Multi-wavelength external cavity laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-wavelength laser sources require costly multiple lasers, complex phase control, and mechanical adjustments for multi-wavelength lasing, making them inefficient and costly for applications like optical interconnection and quantum computing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength external cavity laser device utilizing a chirped grating reflector and wavelength selective elements to achieve lasing at multiple wavelengths without the need for phase control or mechanical adjustments, allowing for faster response and tunability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers are used to achieve multi-wavelength lasing, then the desired wavelength coverage is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength-selective elements and chirped grating reflectors into a single external cavity laser device, allowing one laser to generate multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate laser sources, thereby reducing cost while maintaining multi-wavelength capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external cavity laser device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to generate multiple wavelengths through a single device. The wavelength-selective elements and chirped grating reflectors enable the laser to operate at different wavelengths by adjusting the optical path, providing universal multi-wavelength output without requiring multiple specialized laser sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustment is used to achieve multi-wavelength lasing in external cavity lasers, then wavelength tuning is possible, but the response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with optically-controlled wavelength-selective elements and chirped grating reflectors. This substitution eliminates the need for physical movement of cavity components, allowing wavelength tuning to be achieved through optical path adjustment rather than mechanical means, thereby significantly improving response speed while maintaining wavelength tuning capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If phase control is implemented for multi-wavelength ECLs, then multiple wavelengths can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex phase control system from the external cavity laser design. By using wavelength-selective elements and chirped grating reflectors, the device achieves multi-wavelength operation without requiring phase control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control multiple wavelengths.
4Measurement precision
If multiple filters are embedded in an ECL for multi-wavelength lasing, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but the number of phase controls required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for multiple phase controls with optically-controlled wavelength-selective elements and chirped grating reflectors. These elements provide wavelength selectivity through their optical properties rather than requiring mechanical phase adjustment, thereby maintaining high wavelength selectivity while eliminating the need for multiple phase controls and reducing device complexity.
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
Enables stable operation at multiple wavelengths with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing efficiency and tunability for applications in optical interconnection and quantum computing.
Implementation Method 1
a first chirped grating reflector optically coupled to the first wavelength selective element, wherein the first chirped grating reflector is configured to reflect a plurality of wavelengths including the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first wavelength selective element optically coupled to the gain medium and the reflector, the first wavelength selective element configured to filter light having a first wavelength
Implementation Method 3
the reflector and the first portion of the chirped grating reflector define a first optical cavity, such that the first wavelength selective element is located along a path of light resonating in the first optical cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-wavelength external cavity laser devices are generally described. The device includes a gain medium, a reflector, a wavelength selective element, and a chirped grating reflector. The wavelength selective element filters light having a first wavelength, and the chirped grating reflector reflects the light having the first wavelength. The light travels back to the reflector. As a result, the chirped grating reflector and the reflector define an optical cavity for the light having the first wavelength.