Intracavity Ring-Resonator Laser for Efficient Wavelength Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-wavelength semiconductor lasers used in WDM applications are energy-inefficient due to the need for external switches or modulators to select and control wavelength sub-bands, resulting in wasted optical power as much of the laser's output is discarded.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a comb filter and tunable optical ring resonators within the laser cavity, with a control circuit to adjust control voltages and modify the resonant wavelengths, allowing for efficient modulation and power concentration in desired wavelength sub-bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external switches or modulators are used to select and control wavelength sub-bands, then wavelength selection capability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to wasted optical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength selection function into the laser cavity by integrating a comb filter and tunable optical ring resonators directly within the cavity. This eliminates the need for external switches or modulators, allowing wavelength selection to occur at the source without discarding optical power, thereby resolving the contradiction between wavelength selection capability and power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces comb filters and optical ring resonators as intermediary elements within the laser cavity to achieve wavelength selection. These intermediaries enable precise control over which wavelength sub-bands are amplified and emitted, replacing the inefficient external modulation approach while maintaining adaptability in wavelength selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external modulators are used to control wavelength sub-bands, then modulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the modulation function with the wavelength selection function by placing both comb filters and tunable optical ring resonators within the laser cavity. This integration eliminates the need for separate external modulators and switches, reducing device complexity while maintaining full modulation capability across multiple wavelength sub-bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical ring resonators serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as wavelength selectors, modulators, and power concentrators within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining modulation capability.
3Loss of energy
If all optical power is concentrated in desired wavelength sub-bands, then power efficiency is improved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically tunable optical ring resonators whose resonant wavelengths can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic tuning capability allows precise control over which wavelength sub-bands receive concentrated optical power, enabling high power efficiency while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different control precision requirements through active adjustment rather than fixed precision constraints.
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 approach enhances power efficiency by concentrating all optical power in desired wavelength sub-bands, reducing energy waste and enabling rapid switching and intensity control of sub-bands with minimal power investment.
Implementation Method 1
a gain medium configured to amplify laser radiation within a given gain band
Implementation Method 2
A comb filter, disposed between the first and second reflectors, is configured to pass a set of distinct wavelength sub-bands within the gain band
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of optical ring resonators, disposed between the first and second reflectors in series with the comb filter, have tunable resonant wavelengths in proximity to different, respective wavelength sub-bands of the comb
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of optical ring resonators, disposed between the first and second reflectors in series with the comb filter, have tunable resonant wavelengths in proximity to different, respective wavelength sub-bands of the comb
Implementation Method 5
A control circuit is coupled to apply respective control voltages to the optical ring resonators so as to tune the respective resonant wavelengths relative to the respective wavelength sub-bands
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device includes a gain medium configured to amplify laser radiation within a given gain band. A resonant optical cavity contains the gain medium and includes first and second reflectors disposed on first and second sides of the gain medium. A comb filter between the first and second reflectors and configured to pass a set of distinct wavelength sub-bands within the gain band, the set of distinct wavelength sub-bands defining a comb. A plurality of optical ring resonators between the first and second reflectors in series with the comb filter have tunable resonant wavelengths in proximity to different, respective wavelength sub-bands of the comb. A control circuit applies respective control voltages to the optical ring resonators so as to tune the respective resonant wavelengths relative to the respective wavelength sub-bands, thereby modulating the sub-bands in the laser radiation that is output from the device.