Multi-unit Wavelength Dispersive Device Shared Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical wavelength dispersive devices require separate platforms and opto-mechanics for each application, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple dispersion platforms, spherical lenses, and associated packaging for different functions like wavelength blockers, dynamic gain equalizers, and wavelength selective switches.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit wavelength dispersive device design that integrates multiple independent front and backend units onto a single platform, sharing the same dispersion platform and opto-mechanics, utilizing a main lensing element, wavelength dispersing element, and arrays of redirecting elements to manage multiple wavelength channels across multiple output ports efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate platforms and opto-mechanics are used for each wavelength dispersive device, then each device can be independently optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and cost increase due to multiple dispersion platforms, spherical lenses, and packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent wavelength dispersive devices onto a single shared platform that includes a common dispersion element (diffraction grating), spherical reflector, and packaging structure. The front-end units for different devices are positioned at different locations on the platform, but they share the same optical path components and backend units, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional independence through spatial separation of input/output ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared platform is designed to support multiple different wavelength dispersive device functions (e.g., wavelength selective switch, wavelength blocker, dynamic gain equalizer) simultaneously. The common dispersion platform, spherical reflector, and packaging structure serve universal purposes for all devices, while the specific functionality of each device is achieved through its unique front-end unit configuration and backend unit settings.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent devices are integrated onto a single platform, then cost and space efficiency improve by sharing platforms and opto-mechanics, but the difficulty of aligning and managing multiple wavelength channels across different applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: multiple front-end units (each handling specific wavelength channels for different applications), a common dispersion platform, and multiple backend units. Each front-end unit is positioned at a specific location on the platform and handles specific wavelength channels, making alignment and management more systematic. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The common dispersion platform acts as an intermediary that receives optical signals from multiple front-end units, disperses them into wavelength channels, and directs them to appropriate backend units. The spherical reflector serves as another intermediary element that facilitates the optical path between the diffraction grating and backend units. These intermediary elements simplify the alignment process by providing standardized interfaces and optical paths that multiple devices can share.
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 design reduces the need for multiple platforms and packaging, enabling cost-effective and efficient management of multiple wavelength channels across various applications by utilizing a single dispersion platform, thereby minimizing loss and variation in optical signal paths.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical reflector 120 receives a beam of light from a front-end unit 122. The spherical reflector 120 reflects the beam of light to a diffraction grating 124
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating 124, which disperses the beam of light into its constituent wavelength channels
Data Source
AI summary
The multi-unit wavelength switch enables multiple independent wavelength switching of a plurality of incoming multiplexed optical beams simultaneously on the same optical platform. The different units can have similar functionality or provide disparate functionality, e.g. any one or more of switching, dynamic gain equalization, wavelength blocking, and power monitoring.