Forward Polarization Control for Remote Laser Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

Polarization maintaining fibers are difficult to install correctly and are costly due to their specific orientation and alignment requirements, leading to potential optical losses, whereas non-polarization maintaining fibers cause polarization changes in optical signals, necessitating a solution for self-correction in optical communication systems.

Innovation Solution

An optical system comprising an optical source, an integrated circuit, and an optical fiber with a polarization controller that splits the optical signal into transverse electric and magnetic components, allowing the optical source to adjust the polarization of the signal to minimize or eliminate the transverse magnetic component, thereby self-correcting for polarization changes in the fiber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If polarization maintaining fibers are used, then polarization stability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the reflected transverse magnetic component as feedback to automatically adjust and correct polarization changes in real-time, enabling the system to self-correct without manual intervention or complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reflected transverse magnetic component serves as a feedback signal that is detected by the optical source to determine how to adjust the optical signal, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains polarization stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If polarization maintaining fibers are used, then polarization stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization stabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the reflected transverse magnetic component as feedback to automatically adjust and correct polarization changes in real-time, enabling the system to self-correct without manual intervention or complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reflected transverse magnetic component serves as a feedback signal that is detected by the optical source to determine how to adjust the optical signal, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains polarization stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If non-polarization maintaining fibers are used, then installation complexity is reduced, but polarization changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidpolarization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the reflected transverse magnetic component as feedback to automatically adjust and correct polarization changes in real-time, enabling the system to self-correct without manual intervention or complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reflected transverse magnetic component serves as a feedback signal that is detected by the optical source to determine how to adjust the optical signal, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains polarization stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively reduces or eliminates transverse magnetic components in optical signals, ensuring stable communication even with non-polarization maintaining fibers, reducing installation complexity and costs associated with polarization maintaining fibers.

Implementation Method 1

The optical fiber carries the optical signal from the optical source to the integrated circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The mirror reflects a transverse magnetic component of the optical signal through the optical fiber to the optical source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The polarization controller adjusts, based on the transverse magnetic component, the optical signal emitted from the optical source such that the transverse magnetic component is reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS11888527B1Forward polarization control for remote laser

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A system includes an optical source, an integrated circuit, an optical fiber, and a polarization controller. The optical source is arranged emit an optical signal. The integrated circuit includes a mirror. The optical fiber carries the optical signal from the optical source to the integrated circuit. The mirror reflects a transverse magnetic component of the optical signal through the optical fiber to the optical source. The polarization controller adjusts, based on the transverse magnetic component, the optical signal emitted from the optical source such that the transverse magnetic component is reduced.