Free-Space Optical Channel Using Multi-Core Fibers for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed optical communication systems using hollow core fibers face manufacturing challenges, high costs, fragility, and significant propagation delays due to the refractive index of glass, which are not suitable for high-speed trading applications.
Innovation Solution
A low latency free-space optical data communication channel using multi-core optical fibers with collimators and channel raceways, enabling optical signals to propagate through air, minimizing divergence and using optical splitters for power monitoring, thereby reducing latency and eliminating the need for expensive hollow core fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If hollow core fibers are used to reduce propagation delay, then the optical signal speed approaches the speed of light in vacuum, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multi-core optical fibers where each core can be independently manufactured and then assembled into a bundled cable structure. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each core, avoiding the complex single hollow core structure while achieving similar low-latency performance through parallel optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs conventional optical fiber technologies that are already mass-produced and cost-effective, rather than expensive custom hollow core fibers. By using standard fiber drawing processes and assembly techniques, the solution achieves low propagation delay without the hundreds-to-thousands of dollars per meter cost of hollow core alternatives.
2Loss of time
If hollow core fibers are used to reduce propagation delay, then the optical signal speed approaches the speed of light in vacuum, but the fiber becomes fragile and susceptible to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite cable structure containing multiple discrete optical fiber cores, each protected by standard fiber coatings and buffering. This composite approach combines the low-latency benefit of air-equivalent propagation paths with the mechanical robustness of conventional fiber protection structures, eliminating the fragility of single hollow core designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the optical transmission function across multiple separate cores rather than relying on a single hollow core structure, the invention distributes mechanical stress and damage risk. Each core can be independently protected and replaced if needed, significantly improving overall system reliability compared to fragile hollow core alternatives.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard optical fibers are used for communication, then the system is robust and easy to manufacture, but the propagation delay is significant due to the refractive index of glass
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary air-filled space or low-refractive-index material structure between the optical signal paths, allowing light to travel at speeds closer to vacuum speed while still maintaining the mechanical protection and manufacturing advantages of conventional fiber cable structures. This intermediary structure reduces the effective refractive index without sacrificing robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical transmission into multiple discrete channels that can be routed through paths with reduced refractive index materials or air gaps, while the overall cable assembly maintains standard manufacturing processes. This allows selective optimization of propagation speed for critical channels while keeping the rest of the system simple to manufacture.
4Loss of time
If custom manufactured fiber cable assemblies with precisely measured fiber lengths are used, then equivalent trading delays are guaranteed, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple discrete optical cores within a cable assembly, where each core's length can be independently controlled during the standard fiber drawing process. This segmentation allows for easier length matching and delay equalization compared to single custom-manufactured fibers, as length precision can be achieved through conventional manufacturing tolerances rather than post-manufacturing measurement and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter control during standard fiber manufacturing processes to achieve consistent lengths and propagation characteristics across multiple cores. By controlling parameters such as draw speed, temperature, and tension during fiber production, the system achieves equivalent propagation delays without requiring expensive custom manufacturing and OTDR measurement processes.
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 provides low latency optical signal paths with equivalent propagation delays, reducing costs and enhancing system robustness, suitable for high-speed trading and data center applications.
Implementation Method 1
optical communication signals to propagate through free-space, thereby traveling at the speed of light in air minimizing propagation time
Implementation Method 2
at least two opposing optical collimators for transmitting an optical communication signal in the form of a parallel beam across a free-space channel
Implementation Method 3
hollow core fibers, where the core is a channel of air surrounded by an array of hollow tubes which form reflective micro-structures cladding, to confine the optical beam
Implementation Method 4
using optical splitters for power monitoring
Implementation Method 5
The speed of an optical signal is determined by the refractive index of the medium in which it propagates, where the refractive index is effectively the optical dielectric constant of the medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A low latency free-space optical data communication channel has at least two opposing optical collimators for transmitting an optical communication signal in the form of a parallel beam across a free-space channel. The input of the collimators are multi-core optical fibers. Multiple cores of the multi-core optical fibers are positioned at the focal point of the two opposing optical collimators. The optical collimators image the communications signals in each of the cores of the multi-core fibers into the corresponding cores of the opposing multi-core fibers.