Optical Frequency Comb WDM Chip Integration for Compact Interconnects

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical data communication systems require efficient and reliable laser light sources with minimal form factor and low energy consumption, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

An optical power supply system that includes a laser generating continuous wave light at a single wavelength and a comb generator to produce multiple wavelengths, integrated with an electro-optical chip for modulating data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate laser sources are used to provide multiple wavelengths, then wavelength diversity is improved, but device complexity and form factor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength diversityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating multiple wavelengths through frequency comb generation. The laser system serves as both the primary light source and the wavelength multiplexer, eliminating the need for separate laser sources for each wavelength channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple wavelength generation capabilities are merged into a single laser source through the integration of frequency comb generation. Instead of having separate laser sources for each wavelength, the system combines multiple wavelength functions into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate laser sources are used to provide multiple wavelengths, then wavelength diversity is improved, but form factor increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength diversityVSAvoidform factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating multiple wavelengths through frequency comb generation. The laser system serves as both the primary light source and the wavelength multiplexer, eliminating the need for separate laser sources for each wavelength channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple wavelength generation capabilities are merged into a single laser source through the integration of frequency comb generation. Instead of having separate laser sources for each wavelength, the system combines multiple wavelength functions into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate laser sources are used to provide multiple wavelengths, then wavelength diversity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength diversityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating multiple wavelengths through frequency comb generation. The laser system serves as both the primary light source and the wavelength multiplexer, eliminating the need for separate laser sources for each wavelength channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple wavelength generation capabilities are merged into a single laser source through the integration of frequency comb generation. Instead of having separate laser sources for each wavelength, the system combines multiple wavelength functions into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional laser sources are used, then reliability is maintained, but bandwidth capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidbandwidth capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the frequency parameters of the laser light through frequency comb generation, creating multiple equally-spaced wavelengths from a single source. This parameter transformation enables wavelength division multiplexing, significantly increasing bandwidth capacity while maintaining the reliability of a single proven laser source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances data communication efficiency by providing high-bandwidth, multi-wavelength WDM systems with reduced form factor and energy consumption, meeting increasing interconnect bandwidth requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a comb generator optically connected to the laser to receive the continuous wave light at the single wavelength as input light and generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the input light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical frequency comb generation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260039397A1Integrated CMOS Photonic and Electronic WDM Communication System Using Optical Frequency Comb Generators

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 AYAR LABS INC

AI summary

An optical data communication system includes an optical power supply and an electro-optical chip. The optical power supply includes a laser that generates laser light at a single wavelength. A comb generator receives the light at the single wavelength and generates multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from laser light at the single wavelength. The multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light are provided as light input to the electro-optical chip. The electro-optical chip includes at least one transmit macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light and that modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate modulated light signals that convey digital data.