Folding MxN WSS Optical Path for Port Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current M×N wavelength selective switches (WSS) face challenges such as size limitations of liquid crystal chips, insufficient port quantity due to inter-independence of input/output ports, complex optical path structures, and high insertion loss, which hinder their development and commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A folding M×N WSS is implemented using a specific optical path configuration involving a one-dimensional single-mode fiber optic collimator array, cylindrical mirrors, a transmission phase diffraction grating, a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, and a retroreflector, allowing for efficient beam manipulation and port expansion through a 4f optical system and liquid crystal graphic loading control, enabling increased port utilization and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal spatial light modulator is used to build the M×N WSS, then wavelength selective switching function is achieved, but the device size is limited by liquid crystal chip size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folding optical path that transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional folded structure. By using mirrors to reflect and redirect optical beams at specific angles, the system achieves a compact footprint while maintaining the full M×N switching capacity. The optical path folds back on itself multiple times, allowing the liquid crystal chip to operate at a reduced size while still providing the necessary wavelength selective switching functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If input/output ports are arranged independently, then port quantity is maximized, but the optical path structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical path design where the same set of optical elements (mirrors, beam guides) serves multiple functions for both input and output ports. The folding structure allows input ports and output ports to share common optical pathways, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining the ability to handle M input and N output ports independently. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each port.
3Area of stationary object
If a folding structure is used to reduce space, then port utilization is improved, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional regions using mirrors and beam guides. Each segment handles a specific portion of the optical routing, making the overall complex folded path manageable through modular design. The optical path is divided into reflection segments, transmission segments, and coupling segments, each optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall compact structure.
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 proposed method enhances port utilization, increases the number of M×N ports, and addresses the limitations of existing WSS designs by using a folding structure that allows the same optical elements to handle both input and output signals efficiently, improving signal processing and switching capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, and a liquid crystal graphic loading control system are provided successively along a beam transmission direction
Implementation Method 2
a transmission phase diffraction grating
Implementation Method 3
performing, by the transmission phase diffraction grating, a first dispersion on incident beams, such that beams with different wavelengths have different diffraction angles
Implementation Method 4
a short-focus cylindrical mirror, a first long-focus cylindrical mirror... the short-focus cylindrical mirror and the first long-focus cylindrical mirror form a 4f optical system
Implementation Method 5
a retroreflector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing folding M×N wavelength selective switch is provided. A one-dimensional single-mode fiber optic collimator array, a short-focus cylindrical mirror, a first long-focus cylindrical mirror, a retroreflector, a transmission phase diffraction grating, a second long-focus cylindrical mirror, a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, and a liquid crystal graphic loading control system are provided along beam transmission direction. The same set of optical elements is used for incident light and outgoing light by ingenious folding structure. The input port and output port of optical signal are consistent in spatial arrangement, thereby reducing space and improving port utilization. Based on composite liquid crystal chips, a working area of the liquid crystal spatial light modulator is doubled, and a quantity of accommodating ports is greatly increased. A quantity of M×N ports of the WSS can be increased greatly by the above structure and design.