MASTR Optical Switch for Flexible Beam Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switching technologies in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) face challenges in efficiently routing a large number of optical signals between multiple inputs and outputs, often requiring a large number of electronic data paths that are not always active, leading to inefficiencies in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP) considerations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Multi-core Asymmetric STar-Routing (MASTR) switch, which uses multi-core waveguides, phase shifters, and star couplers to allow any of the M inputs to be directed to any of the N outputs in a non-blocking manner, enabling flexible routing without the need for a large number of active electronic paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electronic data paths are built to support all possible beam configurations, then any beam routing configuration is possible, but the system size, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data paths into electronic and optical domains. Electronic data paths are kept minimal (10 paths) while optical switching handles the full 100x100 beam configuration space. This segmentation allows the electronic subsystem to be lightweight while the optical subsystem provides the necessary routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical switch acts as an intermediary between the minimal electronic data paths and the full set of beam forming capabilities. The optical switch receives signals from 10 electronic paths and can route them to any of 100 output channels, enabling arbitrary beam configurations without requiring 100 electronic paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electronic data paths are built to support all possible beam configurations, then any beam routing configuration is possible, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data paths into electronic and optical domains. Electronic data paths are kept minimal (10 paths) while optical switching handles the full 100x100 beam configuration space. This segmentation allows the electronic subsystem to be lightweight while the optical subsystem provides the necessary routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical switch acts as an intermediary between the minimal electronic data paths and the full set of beam forming capabilities. The optical switch receives signals from 10 electronic paths and can route them to any of 100 output channels, enabling arbitrary beam configurations without requiring 100 electronic paths.
3Ease of operation
If traditional optical switching technologies are used in PICs, then optical signals can be routed between multiple inputs and outputs, but a large number of electronic data paths are required leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching mechanisms with optical switching mechanisms. Instead of using electronic switches that require electronic data paths, the system uses optical switches that can directly route optical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electronic path infrastructure while maintaining routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch provides universal routing capability, allowing any input to be connected to any output through a single device. This multi-functional optical switch replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized electronic paths and switches, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 reduces the number of required electronic data paths, optimizing SWaP considerations by allowing efficient routing of optical signals, enabling the formation of arbitrary RF beams and supporting a larger number of possible configurations with fewer active paths, thus enhancing system efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The switch relies on multi-core waveguides for transmitting the optical beams, on phase shifters for defining optical phase fronts, and on star couplers for directing the beams from input to output ports
Implementation Method 2
The switch relies on multi-core waveguides for transmitting the optical beams, on phase shifters for defining optical phase fronts
Implementation Method 3
The switch relies on multi-core waveguides for transmitting the optical beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch includes M switch input waveguides, M being an integer greater than 1; N switch output waveguides, N being an integer greater than M; a plurality of input-waveguide cores coupled to the M switch input waveguides; a plurality of input phase shifters respectively coupled to the plurality of input-waveguide cores; a plurality of output-waveguide cores coupled to the N switch output waveguides; a plurality of output phase shifters respectively coupled to the plurality of output-waveguide cores; an input aperture at which the plurality of input-waveguide cores coupled to the M input waveguides terminate; an output aperture at which the plurality of output-waveguide cores coupled to the N output waveguides terminate; and an interference region between the input aperture and the output aperture. Light from the M switch input waveguides can be routed to switch output waveguides depending on settings of the plurality of input phase shifters and the plurality of output phase shifters