Dummy Light Spectrum Processing for Optical Submarine Cable Power Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical submarine cable systems, it is challenging to distinguish signal light from dummy light within a WDM signal due to similar spectrum shapes, making it difficult to maintain power within a predetermined range as the number of carriers or signal light power varies.
Innovation Solution
A dummy-light generation device that includes an ASE light source and a spectrum processing unit, which extracts a wavelength band with no signal light and generates dummy light, processing its spectrum to be distinguishable from signal light on either the frequency or time axis, facilitating differentiation between the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dummy light is inserted into wavelength bands with no signal light to maintain WDM signal power within a predetermined range, then power stability is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish dummy light from signal light due to similar spectrum shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by imposing specific spectral characteristics on the dummy light in particular wavelength bands. The dummy light is configured to have different spectral properties (such as specific wavelength ranges, power distributions, or spectral shapes) compared to signal light, allowing differentiation in specific local regions of the spectrum while maintaining overall power stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spectral characteristics (analogous to color in optical terms) to differentiate dummy light from signal light. By assigning distinct spectral profiles, wavelength distributions, or frequency characteristics to dummy light, the system enables visual or instrumental distinction between dummy and signal components in the WDM signal, similar to how different colors allow differentiation of objects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of carriers or signal light power varies, then system flexibility is improved, but maintaining WDM signal power within a predetermined range becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the actual power level of the WDM signal and dynamically adjusts the dummy light power or spectral characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to variations in carrier numbers or signal light power while automatically maintaining the total WDM signal power within the predetermined range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of dummy light parameters (such as power levels, wavelength distributions, or spectral shapes) in response to changing system conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the dummy light to compensate for variations in signal light characteristics, maintaining power stability while accommodating system flexibility.
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
Enables clear distinction between signal and dummy light in WDM signals, ensuring power maintenance within a predetermined range by modifying the spectrum of dummy light to be distinct from signal light, thus improving monitoring and control in optical submarine cable systems.
Implementation Method 1
an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light source that generates ASE light
Implementation Method 2
the spectrum processing means processes a spectrum of the dummy light in advance in such a way that, in a mixed spectrum including the dummy light and the signal light, the dummy light and the signal light can be distinguished from each other on at least one of a frequency axis and a time axis
Data Source
AI summary
The dummy-light generation device includes an ASE light source that generates ASE light, and a spectrum processing circuit that generates dummy light transmitted together with signal light by processing a spectrum of the ASE light, and the spectrum processing circuit processes the spectrum of the ASE light in advance in such a way that a spectrum of the dummy light and a spectrum of the signal light can be distinguished from each other on at least one of a frequency axis and a time axis on a reception side.