Mode Converter Layout for SWDM Capacity Expansion in Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of short wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) technology is limited by the technical limitations of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) materials, making capacity expansion challenging in optical fiber data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mode converter that performs phase conversion on multi-path optical signals using a combination of phase patterns and thin film filters (TFFs) to achieve mode division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing, expanding the capacity of optical signal transmission systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VCSEL light sources are used for SWDM technology, then transmission distance and effective modal bandwidth are improved, but capacity expansion is limited by VCSEL material technical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical transmission capacity by introducing mode division multiplexing as a separate dimension from wavelength division multiplexing. By dividing the optical mode into multiple independent channels (e.g., LP01, LP11 modes), the system achieves capacity expansion without requiring additional wavelength channels, thus overcoming VCSEL material limitations while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional wavelength multiplexing to two-dimensional multiplexing by adding mode division as a new dimension. This allows the system to multiply capacity by combining multiple wavelength channels with multiple spatial modes, effectively breaking the VCSEL material limitation on wavelength expansion while improving both transmission distance and capacity.
2Productivity
If mode division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing are implemented, then system capacity is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mode division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing into a unified optical transmission system. By combining these two multiplexing techniques, the system achieves capacity expansion through a single integrated approach rather than requiring separate complex systems, thus managing device complexity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical transmission system that can handle both mode division and wavelength division multiplexing simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to serve multiple capacity expansion needs, reducing the overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for each multiplexing technique.
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 mode converter enables efficient mode division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing, increasing the capacity of optical signal transmission systems by optimizing spatial layout and reducing device volume.
Implementation Method 1
the mode converter is configured to perform phase conversion on the incident initial optical signal
Implementation Method 2
the first TFF is configured to reflect an optical signal of the first wavelength and transmit an optical signal of the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal transmitting device comprises an optical transmitter and a mode converter. The optical transmitter transmits a multi-path transmitted initial optical signal to the mode converter, wherein the initial optical signal comprises a first optical signal and a second optical signal both having a first wavelength, and a third optical signal having a second wavelength different from first wavelength. The mode converter is configured to perform phase conversion on the incident initial optical signal to obtain and reflect a first target optical signal, which is single-path transmitted and comprises the third optical signal, the first optical signal transmitted in a first mode, and the second optical signal transmitted in a second mode different from the first mode.