Optical Switch With Folded Beam Steering Without SLMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switches, particularly wavelength selective switches (WSSs), are limited by the use of expensive spatial light modulators (SLMs) and require large deflection angles, which restrict the number of accessible output ports and switch capacity.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch design utilizing two programmable deflection planes and a beam steering optical element group, which includes lenses and mirrors, to optically route light without the need for SLMs, allowing for compact and efficient switching between input and output ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spatial light modulators (SLMs) are used in wavelength selective switches, then optical switching can be achieved, but the cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spatial light modulator (SLM) component from the optical switch architecture. Instead of using SLMs for beam deflection, the invention employs a simplified optical path with mirrors and lenses that directly route light between input and output ports, eliminating the need for expensive and complex SLM devices while maintaining optical switching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using programmable deflection planes with SLMs to actively steer light beams through complex holographic patterns, the patent inverts the approach by using fixed mirrors and lenses in a folded optical path that passively guide light through predetermined routes, achieving switching through geometric optical paths rather than active beam manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If large deflection angles are used to route light through the switch, then all output ports can be accessed, but the number of accessible output ports is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folded optical path configuration that adds spatial dimensions to the light routing. By using multiple mirrors arranged in a folded geometry, the system extends the optical path length and increases the number of available routing angles without requiring larger deflection angles from individual components, thereby enabling access to more output ports
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching function is segmented into multiple discrete routing stages using separate mirror pairs. Each mirror pair handles a specific subset of input-output port connections, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive port accessibility by combining multiple simpler deflection operations rather than requiring a single large-deflection mechanism
3Measurement precision
If separate spatial light modulators are used for each deflection plane, then precise beam control is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate spatial light modulators into a unified passive optical system. By combining multiple fixed mirrors and lenses into an integrated folded optical path, the system achieves coordinated beam routing through geometric optics rather than through multiple independent programmable devices, reducing both component count and system complexity while maintaining routing precision
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
The design enables efficient and compact optical switching with increased capacity by eliminating the need for separate SLMs and reducing the required deflection angles, thereby enhancing the switch's performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a beam steering optical element group configured to transfer the first deflected array of beams from the first programmable deflection plane to the beams incident on the second programmable deflection plane
Implementation Method 2
which includes lenses and mirrors, to optically route light
Implementation Method 3
a first demultiplexer configured to separate light from the set of first input ports into its component frequency channels
Implementation Method 4
a first multiplexer configured to combine the second deflected array of beams from the second programmable deflection plane into combined signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch comprising: a set of first input ports. each first input port configured to transport an optical signal having at least one component frequency channel: a set of first output ports. each first output port configured to transport an optical signal having at least one component frequency channel: a first programmable deflection plane configured to deflect beams incident on it to form a first deflected array of beams: a second programmable deflection plane configured to deflect beams incident on it to form a second deflected array of beams: a first demultiplexer configured to separate light from the set of first input ports into its component frequency channels to form the beams incident on the first programmable deflection plane: a first multiplexer configured to combine the second deflected array of beams from the second programmable deflection plane into combined signals incident on the set of first output ports: and a beam steering optical element group configured to transfer the first deflected array of beams from the first programmable deflection plane to the beams incident on the second programmable deflection plane. The incidence normal of the first programmable