MEMS Mirror Beam Steering for WDM Switching and Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic switching systems face challenges in efficiently switching multi-wavelength signals without the need for expensive optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversion, particularly in complex WDM networks where signal degradation and power imbalance are significant, and monitoring of wavelength channels is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective optical system with dual channel selectors that demultiplexes and switches multi-wavelength signals using shared free space optics and MEMS mirrors, allowing for dynamic power control and monitoring within a single device, enabling high integration and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fiber optic switching systems are used, then signal switching capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase due to expensive OEO conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical OEO conversion process with a purely optical switching mechanism using MEMS mirrors. The MEMS mirrors deflect optical beams wavelength-selectively in the optical domain, eliminating the need for electrical conversion and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable signal switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: wavelength-selective switching, power control, and monitoring are all achieved using the same MEMS mirror array and optical path. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would traditionally require separate devices.
2Productivity
If WDM networks with multiple wavelengths are implemented, then transmission capacity increases, but signal degradation and power imbalance problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates monitoring capabilities that detect signal quality parameters for each wavelength channel. This feedback information can be used to adjust switching operations and compensate for signal degradation, maintaining signal quality while supporting high transmission capacity through WDM.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides wavelength-selective switching where each MEMS mirror is optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This allows individual wavelength channels to be handled with appropriate quality control, addressing power imbalance and degradation issues specific to each wavelength while maintaining overall high capacity.
3Measurement precision
If monitoring of wavelength channels is performed using traditional methods, then signal quality can be detected, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function with the switching function by using the same MEMS mirror array and optical path for both purposes. The monitoring detector is integrated into the optical path, allowing wavelength channel monitoring without requiring a separate complex monitoring system, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 complexity and cost of fiber optic switches by enabling efficient switching and monitoring of multi-wavelength signals within the optical domain, maintaining power balance and improving network performance while minimizing OEO conversion needs.
Implementation Method 1
A first array of MEMS mirrors focuses each of the N input fiber ports onto a common output fiber port
Implementation Method 2
shared free space optics such as one or more shared beam steering elements
Implementation Method 3
beam steering elements
Implementation Method 4
a dispersive element for spatially separating/combining the wavelength components of the aggregate multi-wavelength WDM signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system comprising two or more optical switches co-packaged together comprising discrete sets of input fiber ports (N per set) and an output fiber port (1 per set), and wherein λn from said set of multiple input fiber ports (N) is focused on λn mirror via the use of shared free space optics, wherein at least a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths from the first set of input fiber ports (N) to an output fiber port of the same set, and wherein at least a second array of MEMS mirrors using and sharing the same free space optics is utilized to select individual wavelengths or spectral components from its input fiber ports to send to its output fiber port for optical power or other monitoring purposes, thus, enabling an N×1, or alternatively a 1×N switch capable of internal feedback monitoring.