total bandwidth capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes rapid parameter changes in the spectrum control devices (such as liquid crystal devices with approximately 5 ms response time) to quickly adjust wavelength transmission characteristics. This allows fast switching between operational states during outages while preserving the broadband capability for normal high-capacity transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If spectrum control device operates without channelization, then simple control is achieved, but selective management of specific wavelength components is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidselective spectrum management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spectrum control device is segmented into multiple independently controllable channels, each managing specific wavelength components. This provides selective control capability while maintaining relatively simple operation through standardized control interfaces for each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spectrum control device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle different wavelength bands (C-band, L-band, and intermediate bands) using a unified control architecture. This universal design enables selective management of specific wavelength components while maintaining ease of operation through consistent control procedures across all channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides stand-alone, channelized C+L band signal spectrum control with approximately 5 ms response time, ensuring minimal impact on unaffected bands during outages and maintaining high output extinction ratios.

Implementation Method 1

spectrum control device, including liquid crystal, MEMS, or DLP components, that rapidly adjusts voltage control to specific wavelength components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal effect: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

A broadband light source device with a spectrum control device, including liquid crystal, MEMS, or DLP components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12542611B2System, method, and computer program product for a configurable channelized broadband light source

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Systems may include a broadband light source device, which may include at least one processor programmed or configured to receive an electrical control signal for operating a component of a plurality of components of a spectrum control device of the broadband light source device, determine which component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device to operate based on the electrical control signal, and operate a first component of the plurality of components of the spectrum control device based on determining to operate the first component. Methods and computer program products are also disclosed.