Multi-Core Fiber WDM Coupling Mirror Angled Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical data transfer technologies, primarily developed for the telecommunication industry, are costly and do not meet the density and power specifications of advanced computing systems, necessitating the development of high-bandwidth, low-power optical interconnects for efficient data transfer in high-performance computers.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-core fiber optical system with a coupling mirror having angled surfaces to facilitate wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing, employing filters and photodiodes or laser chips, which allows for high-bandwidth data transfer by guiding multiple wavelengths through a single fiber, reducing the number of fibers required and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional optical data transfer technologies are used, then data transfer capability is provided, but the system cost is high and fiber density does not meet specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical fiber into multiple independent cores within a single fiber structure. Each core can independently transmit optical signals, enabling parallel data channels. This segmentation allows a single multi-core fiber to replace multiple traditional single-core fibers, reducing fiber volume while maintaining or increasing data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-core to multi-core fiber architecture, adding spatial dimensionality to the optical transmission medium. By utilizing multiple cores within one fiber, the system achieves higher bandwidth density without proportionally increasing fiber count, thus reducing overall fiber volume and system complexity.
2Productivity
If traditional optical data transfer technologies are used, then data transfer is enabled, but power consumption does not meet advanced computer specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple data channels into a single multi-core fiber infrastructure. By combining multiple cores in one fiber, the system achieves higher aggregate bandwidth without proportionally increasing power consumption, as the power overhead of separate fiber management, connectors, and alignment systems is eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core fiber structure provides universal functionality by enabling multiple independent data channels within a single fiber. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to handle multiple data streams simultaneously, improving power efficiency by consolidating transmission resources.
3Productivity
If multiple fibers are used for high bandwidth, then data transfer capability increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fiber infrastructure into multiple functional cores within a single fiber unit. This segmentation provides high bandwidth through parallel cores while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate fiber cables, connectors, and alignment systems.
4Productivity
If wavelength division multiplexing is implemented, then multiple wavelengths are transmitted, but precise wavelength filtering and separation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments different wavelengths into different spatial cores within the multi-core fiber. Each core is assigned specific wavelength(s), eliminating the need for complex wavelength filtering and demultiplexing systems. This spatial segmentation of wavelengths simplifies the overall system while maintaining high data transfer capability.
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 approach enables efficient, high-bandwidth data transfer with reduced fiber volume and power consumption, supporting advanced computing systems by utilizing multi-core fibers and specialized VCSEL chip sets to manage multiple data channels within a single fiber, thereby decreasing the number of fibers needed for rack-to-rack and drawer-to-drawer data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror includes a plurality of angled surfaces that are configured to reflect light from the multi-core fiber
Implementation Method 2
each of the filters is configured to receive at least a portion of the reflected light, filter at least one respective wavelength from the portion of the reflected light and transmit at least one other respective wavelength
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of photodiodes are aligned with the filters such that each given photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes receives the light of the transmitted wavelength from the filter to which the given photodiode is aligned
Implementation Method 4
in each set of the sets of laser chips, each laser chip transmits light at a different wavelength
Implementation Method 5
The top, inner surface of the structure is configured to direct the light transmitted from each laser chip of the sets of laser chips to the coupling mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Optical systems for wavelength division multiplexing and wavelength division demultiplexing with a multi-core fiber, and methods of their fabrication, are disclosed. The systems include a coupling mirror with a plurality of angled surfaces that are configured to direct light to or from different cores of a multi-core fiber. In addition, the multiplexer systems can further include laser chips for generating light, while the demultiplexer systems can include photodiode arrays for detecting light from the multi-core fiber. The systems can also include a guiding structure comprising filters/micro-mirrors to direct light from the lasers or to the photodiodes.