Multi-Wavelength Laser Electrode Layout for Fast Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-wavelength lasers require a long time to adjust output wavelengths due to temperature changes in the mode-locked laser, which are slow to respond to thermoelectric cooler adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength laser design with a first electrode comprising multiple sub-electrodes, where each sub-electrode is electrically isolated, allows for rapid wavelength adjustment by controlling the working length and applying current or voltage to the electrodes, thereby altering optical field energy and temperature in the waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If temperature control through TEC is used to adjust wavelength, then wavelength adjustment is achieved, but the adjustment time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical TEC system with an electrical control system using electrodes. By applying voltage or current to the electrodes, the optical field energy distribution in the waveguide is directly modified, enabling rapid wavelength adjustment without the thermal inertia limitations of TEC-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from temperature (thermal domain) to voltage/current (electrical domain). By controlling the electrical parameters applied to the electrodes, the optical field energy distribution is directly altered, achieving fast wavelength tuning without the time delay inherent in thermal conduction processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TEC temperature is changed to adjust wavelength, then wavelength range is adjusted, but heat transfer time causes delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the slow thermal conduction mechanism of TEC with direct electrical field control through electrodes. The electrodes modify the optical field energy distribution instantaneously when voltage or current is applied, eliminating the heat transfer time bottleneck while maintaining the ability to adjust wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from thermal parameter control (temperature) to electrical parameter control (voltage/current). This parameter change enables the system to achieve the same wavelength range adjustment capability with much faster response speed, as electrical field changes propagate nearly instantaneously compared to thermal diffusion.
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 design enables quick wavelength control, reducing the time required for adjusting optical signal wavelengths and enhancing flexibility and scalability in wavelength range adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode is configured to control a wavelength range of an optical signal in the waveguide by loading a current or a voltage
Implementation Method 2
The second electrode is configured to amplify an optical signal in the waveguide by loading a current
Implementation Method 3
the mode-locked laser implements mode-locking. In this way, the laser outputs pulses with narrow widths in time domain and outputs a plurality of wavelengths in frequency domain
Implementation Method 4
the saturable-absorber region controls a nonlinear saturable absorption characteristic in a laser cavity of the mode-locked laser by loading a reverse bias voltage. In other words, a light absorption coefficient of the laser cavity decreases as light intensity increases
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-wavelength laser and a wavelength control method are disclosed. The multi-wavelength laser includes a waveguide, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the waveguide. The first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of sub-electrodes, and every two adjacent sub-electrodes are electrically isolated. The second electrode is configured to amplify an optical signal in the waveguide by loading a current. At least one sub-electrode is configured to adjust a wavelength of the optical signal in the waveguide by loading a current or a voltage.