LCOS Device Rectangular Pixels WSS Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher performance wavelength selective switches (WSS) in optical networks requires a greater number of pixels in LCOS devices, which increases complexity, power consumption, and manufacturing costs, while also limiting opto-mechanical design space.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device with a two-dimensional array of pixels, where the pixel pitch is greater in one dimension than the other, allowing for optimized pixel size and number determination based on specific WSS requirements, including the number of optical ports and switching angles, to enhance switching capabilities without increasing overall complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of pixels in the LCOS device is increased to achieve higher performance WSS, then the switching capability and fiber capacity are improved, but the device complexity, power consumption, and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using rectangular pixels with different dimensions in the wavelength axis versus the switching axis. This asymmetric pixel design allows the device to achieve high performance with optimized pixel counts in each axis, reducing the total number of pixels needed compared to a symmetric square pixel design, thereby lowering complexity while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If the number of pixels in the LCOS device is increased to support more optical fibers, then the port switching capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different pixel dimensions in different axes - larger pixels in the switching axis to support more optical fibers with fewer pixels, and appropriate pixel size in the wavelength axis. This localized optimization reduces the total pixel count needed for high port switching capability, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the required productivity
3Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the LCOS device is increased to increase fiber capacity, then the wavelength axis granularity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using rectangular pixels with optimized dimensions where the wavelength axis has sufficient resolution for improved granularity, while the switching axis uses larger pixels to reduce total count. This asymmetric design achieves the required measurement precision in the wavelength axis without proportionally increasing the total number of pixels, thereby controlling manufacturing costs
4Productivity
If the number of pixels in the LCOS device is increased to handle wider frequency ranges, then the fiber capacity is improved, but the opto-mechanical design space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing pixel dimensions locally in each axis - using larger pixels in the switching axis to reduce the number of pixels needed for handling multiple fibers, and appropriate pixel sizing in the wavelength axis for the required frequency range. This localized optimization reduces the total pixel count, thereby reducing the required opto-mechanical design space while maintaining high fiber 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
This approach enables efficient switching of multiple optical channels with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, while maintaining optimal opto-mechanical design, by tailoring pixel shape and number to specific WSS applications.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the upper and lower electrodes and is configured to be driveable into a plurality of electrical states by drive signals provided to the pixels of the lower electrode
Implementation Method 2
The liquid crystal layer is configured to be driveable into a plurality of electrical states by drive signals provided to the pixels of the lower electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device includes a silicon substrate and a pair of electrodes including an upper and a lower electrode. The lower electrode is mounted to the silicon substrate and includes a two dimensional array of pixels extending in both a first and second dimension. LCOS device also includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between the upper and lower electrodes and configured to be driveable into a plurality of electrical states by drive signals provided to the pixels of the lower electrode. The pixels are rectangular in profile having longer sides in the first dimension than in the second dimension. Further, the two dimensional array includes a pixel pitch that is greater in the first dimension than in the second dimension.