Optical Amplifier Hybrid Filter for Insertion Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In optical communications networks, the insertion loss caused by additional fiber interface units (FIU) degrades the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and transmission performance due to the need for separate processing of service signal light and optical supervisory channels (OSC), leading to reduced modulation rate and detection sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

An optical amplifier apparatus with a hybrid filter unit that separates and amplifies monitoring light and signal light without requiring an additional FIU, performing gain flattening filtering on the signal light to reduce insertion loss and improve transmission performance by eliminating the need for separate FIU boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional FIU board is added to separate service signal light and optical supervisory channel, then separation and monitoring functions are achieved, but insertion loss increases by 1 dB to 1.5 dB

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation and monitoring functionVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the FIU board with the optical amplifier board, integrating the wavelength division multiplexer and gain flattening filter directly into the optical amplifier module. This merging eliminates the need for a separate FIU board in the main optical path, thereby reducing insertion loss while maintaining the separation and monitoring capabilities through the hybrid filter unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical amplifier board is designed to perform multiple functions: signal amplification, wavelength division multiplexing, gain flattening filtering, and optical supervisory channel separation. By making the optical amplifier board universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for additional dedicated FIU hardware, reducing overall insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If monitoring light power is increased to improve modulation rate and detection sensitivity, then detection performance improves, but main optical path performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmain optical path performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid filter unit segments the optical spectrum into signal light and monitoring light components, allowing independent processing and power adjustment of each. This segmentation enables the monitoring light power to be optimized for detection sensitivity without affecting the signal light transmission in the main optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid filter unit acts as an intermediary that separates monitoring light from signal light after amplification. This intermediary function allows the monitoring light to be extracted and power-adjusted independently, improving detection sensitivity while maintaining the integrity and performance of the main optical path signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the modulation rate and detection sensitivity of monitoring light while maintaining the performance of the main optical path, reducing insertion loss and improving overall transmission efficiency in optical communications links.

Implementation Method 1

The first amplifier unit is configured to: receive a first beam sent by a second station, and amplify the first beam to obtain a second beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical amplification:

Implementation Method 2

The hybrid filter unit may be configured to: receive the second beam output by the first amplifier unit, separate the first monitoring light and the signal light from the second beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing:

Implementation Method 3

The hybrid filter unit is further configured to: perform gain flattening filtering processing on the signal light in the second beam to obtain filtered signal light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGain flattening filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10911137B2Optical amplifier apparatus, optical communications station, and optical communications system

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses an optical amplifier apparatus including a first amplifier unit and a hybrid filter unit. The first amplifier unit is configured to receive a first beam including signal light and first monitoring light. The first amplifier unit is further configured to amplify the first beam to obtain a second beam. The hybrid filter unit is configured to: receive the second beam output by the first amplifier unit, and separate the first monitoring light and the signal light from the second beam. The hybrid filter unit is further configured to: transmit the first monitoring light in the second beam to a monitoring light detection apparatus of a first station through a first output port. The hybrid filter unit is further configured to: perform gain flattening filtering processing on the signal light in the second beam to obtain filtered signal light, and output the filtered signal light.