Spectrally-Multiplexed Wavelength Reference for OCM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical channel monitors (OCM) face limitations in accurately measuring wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals due to the inability to measure wavelength reference signals simultaneously with WDM inputs, leading to delayed and inaccurate frequency compensation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a spectrally-multiplexed wavelength reference system that combines WDM and wavelength reference signals, allowing for simultaneous measurement and alignment, using optical sources and filters to create spectral characteristics outside the WDM spectrum, and incorporating a WDM combiner to capture both signals in a single scan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional OCM measures wavelength reference signals separately from WDM inputs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and frequency compensation accuracy deteriorate due to inability to measure simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOCM system structureVSAvoidfrequency compensation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wavelength reference signal and WDM input signals into a single composite signal that is measured simultaneously by the OCM. The wavelength reference signal is injected into the same optical path as the WDM signals, allowing both to be monitored together in one measurement cycle, thereby improving frequency compensation accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The OCM system is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously: it measures both the wavelength reference signal for frequency calibration and the WDM input signals for channel monitoring, all through a single measurement process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement paths while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional OCM uses separate measurement paths for wavelength reference and WDM signals, then measurement precision is maintained, but processing time increases due to sequential measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength measurement accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous simultaneous measurement of both wavelength reference signals and WDM inputs through a single optical path. The OCM processes the composite signal continuously without interruption, eliminating the sequential measurement delays inherent in conventional systems while maintaining measurement precision through the embedded wavelength reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength reference signal is pre-injected into the optical path before the OCM measurement process begins, so that the reference information is already available when the measurement is performed. This preliminary preparation allows immediate frequency compensation without waiting for separate reference measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional OCM cannot measure wavelength reference in-band, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of simultaneous alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal combination structureVSAvoidfrequency alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wavelength reference signal with the in-band WDM signals by injecting the reference signal into the same spectral region. This allows the OCM to measure both signals simultaneously in their operational context, improving frequency alignment accuracy while keeping the signal combination structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accurate, timely, and simultaneous measurement of WDM signals and wavelength reference signals, improving frequency compensation and reducing processing time by allowing for in-band and out-of-band WLREF monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a WDM combiner circuit configured to generate a combined signal based on combining of a first combining input signal and a second combining input signal; where the first combining input signal comprises an input WDM signal; where the second combining input signal comprises the wavelength reference signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical combining:

Implementation Method 2

an optical channel monitor (OCM) circuit configured for monitoring wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) channels, with the monitoring comprising measuring one or more characteristics associated with WDM signals communicated via the WDM channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20240333381A1Optical channel monitor (OCM) with spectrally-multiplexed wavelength reference for monitoring of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for optical channel monitoring (OCM) with an spectrally-multiplexed wavelength reference for monitoring of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) spectrum.