Optical Waveform Shaping with 2D LCoS for High-Resolution Channel Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical waveform shaping systems, particularly those using Bragg gratings or Arrayed Waveguide Gratings, face limitations in achieving high resolution channel spacing of 10 GHz or less and suffer from increased device size.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveform shaping apparatus comprising a multiplexer/demultiplexer unit, a micro lens system, and a wavelength level controller unit with 2D Liquid Crystal on Si (LCoS) for adjusting amplitude and phase values, enabling high-resolution waveform shaping and miniaturization through a stacked D/MUX structure and photonic integrated circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Bragg gratings or Arrayed Waveguide Gratings are used for wavelength demultiplexing, then the optical waveform shaping system can be implemented, but the device size increases and channel spacing resolution of 10 GHz or less cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical components (Bragg gratings, Arrayed Waveguide Gratings) with a spatial light modulator (SLM) that uses electrical control to achieve wavelength demultiplexing and waveform shaping. This substitution enables high-resolution channel spacing (10 GHz or less) while maintaining a compact device size, as the SLM can be precisely controlled electronically without requiring large physical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from physical structure configuration (in traditional gratings) to electrical phase modulation (in SLM). By controlling the phase of light waves through electrical signals applied to the SLM, the system achieves precise wavelength separation with 10 GHz or less channel spacing, while the device remains compact due to the planar nature of the SLM technology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical waveform shaping components are used, then wavelength demultiplexing can be achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator (SLM) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs wavelength demultiplexing, adjusts amplitude distribution, controls phase distribution, and shapes optical waveforms. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single device that can be electrically programmed for different operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability through the SLM, which can be electrically programmed to perform different waveform shaping operations in real-time. This allows the device to adapt to various communication scenarios and wavelength configurations without requiring physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high versatility.
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 achieves high-resolution optical waveform shaping with a compact design, enhancing channel spacing resolution and device miniaturization, suitable for use in wavelength division multiplexing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a micro lens system refracting the demultiplexed optical signal into a collimated beam of light
Implementation Method 2
a 2D LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Si) for adjusting an amplitude or a phase value of the demultiplexed optical signal
Implementation Method 3
adjusting a travel path into a focused ray of light by passing the optical signal that is reflected at the wavelength level controller unit through the micro lens system
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical waveform shaping apparatus and an optical waveform shaping method. According to an embodiment, the optical waveform shaping apparatus includes a multiplexer/demultiplexer (D/MUX) unit demultiplexing an optical signal in which optical signals of a plurality of wavelengths are multiplexed, a micro lens system refracting the demultiplexed optical signal into a collimated beam of light, and a wavelength level controller unit shaping a waveform of the optical signal. The wavelength level controller unit includes a 2D LCoS for adjusting and reflecting an amplitude or a phase value of the demultiplexed optical signal to have a distribution that is desired for each cell, and a controller for controlling the distribution.