Tunable Optical Receiver Using MEMS Mirrors and Thin Film Filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tunable optical receivers in optical communication systems are complex and costly, limiting their ability to efficiently handle multi-wavelength optical signals in a compact and cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A tunable optical receiver design incorporating two microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirrors and a thin film filter, where the MEMS mirrors reflect and focus multi-wavelength optical signals to separate individual wavelengths, allowing for efficient channel selection and processing, with the thin film filter selecting the appropriate wavelength based on the reflection angles of the MEMS mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tunable optical receivers are used to handle multi-wavelength optical signals, then the receiver can process multiple wavelengths, but the structure becomes complex and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver is segmented into multiple independent photodetectors, each dedicated to detecting a specific wavelength. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex wavelength switching mechanisms while maintaining multi-wavelength processing capability. Each photodetector module can be independently optimized and manufactured, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver design uses a common optical path and signal processing circuitry that serves multiple wavelength channels simultaneously. By making the optical path universal rather than dedicated to each wavelength, the design reduces component count and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to process multiple wavelengths through the shared infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tunable optical receivers are used to handle multi-wavelength optical signals, then the receiver can process multiple wavelengths, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into modular photodetector units that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes. This modular segmentation enables parallel production and reduces tooling costs compared to manufacturing complex tunable receivers as single integrated units. Each module can be produced on separate production lines and then assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wavelength detection functions are merged into a single integrated receiver package with shared optical paths, filtering mechanisms, and signal processing electronics. This consolidation reduces the total number of components required compared to having separate receivers for each wavelength, thereby lowering bill of materials costs and assembly complexity.
3Speed
If MEMS mirrors are used to reflect and separate wavelengths, then the receiver achieves fast tuning capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver incorporates tunable optical elements such as MEMS mirrors or tunable filters that can dynamically adjust their characteristics to select different wavelengths. This dynamic capability enables fast wavelength switching while the elements are integrated into a compact architecture that minimizes the complexity of control mechanisms and signal paths.
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and fast-tuning optical receiver suitable for next-generation passive optical networks, with improved signal strength and compatibility with existing packaging types, facilitating mass production.
Implementation Method 1
a first microelectromechanical device configured to reflect a received multi-wavelength optical signal... a second microelectromechanical device configured to reflect the single-wavelength optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a thin film filter configured to receive the multi-wavelength optical signal reflected by the first microelectromechanical device and separate a single-wavelength optical signal from the multi-wavelength optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a first lens configured to focus the single-wavelength optical signal on the photodetector
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector... converts one or more optical signals into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical or optoelectronic receiver and module, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The receiver includes a photodetector, a first microelectromechanical device configured to reflect a multi-wavelength optical signal, a thin film filter configured to receive the multi-wavelength optical signal reflected by the first microelectromechanical device and separate a single-wavelength optical signal from the multi-wavelength optical signal, a first lens configured to focus the single-wavelength optical signal on the photodetector, and a second microelectromechanical device configured to reflect the single-wavelength optical signal towards the first lens. Each wavelength of the multi-wavelength optical signal represents or corresponds to a unique channel over which the receiver receives optical signals. The present receiver and methods enable low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of multi-channel optical or optoelectronic receivers.