Integrated CMOS WDM With Optical Frequency Comb Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical data communication systems require efficient and reliable laser light sources with minimal form factor and low energy consumption, while existing technologies face challenges in achieving high bandwidth and multi-wavelength capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a comb generator with a laser to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from a single wavelength, combined with an electro-optical chip for modulating these wavelengths to convey digital data, utilizing a photonic interface and electrical interface for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single wavelength laser is used, then the form factor and energy consumption are reduced, but the bandwidth and multi-wavelength capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single continuous wave laser output into multiple discrete wavelength channels using an optical frequency comb generator. The comb generator divides the single wavelength input into multiple wavelength components (e.g., 4 wavelengths at 1310nm, 1315nm, 1320nm, 1325nm), enabling multi-wavelength communication capabilities while maintaining a single laser source, thus reducing form factor and energy consumption compared to using multiple separate lasers.
2Productivity
If multiple lasers are used to achieve multi-wavelength capabilities, then the bandwidth is improved, but the form factor and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser functions into a single continuous wave laser source by using an optical frequency comb generator to create multiple wavelength channels from one input. Instead of operating multiple separate lasers, the system combines their functionality through the comb generator, which produces multiple wavelength outputs (e.g., 4 wavelengths) from a single laser, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency while maintaining high bandwidth capabilities.
3Productivity
If multiple lasers are used to achieve multi-wavelength capabilities, then the bandwidth is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single continuous wave laser source that serves multiple wavelength functions simultaneously. The optical frequency comb generator enables this single laser to perform the work of multiple lasers by generating multiple wavelength channels (e.g., 4 wavelengths) from one input, allowing the system to achieve multi-wavelength communication capabilities without the complexity of managing multiple separate laser devices.
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 high-bandwidth, multi-wavelength optical data communication with reduced energy consumption and compact form factor, meeting increasing interconnect bandwidth requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a comb generator optically connected to the laser to receive the continuous wave light at the single wavelength as input light and generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the input light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data communication system includes an optical power supply and an electro-optical chip. The optical power supply includes a laser that generates laser light at a single wavelength. A comb generator receives the light at the single wavelength and generates multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from laser light at the single wavelength. The multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light are provided as light input to the electro-optical chip. The electro-optical chip includes at least one transmit macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light and that modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate modulated light signals that convey digital data.