Elliptical Core Fiber Mode Coupling Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical communication systems face challenges in maintaining signal integrity over long distances due to mode coupling issues with Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian signals, which limits their effectiveness for longer fiber transmissions.

Innovation Solution

The use of elliptical core fibers for transmitting optical signals processed with Hermite-Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, or Ince-Gaussian functions, where an optical processing system applies these functions to digital signals, combines them into a single carrier signal, and an elliptical core fiber transmits this signal, minimizing mode coupling and maintaining signal integrity over longer distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Hermite-Gaussian or Laguerre-Gaussian signals are used for optical transmission, then spectral efficiency is improved, but mode coupling occurs over long distances causing signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fiber core from circular to elliptical shape. This parameter change in the fiber structure allows the elliptical core fiber to maintain mode coupling characteristics that prevent signal degradation while supporting the spectral efficiency benefits of HG/LG signals over long distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of an elliptical core region surrounded by a cladding region with different refractive indices. This composite material structure creates the necessary optical conditions to maintain signal integrity while enabling long-distance transmission of spectrally efficient signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional circular core fibers are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but mode coupling issues limit transmission distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtransmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the fiber core geometry by transitioning from a circular cross-section to an elliptical cross-section. This asymmetric structure modifies the mode coupling characteristics to enable longer transmission distances while the manufacturing process remains extensions of conventional fiber fabrication techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If elliptical core fibers are used, then mode coupling is minimized enabling longer transmission, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidoptical processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical processing system into distinct functional modules: signal generation unit, modulation unit, transmission unit with elliptical core fiber, and reception unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity while achieving signal stability through the elliptical fiber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances spectral efficiency and reduces signal degradation, allowing for reliable and efficient transmission of optical data signals over longer distances by utilizing elliptical core fibers to minimize mode coupling and maintain signal stability.

Implementation Method 1

An optical fiber transmits the single carrier signal from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10168501B2System and method for transmissions using eliptical core fibers

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 NXGEN PARTNERS IP LLC

AI summary

A system for transmission of optical data signals has first optical processing circuitry for receiving a plurality of digital signals and applying at least one of a Hermite-Gaussian function, a Laguerre-Gaussian function or an Ince-Gaussian function to each of the received plurality of digital signals. The first optical processing circuitry also combines each of the at least one of the Hermite-Gaussian function, the Laguerre-Gaussian function or the Ince-Gaussian function applied plurality of digital signals into a single carrier signal. An optical transmitter transmits the single carrier signal. An optical receiver receives the transmitted single carrier signal. Second optical processing circuitry separates the at least one of the Hermite-Gaussian function, the Laguerre-Gaussian function or the Ince-Gaussian function applied digital signals of the single carries signal into separate signals and removes the at least one of the Hermite-Gaussian function, the Laguerre-Gaussian function or the Ince-Gaussian function applied to each of the plurality of digital signals. An elliptical core fiber transmits the single carrier signal from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver. The elliptical core fiber includes an elliptical core have a major axis and a minor axis.