Optical Fiber Amplifier Array Using Binary Tree Pump Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber amplifiers face challenges in scalability, cost-effectiveness, and power efficiency, particularly in high-capacity networks and satellite communications, where custom performance metrics and real-time control are essential to adapt to dynamic traffic and channel demands.
Innovation Solution
A single pump laser is coupled to a set of optical splitters arranged in a binary tree configuration to power multiple fiber optical amplification path circuits, allowing for custom output power and noise performance, and enabling independent control of each amplifier's wavelength band, thereby optimizing footprint and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate optical fiber amplifiers are deployed to meet increasing capacity demands, then the amplification capacity and number of channels are improved, but the footprint, power consumption, and cost increase linearly or non-linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber amplifiers into a single integrated device by sharing common components including a single pump laser source, common doped fiber sections, and shared optical path elements. This allows multiple amplifier channels to operate simultaneously while consuming less power than would be required for multiple separate amplifiers, as the pump laser and other components serve multiple functions at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single optical amplifier device that can simultaneously amplify multiple wavelength channels and serve multiple amplifier functions. The common doped fiber and pump laser system can be dynamically allocated to different channels based on demand, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple amplification tasks across different wavelength bands and channel configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple separate optical fiber amplifiers are deployed to meet increasing capacity demands, then the amplification capacity and number of channels are improved, but the footprint and hardware real-estate increase linearly or non-linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber amplifiers into a single integrated device by sharing common components including a single pump laser source, common doped fiber sections, and shared optical path elements. This allows multiple amplifier channels to operate simultaneously while occupying less physical space than would be required for multiple separate amplifiers, as the pump laser and other components serve multiple functions at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple amplifier channels are contained within a single amplifier housing. The optical paths, doped fiber sections, and pump laser systems are nested in a hierarchical arrangement where smaller functional units are integrated within the larger unified amplifier structure, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall footprint.
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 results in cost-effective, compact, and power-efficient optical fiber amplifiers with customizable performance, capable of dynamically adapting to changing network conditions, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of high-capacity networks and satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path including a doped fiber to amplify the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a network of 1×2 optical splitters connected in a binary tree configuration, which split the pump laser power
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and techniques are disclosed for amplifying a plurality of optical signals using a single pump laser coupled to a set of optical splitters arranged in a binary tree configuration for powering a plurality of fiber optical amplifying path circuits (FOAP circuits) each configured to amplify one of the plurality of optical signals, where each of the optical splitters at the leaves of the binary tree is coupled to one of the plurality of FOAP circuits to provide the power required to amplify the optical signal.