Dual-Sensitivity Optical Phase Modulator for RF Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photonic processing systems require multiple copies of RF input signals with different modulation levels, but current methods using RF splitters introduce excess loss and frequency dependence, complicating optical routing and phase consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dual-sensitivity optical phase modulation, where an optical carrier is split into multiple copies with different modulation sensitivity voltages, using electro-optical phase modulators and polarization controllers to achieve multiple sensitivity levels without the need for additional RF splitters, allowing for efficient processing by a photonic processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If RF splitters are used to create multiple copies of RF input signals with different modulation levels, then the required optical signals can be generated, but excess loss and frequency dependence are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical RF splitter system with an optical domain solution using a single electro-optical phase modulator. The modulator directly generates multiple optical copies of the RF input signal with different modulation levels by exploiting the nonlinear relationship between the RF input voltage and optical phase modulation, eliminating the need for physical RF signal splitting and associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electro-optical phase modulator to achieve different modulation sensitivities for different optical copies. By controlling the bias point and operating conditions of the modulator, the system generates optical signals with varying phase modulation depths from the same RF input, thereby creating the required signal diversity without additional RF splitting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF splitters are used to create multiple copies of RF input signals, then signal distribution is achieved, but frequency dependence causes inconsistent output phases and amplitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the frequency-dependent RF splitter with an electro-optical phase modulator that operates in the optical domain. This substitution eliminates the frequency dependence issue because the modulator's response is determined by its electrical bandwidth rather than RF signal frequency, providing consistent phase and amplitude relationships across a broad frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electro-optical phase modulator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates all required optical signal copies with different modulation levels from a single RF input. This multi-functional approach ensures that all output signals originate from the same modulation process, guaranteeing phase and amplitude consistency across the entire frequency band.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple optical phase modulators are used to process split RF signals, then different modulation levels are achieved, but additional optical routing and loss are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical phase modulators into a single device. By configuring the electro-optical phase modulator to operate at different bias points or operating conditions, the system generates multiple optical copies with different modulation levels from one modulator, eliminating the need for multiple modulators and their associated optical routing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electro-optical phase modulator serves as a universal signal generation device that can produce all required optical outputs with varying modulation depths. This multi-functionality consolidates the system architecture, removing the need for complex optical routing networks and multiple modulator components, thereby reducing both system complexity and associated losses.
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 efficient generation of multiple optical copies of RF input signals with varying sensitivity levels, reducing losses and maintaining phase consistency across a broad frequency range, thereby improving the performance of photonic processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical (EO) phase modulator for phase-modulating each optical carrier copy according to a received radio frequency (RF) signal of interest and according to the imparted modulation sensitivity voltage
Implementation Method 2
the sensitivity controllers are optical circulators configured for directing the optical carrier copies through the EO phase modulator in different or opposing optical path directions
Implementation Method 3
a polarization rotator may configure an optical carrier input as a combined optical channel, carrying along a single optical fiber, channel, or line two or more optical carrier components each associated with a different polarization state
Implementation Method 4
Polarization beamsplitters separate each modulated combined optical channel into its modulated optical carrier components
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related method for multiple-sensitivity optical phase modulation splits an optical carrier generated by a photonic source into at least two copies and directs the copies (e.g., via optical circulators or polarization rotators) to an electro-optical (EO) phase modulator such that the phase modulator phase-modulates each optical copy according to a received radio frequency (RF) signal of interest based on characteristics distinct to each optical copy (e.g., optical path direction, signal polarization) that provide for phase modulation of each optical copy at a different sensitivity voltage. The variably modified optical copies are directed to a photonic processor for further signal processing in the optical domain.