Dual-Direction PCSEL Coherent Receiver Without Beam Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coherent receivers with PCSELs are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coherent optical receiver design utilizing a PCSEL that emits light in two directions, eliminating the need for a beam splitter and incorporating polarizers and rotators to align and convert optical hybrid receiver output signals to electrical signals, with a signal processing unit for digital conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional coherent receivers with PCSELs are used, then signal reception capability is achieved, but the system becomes costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the local oscillator function and signal reception function into a single PCSEL device. The PCSEL emits light in two directions: one direction serves as the local oscillator signal and the other direction receives the input optical signal, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The PCSEL device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the local oscillator signal, receives the input optical signal, and enables coherent detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall receiver structure
2Productivity
If conventional coherent receivers with PCSELs are used, then signal reception capability is achieved, but the system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the local oscillator and signal reception functions into a single PCSEL, the patent eliminates unnecessary optical paths and components that would cause losses, thereby improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliable signal reception
Solution Approach 2:
The PCSEL continuously emits light in both directions without interruption, providing continuous local oscillator signal and simultaneous signal reception, which improves the efficiency of the coherent detection process
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 design reduces size and cost while maintaining efficiency, enabling high-speed data transmission with improved signal processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
PCSELs - Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers
Implementation Method 2
polarizers and rotators to align and convert optical hybrid receiver output signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a coherent optical receiver, where the coherent optical receiver comprises a PCSEL that generates a first and a second light beam. In accordance with various embodiments, the physical emission direction of the first light beam may be at an angle of 180 degrees, or 180 degrees plus/minus 10 degrees in some instances, to the physical emission direction of the second light beam. Embodiments may also comprise a first hybrid receiver that receives a first portion of an input light signal to the coherent optical receiver and the first light beam as a local oscillator signal, generating one or more first optical hybrid receiver output signals. Embodiments may also comprise a second hybrid receiver that receives a second portion of the input light signal to the coherent optical receiver and the second light beam as a local oscillator signal, generating one or more second optical hybrid receiver output signals.