Dual-Filter Tunable Laser for Compact Wavelength and Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable lasers require multiple optical components for wavelength tuning and electro-optic modulation, leading to increased complexity, cost, and footprint in devices.
Innovation Solution
A tunable laser design incorporating a first wafer with an electro-optically tunable optical filter and a second wafer with a thermally tunable optical filter, integrated through optical connections, allowing for simultaneous wavelength and power tuning without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for wavelength tuning and electro-optic modulation, then the tuning functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wavelength tuning function and electro-optic modulation function into a single integrated optical filter component. This optical filter simultaneously performs both functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full tuning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a wavelength tuning element and an electro-optic modulator. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing the overall number of components in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for wavelength tuning and electro-optic modulation, then the tuning functionality is achieved, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the wavelength tuning component and power modulation component into a single optical filter, the physical space required is significantly reduced. The integrated component occupies much less area than multiple separate components would require, thereby reducing the overall device footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for wavelength tuning and electro-optic modulation, then the tuning functionality is achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into a single optical filter component simplifies the manufacturing process. Instead of procuring, testing, and assembling multiple separate optical components, the system uses one integrated component, thereby reducing production costs and improving ease of manufacture.
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
Simplifies device manufacturing by reducing the need for extra optical components, decreases footprint, and lowers production costs while enabling efficient wavelength and power modulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optically tunable optical filter
Implementation Method 2
a thermally tunable optical filter
Implementation Method 3
an optical amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable laser comprising a first wafer, a second wafer, and an optical cavity. The first wafer is of a first semiconductor material. The first wafer supports an optical amplifier and an electro-optically tunable optical filter. The second wafer is of a second material different from the first semiconductor material. The second wafer supports a thermally tunable optical filter. The optical cavity comprises the optical amplifier, the electro-optically tunable optical filter, and the thermally tunable optical filter.