Nonlinear Optical Medium Signal Modulation Without Photoelectric Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical networks experience significant power loss due to photoelectric conversion during signal processing, particularly when inserting or propagating information, and struggle to collectively superpose multiple information data items on a single optical carrier.

Innovation Solution

An optical signal-processing apparatus that combines and modulates a first signal light with a second signal light containing information using a nonlinear optical medium, allowing information to be superposed on the first signal light without performing photoelectric conversion, thereby reducing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If photoelectric conversion is performed on signal light for information insertion and processing, then information can be processed and inserted into the network, but power loss increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation processing capabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the photoelectric conversion mechanism (electromechanical/optoelectrical system) with an all-optical signal processing mechanism using nonlinear optical media. The nonlinear optical medium directly modulates the signal light properties through optical fields, eliminating the need for photoelectric conversion while achieving the same information processing and insertion functions. This substitution reduces power consumption and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If photoelectric conversion is performed on signal light, then information can be processed, but the apparatus configuration becomes complicated and large electric power is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing functionVSAvoidapparatus configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex photoelectric conversion apparatus with a compact nonlinear optical medium-based system. The nonlinear optical medium directly performs signal processing functions through optical field interactions, eliminating the need for separate photodetectors, electronic processing circuits, and modulators. This substitution simplifies the apparatus configuration while maintaining signal processing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple information data items are superposed on one optical carrier, then network efficiency improves, but power loss increases due to photoelectric conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces photoelectric conversion with direct optical superposition and processing in nonlinear optical media. Multiple information data items are superposed on the optical carrier through optical field interactions without conversion to electrical signals, eliminating the power loss associated with photoelectric conversion while maintaining high network efficiency through collective information transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively reduces power loss and enables the insertion and propagation of information within the optical network without photoelectric conversion, allowing for efficient information superposition and transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the optical signal and the control pulse are input to a nonlinear optical fiber. In the nonlinear optical fiber, the optical signal, during a time period in which the optical signal and the control pulse coincide, is amplified with optical parametric amplification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical parametric amplification:

Implementation Method 2

a simultaneous wavelength conversion of 200 Gb/s (5x40 Gb/s) WDM signal over the entire gain band of EDFA is demonstrated by a four-wave mixing in a dispersion arranged 750-m highly nonlinear dispersion-shifted fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFour-wave mixing:

Data Source

PatentEP2495612B1Optical signal processing device, receiver, and optical network system

Publication Date: 2019.11.27 FUJITSU LTD

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AI summary

A signal light propagating through an optical network is modulated using a control light having information concerning the optical network, without performing photoelectric conversion, to thereby reduce a power loss. An optical modulator (1) combines and inputs a signal light (Es) propagating through the optical network and a control light (ECt) having information concerning the optical network to a nonlinear optical medium. The optical modulator (1) modulates the signal light (Es) according to changes in intensity of the control light (ECt), in the nonlinear optical medium.