Multi-Stage Interferometer Circuit Waveform Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-stage interferometer circuits for optical multicarrier systems face challenges in achieving low loss, flat passband, and narrow channel spacing while also efficiently shaping waveforms for high-speed transmission, particularly due to high power consumption in DSP-based methods and the expense and size of spatial optical filters.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage interferometer circuit using a waveguide-type technique with lattice type two-beam interferometers and transversal filters to achieve waveform-shaping and multiplexing/demultiplexing functions, reducing device size and cost while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DSP-based waveform shaping is used, then waveform shaping capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital signal processor (DSP) based waveform shaping method with an optical domain implementation using a multi-stage interferometer circuit. The electrical processing in DSP is substituted by optical interference and filtering mechanisms, eliminating the need for high-power digital processing while achieving the same waveform shaping function through optical path differences and interference patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical filter as an intermediary component within the interferometer circuit that performs waveform shaping in the optical domain. This optical filter acts as a mediator between the optical signal and the desired waveform shape, replacing the need for digital processing while maintaining the shaping capability with minimal power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If spatial optical filters are used for waveform shaping, then waveform shaping capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveform shaping function into multiple stages of interferometers, each contributing to the overall spectral shaping. Instead of using a single large spatial optical filter, the filtering function is segmented across multiple smaller interferometer stages, reducing the device footprint while achieving the desired waveform shaping through cumulative optical interference effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial filtering in one dimension to temporal and spectral filtering through the time-domain interference effects of the interferometer stages. By using optical path differences and time delays in the interferometer arms, the patent achieves waveform shaping in the time and frequency domains rather than relying solely on spatial filtering, thereby reducing device size.
3Productivity
If multi-stage interferometer circuit is used for multiplexing/demultiplexing, then channel capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multi-stage interferometer circuit to perform multiple functions simultaneously: multiplexing/demultiplexing of optical carriers and waveform shaping of the signals. By integrating these functions into a single circuit structure, the patent increases channel capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same interferometer stages serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the multiplexing/demultiplexing function with the waveform shaping function into a single integrated interferometer circuit. Instead of using separate devices for carrier separation and signal shaping, the patent merges these functions so that the interferometer stages simultaneously perform both tasks, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing channel capacity.
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 enables efficient waveform shaping and multiplexing/demultiplexing of subcarriers with reduced power consumption and device size, enhancing spectrum usage efficiency and channel capacity in high-speed optical transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical coupler; an M-beam interferometer including: two sets of 1×(M/2) optical couplers whose inputs are connected to two outputs of the first optical coupler
Implementation Method 2
A multi-stage interferometer circuit using a waveguide-type technique with lattice type two-beam interferometers
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage interferometer circuit of the present invention includes: a multiplexing port; (N−1) stages of lattice type two-beam interferometers, wherein each stage includes a two-beam delay circuit having a path length difference of an integral multiple of M·Δ L/2, and wherein the two-beam delay circuit of the lattice type two-beam interferometer of the first stage is connected to the multiplexing port; an M-beam interferometer including: two sets of 1×(M/2) optical couplers connected to the first optical coupler of the lattice type two-beam interferometer at the final stage; an M-array delay circuit, each delay circuit of which has a delay length different from each other by ΔL; and M×M optical couplers; and M demultiplexing ports, wherein one or more transversal filters are arranged inside the multi-stage interferometer circuit so that the light guided between the demultiplexing port and the multiplexing ports passes therethrough at least once.