Echelle Grating Multiplexer Routing for Higher Optical Measurement SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurement systems face challenges with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in individual measurements performed at certain wavelengths, necessitating improvements to enhance measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical measurement systems that utilize a light source unit with an Echelle grating multiplexer and a photonic integrated circuit, which includes multiple light sources and a switch network to simultaneously emit and route multiple wavelengths, improving SNR through wavelength multiplexing and routing arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wavelengths are emitted simultaneously using multiple light sources, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and their optical paths into a single integrated system. Multiple wavelengths from different light sources are routed through a shared optical path and combined at a common output, allowing simultaneous emission of multiple wavelengths while reducing overall system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The system can perform spectroscopic measurements across different wavelength ranges using the same hardware platform, with the light source unit capable of emitting multiple wavelengths and the optical path configured to process them collectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an Echelle grating multiplexer with multiple inputs and outputs is used to route light from multiple light sources, then wavelength multiplexing capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Echelle grating multiplexer is designed with segmented inputs and outputs that can be independently configured for different wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows flexible routing of specific wavelengths to appropriate outputs while maintaining a modular structure that simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The Echelle grating acts as an intermediary optical element that separates and routes different wavelengths from multiple light sources to appropriate outputs. This intermediate dispersion mechanism enables complex wavelength multiplexing functionality while using a single standardized grating component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances the SNR of optical measurements by combining multiple wavelengths, allowing for more accurate spectroscopic analysis and property determination of samples.
Implementation Method 1
an Echelle grating multiplexer, wherein the Echelle grating includes a plurality of inputs, and a plurality of outputs positioned to receive light from the plurality of inputs
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein describe photonic integrated circuits and associated optical measurement systems. The photonic integrated circuit may be configured to simultaneously output light of different wavelengths from different outputs of a multiplexer. A switch network, which may include a multiplexing photonic switch, may be used to selectively route the different wavelengths to a common set of launch groups, from which the light may be emitted from the photonic integrated circuit.