DWDM Transceiver Comb Laser Double-Pass Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical transceivers utilizing multi-channel DWDM are limited to no more than ten channels due to the expense and reliability issues of discrete tunable laser sources and high insertion loss from filter-based multiplexer and demultiplexer elements.
Innovation Solution
A densely-spaced DWDM transceiver system employing a comb laser source, a wavelength-separating dispersive element, and double-pass optical modulators to create and manage multiple channels, allowing for at least twenty separate channels by using a comb laser source, a dispersive element, and double-pass optical modulators for demultiplexing and multiplexing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete tunable laser devices are used as transmitter light sources, then wavelength control is achieved, but system cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete tunable laser devices into a single integrated laser source module that generates multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This merging approach maintains wavelength control precision while improving reliability by reducing the total number of discrete components and eliminating the need for individual wavelength locking mechanisms for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser source module is designed to provide multi-functionality by generating multiple wavelengths (supporting at least twenty channels) from a single device. This universal light source replaces the need for multiple discrete tunable lasers, each requiring separate wavelength stabilization, thereby reducing system complexity and improving reliability while maintaining precise wavelength control across all channels.
2Measurement precision
If filter-based optical structures are used as multiplexer and demultiplexer elements, then wavelength separation is achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional filter-based optical structures with a diffractive optical element (DOE) that uses diffraction physics instead of absorption/filtration mechanisms. The DOE spatially separates wavelengths through constructive and destructive interference patterns, achieving precise wavelength separation without the high insertion losses associated with filter-based systems. This substitution maintains wavelength separation precision while significantly reducing energy loss.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength tuning and stabilization/locking mechanisms are implemented, then wavelength precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength tuning and stabilization functions into the integrated laser source module design. By generating multiple wavelengths simultaneously from a single source with built-in spatial separation capabilities, the system eliminates the need for separate wavelength locking elements for each channel, thereby maintaining wavelength precision while reducing overall device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If discrete tunable laser devices with wavelength locking elements are used, then wavelength stability is achieved, but the number of channels is limited to ten or fewer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal laser source module capable of generating at least twenty different wavelengths simultaneously. This multi-functional device replaces multiple discrete tunable lasers, achieving wavelength stability across all channels through integrated design while doubling the channel capacity compared to traditional systems limited to ten or fewer channels.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple wavelength-generation capabilities into a single integrated module with built-in spatial separation, the system achieves stable wavelength control across twenty or more channels without requiring individual wavelength locking for each channel, thereby increasing channel capacity while maintaining wavelength stability.
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 a compact and efficient multi-channel DWDM transceiver capable of supporting a larger number of channels than previous systems, reducing costs and improving reliability by utilizing a comb laser source and double-pass modulators for demultiplexing and multiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
a comb laser source configured to create an input beam supporting a plurality of N separate wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The dispersive is positioned to receive as an input the input beam created by the comb laser source and demultiplex the input beam to create a plurality of N spatially separated output beams
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of N optical modulators is disposed to receive the N optical channels, each individual optical modulator further responsive to an electrical data signal as a modulating signal input to generate a modulated optical signal
Implementation Method 4
a circulator disposed between the comb laser source and the dispersive element to direct the input beam from the comb laser source into the dispersive element, and also direct the multi-channel DWDM optical output signal into an optical output port
Implementation Method 5
The receiver dispersive element is oriented to spatially separate the multi-channel received optical signal into a plurality of N separate wavelength components
Implementation Method 6
The plurality of N photodiodes is positioned to couple to the plurality N receiver channels, for recovering an electrical data signal from the applied optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A densely-spaced wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transceiver utilizes a comb laser source to provide a multi-channel system capable of supporting at least twenty separate channels. The optical transmitter portion of the transceiver utilizes a double-pass (e.g., reflective) modulator configuration. The double-pass arrangement allows for a single grating (or other suitable dispersive element) to be used as a demultiplexer in combination with the comb laser source to separate the input optical beams into individual wavelength components, as well as a multiplexer for combining the plurality of separate modulated optical signals into a single, multi-channel DWDM optical output signal. The optical receiver portion of the transceiver includes a grating element to direct the multi-channel received optical signal into separate, wavelength-based channels, with the signal propagating along each channel directed into a separate photodiode.