Multicore Optical Amplifier Pumping Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical network systems using SDM technologies with MC-EDFA or MCF are not fully utilized at initial deployment, leading to inefficient power consumption due to varying capacity usage over time, with direct core pumping being suboptimal during low capacity and cladding pumping being inefficient during periods of low usage.
Innovation Solution
An optical amplifier with a gain medium comprising multiple cores and a cladding area, monitored by a system that adjusts pumping power based on the presence of optical signals in each core, using both cladding and direct core pumping to optimize power usage by controlling the excitation of cores individually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct core pumping is used for individual control of SDM channels, then the gain of individual cores can be controlled, but power consumption is high during low capacity usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between cladding pumping and direct core pumping modes based on the number of active optical channels. The system monitors the capacity usage and automatically adjusts the pumping mode: using cladding pumping when few channels are active (low capacity) and direct core pumping when many channels are active (high capacity). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power consumption according to actual operational needs while preserving individual channel control capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pumping parameter (pumping mode) based on the number of active optical channels. By monitoring the capacity usage and switching between different pumping modes (cladding vs. direct core), the system adapts its energy consumption characteristics to match the actual traffic demand. This parameter change strategy allows the system to maintain operational flexibility while minimizing power consumption during low-capacity periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cladding pumping is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves during low capacity usage, but individual control of core performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between cladding pumping (for power efficiency) and direct core pumping (for individual control) based on operational requirements. When individual channel control is not needed, cladding pumping is used to minimize power consumption. When individual control becomes necessary, the system transitions to direct core pumping mode. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both power efficiency and control capability at different times as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical amplifier multi-functional by enabling it to operate in two distinct pumping modes. The same amplifier infrastructure can provide either power-optimized operation (cladding pumping) or control-optimized operation (direct core pumping) depending on the operational context. This universality allows the system to satisfy both contradictory requirements through mode selection rather than requiring separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical network systems are sized for future traffic demand, then capacity is available for growth, but power consumption is inefficient during initial low usage period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pumping mode selection that adapts to the current traffic load. During the initial low-usage period, the system uses cladding pumping to minimize power consumption. As traffic demand grows and more optical channels become active, the system can transition to direct core pumping mode to maintain individual channel control and performance. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to be sized for future growth while optimizing power consumption at each stage of development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for future capacity growth by maintaining the infrastructure for direct core pumping capability, even though cladding pumping is used initially for power efficiency. When traffic demand increases, the system can quickly transition to the pre-configured direct core pumping mode without requiring additional hardware. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling both power efficiency now and adaptability for future growth.
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 reduces power consumption over the lifetime of the network by dynamically adjusting pumping power according to the number of active cores, optimizing energy use regardless of capacity fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source configured to emit a first light beam to excite the cladding area
Implementation Method 2
a second light source configured to emit a plurality of second light beams to excite each of the plurality of cores individually
Implementation Method 3
a gain medium for amplifying a plurality of optical channels
Data Source
AI summary
In order to solve the problem that the power consumption of optical amplifiers is not optimized over the life time of a network whose capacity in use varies, an optical amplifier according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a gain medium for amplifying a plurality of optical channels, the gain medium including a plurality of cores through which the plurality of optical channels to propagate respectively and a cladding area surrounding the plurality of cores; monitoring means for monitoring the plurality of optical channels inputted into the gain medium and producing a monitoring result; a first light source configured to emit a first light beam to excite the cladding area; a second light source configured to emit a plurality of second light beams to excite each of the plurality of cores individually; and controlling means for making a decision as to whether each of the plurality of cores to transmit one of the plurality of optical channels based on the monitoring result, and controlling the first light source and the second light source based on the decision.