External Pump Light Source With Mode Conversion for Optical Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical amplifiers require single-mode pump lasers, which are difficult to maintain and replace, and have limited output power, failing to meet the power requirements of optical amplification systems.
Innovation Solution
A pump light source located outside the optical amplifier, converting multi-mode pump light into multiple channels of single-mode pump light using a mode converter, and distributing it through an optical interface unit, allowing centralized management and sharing among multiple amplifiers, with backup capabilities and power control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple amplifiers are connected in series to increase output power, then the output power is improved, but non-linear distortion increases and bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the amplification function into multiple independent amplifier modules (first amplifier, second amplifier, third amplifier) that operate in parallel rather than series. Each amplifier handles a portion of the total output power requirement, avoiding the cumulative distortion and bandwidth reduction that occurs when amplifiers are connected in series. This segmentation maintains signal quality while achieving the desired output power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple amplifiers simultaneously performing the same amplification function but with different characteristics (e.g., different gain levels, bandwidths, or distortion characteristics). By combining their outputs, the system achieves high output power without sacrificing signal quality, as each amplifier contributes its strengths to the overall performance.
2Reliability
If a single amplifier is used to maintain signal quality, then the bandwidth is improved, but the output power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single amplifier to provide both high power and high quality, the patent segments the power delivery function across multiple amplifiers. Each amplifier can be optimized for signal quality with adequate bandwidth, while the collective output of all amplifiers provides the required total power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple amplifiers to achieve the desired output power level. By combining signals from multiple quality-preserving amplifiers, the system attains both high output power and maintained signal quality, overcoming the limitation of a single amplifier.
3Use of energy by moving object
If amplifiers are connected in series to increase output power, then the power consumption is reduced per amplifier, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the amplification function into multiple independent modules that can be individually optimized and controlled. This modular approach, while appearing to increase complexity, actually simplifies system management by allowing independent tuning of each amplifier and providing flexibility in configuration to achieve desired performance without excessive 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
Facilitates easy maintenance, reduces costs by sharing a pump light source among multiple amplifiers, and ensures stable, high-power output to meet the requirements of optical amplifiers, while preventing damage and improving integration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier configured to amplify the input signal light to generate output signal light having a predetermined output power
Data Source
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Figure 9~10
AI summary
A pump light source (1) is disclosed, including a light emitting unit (10), a mode converter (20), and an optical interface unit (30). The light emitting unit (10) is configured to output multi-mode pump light. The mode converter (20) is configured to convert the multi-mode pump light outputted by the light emitting unit (10) into a plurality of channels of single-mode pump light and output the plurality of channels of single-mode pump light. The optical interface unit (30) is connected to an optical amplifier (2) via an optical transmission medium (3), to provide at least one channel of single-mode pump light in the plurality of channels of single-mode pump light for a corresponding optical amplifier (2) via the optical transmission medium (3). The pump light source (1) is located outside the optical amplifier (2), providing convenience for maintenance and replacement for the pump light source (1) in the case of malfunction.