Multi-Wavelength Laser Feedback Cavity for Stable Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-wavelength lasers face challenges in controlling the power balance and wavelength tuning, with prior solutions being complex, bulky, and prone to mechanical failure or requiring precise control of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated circuit device with a lasing cavity and an optical feedback cavity, utilizing a variable phase shifting element to control wavelength emission without mechanical tuning, allowing independent control of multiple wavelengths through optical feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external forcing with wavelength selective optical feedback is used to achieve controlled multi-wavelength emission, then wavelength control capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength control function from external forcing components and integrates it directly into the laser cavity through built-in spectrally selective components (DBR gratings, Bragg reflectors). This eliminates the need for external wavelength selective optical feedback systems, reducing setup complexity while maintaining wavelength control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces built-in spectrally selective components as intermediaries within the laser cavity that mediate wavelength selection and control. These components act as internal mediators that provide wavelength control without requiring external forcing systems, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If pivotable reflective diffraction grating is used for wavelength tuning, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tuning components (pivotable reflective diffraction grating) with fixed built-in spectrally selective components (DBR gratings, Bragg reflectors). This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts while maintaining wavelength selectivity through the optical properties of the integrated gratings, thereby simplifying manufacturing and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength selection function with the laser cavity structure by integrating DBR gratings and Bragg reflectors directly into the cavity. This combination eliminates the need for separate external grating systems, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining wavelength selectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent gain sections are used for independent wavelength control, then wavelength independence is improved, but device size and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single gain section that supports multiple wavelengths simultaneously, with built-in spectrally selective components providing wavelength-dependent feedback. This universal approach allows independent control of multiple wavelengths through a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate gain sections for each wavelength, reducing control complexity while maintaining wavelength independence.
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
Achieves precise tuning and switching of multiple wavelengths with a compact, robust, and easily controlled device, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining stability against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an optical feedback cavity (3) operably coupled to the lasing cavity (2), wherein said optical feedback cavity (3) comprises a reflective element (4) for reflecting light, at least partially, back into the lasing cavity (2) such as to form a resonant Fabry-Perot cavity between the front surface (5) and the reflective element (4), wherein said optical feedback cavity (3) comprises a variable phase shifting element (6) adapted for receiving an input signal (7) to control a phase shift of light propagating in the optical feedback cavity (3)
Implementation Method 2
an optical feedback cavity (3) operably coupled to the lasing cavity (2), wherein said optical feedback cavity (3) comprises a reflective element (4) for reflecting light, at least partially, back into the lasing cavity (2) such as to form a resonant Fabry-Perot cavity
Implementation Method 3
reflecting light, at least partially, back into the lasing cavity (2) such as to form a resonant Fabry-Perot cavity between the front surface (5) and the reflective element (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic integrated circuit device includes a lasing cavity for resonating at a plurality of discrete wavelengths and an optical feedback cavity operably coupled to the lasing cavity via a front surface of the lasing cavity. The optical feedback cavity has a reflective element for reflecting light, at least partially, back into the lasing cavity to form a resonant Fabry-Perot cavity between the front surface and the reflective element. The optical feedback cavity includes a variable phase shifting element adapted for receiving an input signal to control a phase shift of light propagating in the optical feedback cavity. The amount of light entering the lasing cavity from the optical feedback cavity is low enough to avoid dynamic instability of the lasing cavity. The reduction in light is obtained using an attenuator.