Free Space Optical Backplane for High-Power Transport Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transport systems face challenges with high laser power limitations and non-linearities due to the use of solid core optical fibers, leading to potential burning and signal interference, which are not effectively addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a free space optical backplane structure with hollow-core optical fibers and a system of mirrors to direct laser signals through free space, eliminating the need for fiber connections and enabling higher laser power transmission without burning or non-linearities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solid core optical fibers are used for high capacity data transmission, then signal transmission capability is improved, but laser power is limited due to burning and non-linearities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hollow-core optical fiber as an intermediary medium that allows high power laser transmission without the burning and non-linearities problems of solid core fibers. The hollow-core structure acts as a mediator between the laser source and the transmission medium, enabling higher power operation while maintaining signal integrity through the air-filled core that prevents thermal damage and non-linear optical effects.
2Power
If free space optical backplane structure is implemented, then laser power transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mirror arrays and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fiber connection systems with a free space optical system using mirror arrays. This substitution eliminates the need for physical fiber routing and connections, allowing high power laser transmission through free space while using mirrors to direct and focus the laser beams between transceiver modules, thereby avoiding the limitations of solid core fibers.
3Power
If hollow-core optical fiber is used instead of solid core fiber, then laser power handling is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the optical transmission medium from solid core to hollow-core structure. This parameter change enables high power laser handling by replacing the solid glass core with an air-filled hollow core, fundamentally altering how the laser interacts with the transmission medium and eliminating thermal damage and non-linearities while requiring precise manufacturing of the hollow-core 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 solution allows for improved signal-to-noise characteristics and longer distance transmission with reduced latency and cost, while minimizing human error in optical transport system operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of mirrors mounted at a first set of heights within the chamber and a second array of mirrors mounted at a second set of heights within the chamber... arranged to direct laser signals travelling through free space
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for implementing a free space optical backplane structure including a body and a plurality of mirrors. The body includes a chamber, a front panel, and a plurality of apertures disposed in the front panel, the plurality of apertures including a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures. The plurality of mirrors includes first and second arrays of mirrors mounted at first and second sets of heights, respectively, within the chamber, and is aligned with the first and second sets of apertures located in the front panel. The first and second arrays of mirrors are arranged to direct laser signals travelling through free space that are transmitted from or to a first device through the first set of apertures, between the first and second arrays of mirrors, and to or from a corresponding second device through the second set of apertures.