Loop Mirror Continuous Phase Tuning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable lasers face challenges in continuous phase tuning due to the need for mechanically rotating waveplates, which are slow and prone to temperature dependence and hysteresis, and require complex opto-mechanical systems for stability.
Innovation Solution
A continuous phase tuning system using an integrated photonic circuit with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch and a loop mirror, incorporating phase shifters that allow for phase modulation without moving parts, enabling efficient and high-speed tuning by altering the phase of light within the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanically rotating waveplates are used for phase tuning, then continuous phase shifting is achieved, but tuning speed is limited to low values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically rotating waveplates with an integrated photonic circuit containing phase shifters that use electrical or optical control to achieve phase modulation. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining the continuous phase shifting function, thereby dramatically increasing tuning speed and removing mechanical limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a loop mirror as an intermediary component that works with phase shifters to achieve continuous phase tuning. The loop mirror configuration allows the phase shifters to continuously modulate the optical phase without requiring mechanical rotation, enabling high-speed tuning while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If mechanically rotating waveplates are used, then phase tuning is achieved, but the system requires extreme mechanical stability and control loops
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical waveplate rotation system with an integrated photonic circuit, the patent eliminates the need for mechanical stability and complex control loops. The phase shifters are controlled electrically or optically, which inherently provides greater reliability without requiring mechanical precision or active stabilization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic mechanical components (rotating waveplates) from the system, replacing them with a stationary integrated photonic circuit. This extraction eliminates the requirements for mechanical stability and complex control mechanisms while preserving the essential phase tuning function.
3Speed
If field induced birefringent material is used for waveplates, then mechanical rotation is avoided, but temperature dependence and hysteresis problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase shifters that can dynamically adjust phase through electrical or optical parameter changes rather than relying on field-induced birefringence in materials. This approach allows for precise phase control without the temperature dependence and hysteresis issues inherent in field-induced birefringent materials, while maintaining high tuning speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically tuned external cavity lasers are used, then wavelength tuning is achieved, but large opto-mechanical building blocks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength tuning function with an integrated photonic circuit that includes phase shifters and a loop mirror. This integration consolidates what would traditionally require large opto-mechanical components into a compact, monolithic structure, achieving wavelength tuning capability without the need for large mechanical building blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanically tuned external cavity laser system with an integrated photonic circuit that uses electrical or optical control for wavelength tuning. This substitution eliminates the need for large opto-mechanical components while maintaining the adaptability and versatility of wavelength tuning.
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 provides faster, more reliable, and cost-effective continuous phase tuning with reduced mechanical sensitivity and calibration needs, achieving high throughput and linear phase shifting without the limitations of mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a loop mirror is configured to alternately receive the phase shifted optical signal from the first and second waveguides in accordance with the switching, via corresponding first and second mirror ports, and to reflect the phase shifted optical signal back to the same first or second mirror input port at which the phase shifted optical signal was received
Implementation Method 2
When building the waveplate from field induced birefringent material, problems operating this material must be solved
Data Source
AI summary
A system for continuously phase tuning an optical signal includes one optical switch coupled to a phase modulator having a first waveguide with a first phase shifter and a second waveguide with a second phase shifter. The optical switch alternately switches between the first and second phase shifters to phase shift the optical signal, respectively. The continuously phase tuning system further includes a loop mirror that alternately receives the phase shifted optical signal from the first and second waveguides in accordance with the switching, via corresponding first and second mirror inputs, respectively, and reflects the phase shifted optical signal back to the same first or second mirror input at which the phase shifted optical signal was received. First and second phase values of the first and second phase shifters are determined such that overall phase change continues to accumulate substantially linearly.