Optical Amplifier Pump Distribution for Redundant Multi-EDF Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical amplification devices with a 4-LDs redundant configuration are limited in exciting more than four erbium-doped fibers (EDFs) using four excitation laser diodes (LDs), and they fail to suppress the increase in the number of excitation LDs required as the number of EDFs increases, leading to inefficiencies in optical signal amplification.
Innovation Solution
The optical amplification device incorporates an excitation unit with multiple excitation LDs, a first distribution unit that splits the excitation light into a larger number of beams, and second distribution units that couple and split these beams to excite a greater number of EDFs, allowing for the amplification of more EDFs than the number of excitation LDs, while maintaining redundancy and controlling light power to compensate for any fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of EDFs is increased to amplify more optical fibers, then the amplification capability is improved, but the number of excitation LDs required increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the excitation light distribution into multiple stages: a first distribution unit that initially splits the excitation light from multiple LDs into several beams, and multiple second distribution units that further distribute these beams to different EDFs. This multi-stage segmentation allows one excitation LD to effectively serve multiple EDFs, breaking the 1:1 correspondence between LDs and EDFs.
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation light from each LD is distributed to multiple EDFs through the first and second distribution units, making each LD serve multiple functions. The same excitation light source is universally utilized across different EDFs, increasing system efficiency and reducing the total number of LDs needed.
2Reliability
If a redundant configuration of excitation LDs is implemented to ensure high reliability, then the system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distribution functions into a unified distribution system. The first distribution unit and multiple second distribution units work together as an integrated network, allowing redundant LDs to share common distribution paths and control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to independent redundant configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution units act as intermediaries between the excitation LDs and the EDFs. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of light distribution and redundancy coordination, shielding the LDs and EDFs from direct complex interactions while enabling flexible reconfiguration and fault tolerance.
3Productivity
If multiple excitation LDs are used to excite multiple EDFs, then the amplification coverage is improved, but the light power control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control unit that monitors the output light power from each LD and adjusts the excitation light intensity accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite the complex distribution network, the light power reaching each EDF is precisely controlled, maintaining optimal amplification conditions across all channels.
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 configuration enables the amplification of eight EDFs using only four excitation LDs, effectively reducing the number of excitation LDs required and maintaining amplification functionality even if one LD deteriorates, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of optical signal amplification.
Implementation Method 1
four excitation LDs 901 to 904 (LD 1 to LD 4)... Beams of excitation light generated by the excitation LDs 901 to 904
Implementation Method 2
couples the beams of excitation light generated by the excitation LDs 901 and 902, and outputs the beams of coupled excitation light
Implementation Method 3
Split excitation light excites erbium-doped fibers (EDFs) 909 and 910... The EDFs 909 and 910 are gain media
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To limit the number of excitation laser diodes (LDs) in an optical amplification device provided with a redundant excitation LD configuration. [Solution] This optical amplification device is provided with: an excitation unit which outputs a plurality of excitation lights generated by a plurality of excitation light sources; a first distributing unit of which inputs are connected to the plurality of excitation light sources and which branches input lights and then outputs branched lights as a plurality of first distributed lights; a plurality of second distributing units of which inputs are connected to the first distributing unit and which combines and branches input lights and then outputs branched lights as a plurality of second distributed lights; and a plurality of gain mediums which are respectively excited by the plurality of second distributed lights.