Co-Packaged Optics With Bidirectional Laser Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical interconnects face challenges with high RF losses, increased cost, power consumption, and latency due to electronic signal interconnects, and require additional laser fibers that expand device footprint and reduce reliability, limiting bandwidth density and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A co-packaged optics system with a bi-directional laser medium that integrates a laser source, polarization splitter rotators, and a polarization maintaining medium, allowing for bi-directional fiber propagation and reducing the number of fibers needed, thereby decreasing cost and increasing shoreline density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate unidirectional laser fibers are used for each polarization direction, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but device footprint expands and reliability reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate unidirectional laser fibers (one for TE polarization, one for TM polarization) into a single bidirectional laser fiber. The laser source generates both polarization states, and polarization-maintaining fiber sections with orthogonal polarization axes allow simultaneous bidirectional transmission of both polarizations through the same physical medium, reducing the number of fibers from two to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser fiber serves multiple functions: it carries both TE and TM polarized light, supports bidirectional transmission (forward and reverse directions), and replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated fibers for each function. This multi-functionality reduces device footprint while maintaining transmission capabilities.
2Productivity
If additional laser fibers are added to increase bandwidth density, then optical transmission capacity increases, but device footprint expands and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fiber functions into a single bidirectional fiber, allowing both polarizations to be transmitted simultaneously in both directions. This doubling of transmission capacity (from single-direction single-polarization to bidirectional dual-polarization) effectively increases bandwidth density without adding more physical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from unidirectional to bidirectional transmission, adding a spatial dimension (directionality) to the fiber usage. By utilizing both forward and reverse directions simultaneously for different polarizations, the system effectively doubles the transmission capacity of the same physical fiber infrastructure.
3Speed
If electronic signal interconnects are used to increase data rate, then bandwidth demand is met, but RF losses increase and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic signal transmission through RF interconnects with optical signal transmission through laser fibers. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals, the system achieves higher data rates with lower power consumption and reduced RF losses, as optical transmission is inherently more efficient for high-speed data communication.
4Reliability
If multiple separate fibers are used for bidirectional transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but fiber complexity and breakouts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges bidirectional transmission for both polarizations into a single fiber infrastructure. By using polarization-maintaining fiber sections with orthogonal axes and wavelength division multiplexing, the system achieves reliable bidirectional communication without the complexity of managing multiple separate fiber cables and their associated breakouts and connections.
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 system reduces fiber count, cost, and complexity while enhancing bandwidth density and reliability by eliminating the need for separate unidirectional fibers and minimizing fiber breakouts within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization splitter rotator (PSR) including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a second PSR including a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port; and a polarization maintaining medium on an optical path between the second port of the first PSR and the fifth port of the second PSR
Implementation Method 2
a polarization maintaining medium on an optical path between the second port of the first PSR and the fifth port of the second PSR
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system may include a laser source including a laser source output port; an electro-optic (EO) transmitter (Tx) including a Tx input port and a Tx output port; a first polarization splitter rotator (PSR) including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a second PSR including a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port; and a polarization maintaining medium on an optical path between the second port and the fifth port. The laser source output port may be optically terminated at the first port. The second port may be optically terminated at the fifth port. The third port may be optically terminated at an output of the optical system. The Tx output port may be optically terminated at the fourth port. The fifth port may be optically terminated at the second port. The sixth port may be optically terminated at the Tx input port.