Free-Space Optical Channel Using Collimators for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed optical fiber communication systems, particularly in financial trading, face significant latency issues due to the refractive index of glass fibers, which limits the speed of optical signals and introduces unacceptable delays, and the development of hollow core fibers is costly, fragile, and difficult to manufacture in high volumes.
Innovation Solution
A low latency free-space optical communication channel using optical collimators and raceways to transmit signals in a parallel beam across a free-space channel, where the optical beam propagates along a raceway and is received by a second collimator, focusing the signal into an output fiber, thereby minimizing delay and eliminating the need for expensive hollow core fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If glass optical fiber is used for signal transmission, then the signal can be transmitted over long distances, but the propagation delay increases due to the refractive index of glass being about 1.467
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the glass fiber medium and implements it through free-space optical transmission. By removing the signal from the high-refractive-index glass environment and allowing it to propagate through air (refractive index ≈ 1.0), the system eliminates the propagation delay penalty while maintaining long-distance transmission capability through appropriate optical coupling and relay mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical collimators and relay optics as intermediary components that bridge the free-space optical path with fiber connections. These intermediaries enable the signal to transition between guided fiber modes and free-space propagation, maintaining signal integrity while utilizing the lower refractive index of air to reduce propagation delay.
2Loss of time
If hollow core fibers are used to reduce propagation delay, then the signal delay compared to vacuum is minimized (0.0476%), but the manufacturing cost increases significantly to hundreds to thousands of dollars per meter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hollow core fibers with conventional, inexpensive glass optical fibers that are mass-produced and cost-effective. By using standard fiber technology combined with free-space optical transmission segments, the system achieves low propagation delay without the high manufacturing costs associated with specialized hollow core fiber production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical collimators and relay optics as intermediary components to enable free-space transmission between fiber segments. This approach allows the use of cheap, standard glass fibers while achieving the low delay performance of hollow core fibers through the free-space propagation path, avoiding the need to manufacture expensive specialized fiber types.
3Speed
If hollow core fibers are used to minimize propagation delay, then the optical signal propagates at higher speed, but the fiber becomes fragile and susceptible to degradation due to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical signal from the hollow core fiber structure and transmits it through free-space optics. By removing the signal from the fragile hollow core fiber medium, the system eliminates the reliability issues associated with bending sensitivity while maintaining high signal propagation speed through air transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical collimators and relay optics as intermediary components that protect the optical signal from the mechanical stresses that would affect hollow core fibers. These intermediaries enable the signal to propagate through free-space without being constrained by fragile fiber structures, improving both speed and reliability.
4Loss of time
If hollow core fibers are used to reduce propagation delay, then the optical channel delay is minimized, but the fiber exhibits high attenuation due to coupling of light's electromagnetic fields with the surrounding fiber core structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical signal from the hollow core fiber structure where it experiences electromagnetic field coupling and attenuation. By transitioning to free-space optical transmission, the signal propagates through air with minimal interaction with material structures, thereby reducing attenuation while maintaining the low delay characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical collimators and relay optics as intermediaries to enable the signal to propagate through free-space without the attenuation mechanisms present in hollow core fibers. These intermediaries facilitate the transition from guided modes to free-space propagation, eliminating the electromagnetic field coupling loss while preserving the low propagation delay.
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
This solution achieves a 0.02% reduction in signal delay compared to hollow core fibers, providing a cost-effective and robust point-to-point optical channel with minimal latency, suitable for high-speed trading applications, while ensuring equivalent optical signal paths.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical collimator for transmitting an optical communication signal in the form of a parallel beam
Implementation Method 2
enables optical communication signals to propagate through free-space, thereby traveling at the speed of light in air minimizing propagation time
Implementation Method 3
The received signal is focused into a second optical fiber pigtail at the output side of the collimator
Data Source
AI summary
A low latency free-space optical data communication channel has at least one optical collimator for transmitting an optical communication signal in the form of a parallel beam across a free-space channel. The input of the collimator includes a connectorized optical fiber pigtail for connecting said collimator to a glass optical fiber carrying the signal to be transmitted across the free-space channel. The optical beam propagates in free space along the longitudinal axis of a raceway, which is at least partially enclosed. The second optical collimator located at the distant end of said raceway, is positioned to receive the free-space optical communication signal. The received signal is focused into a second optical fiber pigtail at the output side of the collimator, thereby resulting in a pigtailed free-space low latency optical channel link.