Tunable Optical Routing via MEMS Tilt Mirror and Diffraction Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems at the network edge face challenges with inflexible wavelength routing, high installation costs, and manual, time-consuming configuration processes, leading to stranded bandwidth and significant loss variations, which hinder rapid deployment of high-bandwidth services.
Innovation Solution
A Hitless Tunable Filter (HTF) device utilizing free space optical beam propagation with a MEMS tilt mirror and a diffraction grating, enabling independent control of wavelength and power, and allowing for hitless reconfiguration without disrupting existing signals, thus providing flexible and automated wavelength routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static wavelength-dependent routing devices (TFF, waveguides) are used, then device cost and insertion loss are low, but routing configuration is inflexible and cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical element (prism or grating) tiltable and reconfigurable. The optical element can be rotated about a tilt axis to change the angle of incidence for different wavelengths, enabling dynamic routing configuration. This transforms a static wavelength-dependent device into a dynamically adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between routing flexibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single optical element that handles multiple wavelengths simultaneously through partial action. By tilting the optical element, different portions of the spectrum are routed to different outputs, allowing one element to perform the function of multiple fixed filters would otherwise be needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
2Productivity
If manual configuration processes are used for wavelength routing, then installation costs are high and deployment time is long, but system reliability is maintained through careful setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service through automated control of the optical element's tilt angle. A control system can automatically adjust the optical element to route specific wavelengths without manual intervention, allowing the system to provision itself. This eliminates time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining reliable routing, directly addressing the productivity versus time loss contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wavelength routing is changed in traditional systems, then existing signals are disrupted during reconfiguration, but complete reconfiguration capability is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tilting capability allows gradual and controlled reconfiguration of wavelength routing. The optical element can be tilted to intermediate angles, enabling smooth transitions between routing configurations without abrupt signal disruptions. This dynamic adjustment maintains signal continuity while achieving complete reconfiguration capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inflexible wavelength routing is used at network edge, then stranded bandwidth occurs and resource utilization is poor, but system simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wavelength routing device that can handle multiple wavelengths and routing configurations through a single optical element. This multi-functional device replaces multiple dedicated fixed-routing components, enabling flexible bandwidth allocation at the network edge without proportionally increasing system complexity. The single tiltable element provides universal routing capability for various wavelength combinations.
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 HTF device reduces costs, insertion loss, and polarization-dependent loss, enabling flexible and automated wavelength routing, minimizing stranded bandwidth and facilitating rapid deployment of high-bandwidth services by allowing dynamic adjustment of wavelengths without affecting other channels.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating, enabling independent control of wavelength and power
Implementation Method 2
an optical element having an actuator with at least one tilt axis... tilt actuation of the optical element elicits a proportional change in an angle of incidence of the optical beam onto the diffraction element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical spectral detection device utilizing free space optical beam propagation is provided. The device includes at least one optical fiber input, at least one opto-electronic detection device, an optical element having an actuator with at least one tilt axis, and a diffraction element having a surface thereon. The device also includes an optical beam transfer arrangement positioned between the optical element and the diffraction element such that tilt actuation of the optical element elicits a proportional change in an angle of incidence of the optical beam onto the diffraction element, wherein the center of rotation for the angular change is the surface of the diffraction element. The spectral properties of the optical beam that are detected are selected by selectively positioning the optical element about at least one of the tilt axes.