Wavelength-Variable Light Source Control Under Thermal Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical wavelength light source modules using silicone photonics technology face challenges in maintaining stable oscillation frequency due to temperature variations, leading to potential deviations outside the desired frequency range, especially when environmental temperatures differ significantly from assumed temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A control device that receives substrate and housing temperature information to adjust the substrate temperature and refractive index of wavelength variable filters, ensuring the output frequency of transmission light remains within the desired range by controlling the substrate temperature and refractive index of the wavelength variable filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical wavelength light source module uses silicone photonics technology to reduce size, then the device size is reduced, but the oscillation frequency becomes sensitive to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the temperature of the wavelength variable filter and the refractive index of the wavelength variable filter based on detected oscillation frequency and housing temperature. This allows the system to compensate for temperature-induced frequency deviations while maintaining the compact silicone photonics design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the oscillation frequency and housing temperature, then using this information to control both the temperature of the wavelength variable filter and the refractive index of the wavelength variable filter. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures stable oscillation frequency despite environmental temperature variations.
2Measurement precision
If the substrate temperature is controlled to be constant, then the oscillation frequency can be controlled with high accuracy, but transmission light may still oscillate outside the desired frequency range due to temperature unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index of the wavelength variable filter as an additional control parameter to compensate for frequency deviations caused by temperature unevenness. This provides an extra degree of freedom to achieve both accurate frequency control and compliance with the desired frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the refractive index of the wavelength variable filter as an intermediary parameter that can be adjusted independently of substrate temperature. This intermediary control mechanism allows fine-tuning of the oscillation frequency to ensure it remains within the desired range even when temperature distribution is non-uniform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wavelength variable filter operates at a standardized ITU frequency, then the communication system compatibility is ensured, but the oscillation frequency deviates when environmental temperature differs from the assumed temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to detect the actual oscillation frequency and housing temperature, then adjusts the temperature and refractive index of the wavelength variable filter accordingly. This ensures the output frequency remains at the standardized ITU frequency regardless of environmental temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the temperature and refractive index parameters of the wavelength variable filter to compensate for environmental temperature variations. This maintains the oscillation frequency at the required standardized ITU frequency, ensuring compatibility with communication systems while adapting to different thermal environments.
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 solution enables the oscillation of transmission light at any desired frequency even in environments with significant temperature variations, maintaining stability and accuracy of the optical wavelength light source module.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide type filter using an optical resonance effect, such as a ring filter and a grating filter
Implementation Method 2
the oscillation frequency of the optical wavelength light source module is controlled with high accuracy by the temperature controller controlling a temperature of a substrate to be constant
Implementation Method 3
a control means for controlling, based on the substrate temperature information and the housing temperature information, the substrate temperature and a refractive index of the wavelength variable filter in such a way that a frequency of transmission light being output from the light source becomes a desired frequency
Data Source
AI summary
In order to enable oscillation of transmission light at any oscillation frequency even in an environment in which an environmental temperature varies significantly from an assumed temperature, a control device for a light source including a wavelength variable filter includes a temperature reception means for receiving substrate temperature information being information indicating a substrate temperature being a temperature of a substrate on which the light source is provided, and housing temperature information being information indicating a housing temperature being a temperature of a housing containing the substrate; and a control means for controlling, based on the substrate temperature information and the housing temperature information, the substrate temperature and a refractive index of the wavelength variable filter in such a way that a frequency of transmission light being output by the light source becomes a desired frequency.