Multi-Wavelength Laser Cavity Shared Reflector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-wavelength laser solutions require a large device footprint due to the need for multiple fixed wavelength lasers and large intra-cavity filters, which limits their functionality and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength laser cavity configuration utilizing a shared reflector, shared filter, and demultiplexer to select and separate output wavelengths, reducing the device footprint by using shared gain and tuning regions, and filtering elements like Finite Impulse Response (FIR) or Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters to achieve multiple wavelengths without relying on non-linear gain effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an array of fixed wavelength lasers is used to achieve multi-wavelength output, then each desired wavelength can be obtained, but the device footprint becomes large and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser wavelengths into a single shared laser cavity instead of using separate laser cavities for each wavelength. The shared cavity includes a gain medium that can support multiple wavelengths, and wavelength selection is achieved through tunable filters and optical switches that route different wavelengths to different output channels. This merging approach dramatically reduces the device footprint while maintaining multi-wavelength output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared laser cavity is designed to be universal, supporting multiple wavelengths simultaneously through a broadband gain medium. The cavity includes tunable filtering elements and optical switching components that can selectively extract different wavelengths on demand, allowing a single cavity to perform the function of multiple fixed-wavelength lasers. This multi-functional design reduces component count and device size.
2Measurement precision
If large intra-cavity filters such as arrayed wavelength gratings are used to achieve wavelength selection, then single mode operation for each output wavelength can be achieved, but the functionality is limited due to reliance on non-linear gain effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tunable filters with adjustable parameters (such as tunable Fabry-Perot etalons or acousto-optic tunable filters) instead of fixed arrayed wavelength gratings. These filters can be dynamically tuned to select different wavelengths by changing their optical path difference or resonance conditions. This parameter tunability allows the system to access a broader gain bandwidth and switch between wavelengths without being constrained by the fixed spectral response of AWGs, thereby improving both wavelength selection precision and overall functionality.
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 configuration allows for a compact multi-wavelength laser design that reduces the number of components and eliminates unwanted modes, enabling efficient operation with reduced size and increased functionality compared to prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Placed between shared reflector 102 and reflectors 121-12n are shared filter 104
Implementation Method 2
and (de)multiplexer (herein referred to as 'mux') 110
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention describe various configurations for a multi-wavelength laser cavity. A laser cavity may include a shared reflector and a plurality of reflectors. Each of the plurality of reflectors and the shared reflector together form one of the plurality of output wavelength channels.A shared filter is utilized to filter the optical signal of the laser cavity to comprise a subset of a plurality of cavity modes. A (de)multiplexer, comprising a plurality of filtering elements), receives the optical signal and further selects and separates the final lasing wavelengths from the selected subset of cavity modes, and each filtering element outputs an optical signal having a wavelength for one of the output wavelength channels.