Excitation Light Distribution Device for Optical Amplification Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost and power consumption of optical amplification systems with optical amplifiers are high due to the need for high-performance amplifiers and constant temperature control of excitation lasers, even when not all wavelengths need to be amplified.
Innovation Solution
An excitation light distribution system with a variable branching ratio and controlled output power, based on information about the optical signals to be amplified, to optimize the use of excitation light and reduce unnecessary amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical amplifiers are provided on all routes to ensure amplification capability, then the amplification performance is improved, but the cost and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of optical amplifiers by adjusting the excitation light output power of laser units based on real-time detection of optical signal wavelengths. The system transitions from static full-amplification mode to dynamic selective amplification mode, where amplifiers are activated or deactivated according to actual traffic demands, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable amplification performance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of optical amplifiers by controlling the excitation light output power of laser units. By detecting which wavelengths are present in the optical signals and adjusting the corresponding laser output powers, the system optimizes amplification efficiency and reduces unnecessary power consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining amplification capability and reducing energy usage
2Reliability
If optical amplifiers are provided on all routes to ensure amplification capability, then the amplification performance is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of optical amplifiers by adjusting the excitation light output power of laser units based on real-time detection of optical signal wavelengths. The system transitions from static full-amplification mode to dynamic selective amplification mode, where amplifiers are activated or deactivated according to actual traffic demands, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable amplification performance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of optical amplifiers by controlling the excitation light output power of laser units. By detecting which wavelengths are present in the optical signals and adjusting the corresponding laser output powers, the system optimizes amplification efficiency and reduces unnecessary power consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining amplification capability and reducing energy usage
3Stability of the object's composition
If temperature control is maintained for all excitation lasers to stabilize oscillation wavelengths, then the wavelength stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by implementing temperature control only for excitation lasers that are currently active (those corresponding to detected wavelengths). Instead of uniformly controlling all lasers, the system selectively applies temperature stabilization only where needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wavelength stability for the operational lasers
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic wavelength detection and adaptive temperature control adjustment. By continuously monitoring which wavelengths are present and periodically adjusting temperature control accordingly, the system maintains wavelength stability for active lasers while minimizing power consumption by adjusting or disabling temperature control for inactive lasers
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 reduces the cost and power consumption of optical amplification systems by only providing the necessary excitation light and power to active gain blocks, integrating excitation light sources and reducing the number of control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an optical branching means with a variable branching ratio for branching and outputting the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
an amplification means for amplifying and outputting an optical signal by inputting an optical signal and excitation light outputted from the excitation light distribution device
Data Source
AI summary
For the purpose of reducing the cost and power consumption of an optical amplification system provided with an optical amplifier, an excitation light distribution device of the present invention comprises an excitation light source output unit which outputs excitation light, an optical branching unit with variable branching ratio which branches and outputs the excitation light, and a control unit which, on the basis of information on an optical signal to be amplified by the excitation light outputted by the optical branching unit, controls at least either the branching ratio of the optical branching unit or the optical output power of the excitation light source output unit.