Cryogenic Optical Signal Interruption for Fast Low-Power Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interruption systems for optical signal transmission, such as micro electromechanical, thermo-optical, and acousto-optical systems, have low switching speeds and are not suitable for short data packets due to their intrinsic limitations, and all-optical systems require high power at room temperature.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device is used to maintain semiconductor optical amplifiers at cryogenic temperatures (≥10 K, ≤90 K) to enable low-power control signal switching for optical signal transmission, allowing efficient switching between transmission and interruption states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If all-optical interruption systems are used at room temperature, then switching speed is improved, but control signal power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidcontrol signal power

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the semiconductor optical amplifier from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures (≥10 K, preferably ≥40 K). This parameter change enables the amplifier to achieve high extinction ratios (>30 dB) with low control signal power, resolving the contradiction between switching performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical interruption systems (MEMS, thermo-optical, acousto-optical) with a cryogenically cooled semiconductor optical amplifier system. This substitution enables faster switching speeds while reducing the power requirements for control signals through the cryogenic operating condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If mechanical interruption systems (MEMS, thermo-optical, acousto-optical) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but switching speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidswitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical interruption systems with a semiconductor optical amplifier operated at cryogenic temperatures. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts and mechanical switching mechanisms, thereby maintaining low device complexity while achieving significantly faster switching speeds suitable for short data packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If semiconductor optical amplifier is operated at room temperature, then ease of operation is improved, but extinction ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidextinction ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating temperature parameter to cryogenic conditions (≥10 K, preferably ≥40 K), which fundamentally improves the extinction ratio performance of the semiconductor optical amplifier to exceed 30 dB. The automated cooling system maintains operational simplicity despite the temperature change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If cryogenic cooling is applied to semiconductor optical amplifier, then extinction ratio is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextinction ratioVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is designed to serve multiple functions: it cools the semiconductor optical amplifier to achieve high extinction ratios, stabilizes the operating temperature for consistent performance, and enables the system to handle short data packets. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive performance benefits.

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 system achieves high extinction rates (>30 dB) and low power consumption for controlling optical signal transmission, suitable for short data packets, with reduced sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling device configured to cool the semiconductor optical amplifier to a temperature greater than or equal to 10 K, preferably greater than or equal to 40 K

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cryogenics

Implementation Method 2

cool the optical modulator to a temperature less than or equal to 90 K, preferably less than or equal to 80 K

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cryogenics

Data Source

PatentUS20250219734A1Interruption system configured to control the transmission of an optical signal

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

Interruption system 10 configured to control transmission of an optical signal, the system comprising a solid state optical amplifier (AMP, AMP1, AMP2) configured to receive:an input optical signal (SOE, SOE1, SOE2), anda control signal (SC, SC1, SC2) configured to control the semiconductor optical amplifier (AMP, AMP1, AMP2),characterised in that the interruption system further comprises a cooling device (12, 12-1, 12-2) configured to cool the semiconductor optical amplifier (AMP, AMP1, AMP2) to a temperature greater than or equal to 10 K, preferably greater than or equal to 40 K, and to cool the optical modulator to a temperature less than or equal to 90 K, preferably less than or equal to 80 K.