Evanescent Light Wavelength Detection for Optical Amplifier Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical amplifiers face challenges in controlling optical output levels in wavelength division multiplexing communication systems, requiring accurate detection of channel numbers to maintain constant optical output levels, which is not efficiently addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
An optical amplifier system that utilizes evanescent light leaked outside the waveguide path for wavelength multiplicity detection, incorporating a waveguide path, optical amplification unit, irradiation unit, optical detection unit, branching unit, and light amount adjustment unit to control the optical output level by adjusting excitation light based on detected wavelength multiplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing optical amplifiers use traditional methods to detect channel numbers for controlling optical output levels, then the optical output level can be controlled, but additional optical couplers are required on the waveguide path, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the evanescent light that naturally leaks from the waveguide path and uses it for wavelength multiplicity detection. By taking out this previously unused light component and directing it to a photodetector, the system achieves channel detection without adding optical couplers to the main waveguide path, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the evanescent light that is already present during normal optical signal transmission through the waveguide. This self-generated light field serves dual purposes: maintaining the optical signal transmission while simultaneously providing the detection signal for wavelength multiplicity measurement, eliminating the need for additional optical coupling components
2Productivity
If optical signals are transmitted through optical fiber for long distances, then communication capacity increases, but signal attenuation requires optical amplification at specific intervals, requiring control of optical output levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photodetector continuously monitors the evanescent light intensity, which corresponds to the number of wavelength channels. This detection signal is fed back to adjust the excitation light intensity in real-time, ensuring that the optical output level remains constant despite signal attenuation over long transmission distances, thus maintaining high communication capacity while compensating for energy loss
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 precise control of optical output levels without the need for additional optical couplers on the waveguide path, allowing for effective detection of wavelength multiplicity and adjustment of excitation light, thereby maintaining consistent optical signal amplification across long distances.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplification unit formed on the waveguide path and configured to amplify the optical signal by an excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a branching unit configured to branch an evanescent light being the optical signal outputted from the optical amplification unit to the waveguide path and leaked outside the waveguide path
Implementation Method 3
an optical detection unit configured to detect a light and generate an electric signal which corresponds to the detected light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical amplifier using the evanescent light to control the optical output level is provided. The optical amplifier includes: a waveguide path transmitting an optical signal; an optical amplification unit formed on the waveguide path and amplifying the optical signal by an excitation light; an irradiation unit irradiating the excitation light to the optical amplification unit; an optical detection unit generating an electric signal which corresponds to a detected light; a branching unit branching an evanescent light being the optical signal outputted from the optical amplification unit and leaked outside the waveguide path, and focusing the evanescent light on the optical detection unit; a wavelength detection unit detecting a wavelength multiplicity of the optical signal based on the detected evanescent light; and a light amount adjustment unit adjusting a light amount of the excitation light irradiated by the irradiation unit based on the wavelength multiplicity.