Optical Modulator Phase Monitoring via Auxiliary Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modulators using Mach Zehnder interferometers face signal loss and instability due to internal reflective light and direct signal extraction methods, which deteriorate performance by causing loss and interference in optical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The optical modulator design includes an optical splitter, phase shifters, and an optical combiner with multiple output ports and detectors, allowing for phase and intensity monitoring of auxiliary signals to indirectly determine the main signal's phase and intensity, reducing signal loss and stabilizing the modulator's operation by outputting signals through multiple ports, thereby minimizing internal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct signal extraction method is used to monitor optical signals, then monitoring capability is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses auxiliary optical signals as intermediaries to monitor the main optical signal. Instead of directly extracting the main signal for monitoring (which causes loss), the system extracts auxiliary signals that carry correlated information about the main signal's phase and intensity. The auxiliary signals are then used to infer the state of the main signal, thereby achieving monitoring without direct extraction of the main signal.
2Device complexity
If internal reflective light is present in the optical modulator, then device structure is simplified, but signal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the auxiliary optical signals from the main optical path. By using an optical coupler to extract auxiliary signals that are coupled from the main signal path, the system removes potential sources of interference and reflection from the main path. The auxiliary signals are monitored separately, preventing them from causing stability issues in the main signal transmission while still providing monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If optical signals are transmitted through multiple waveguides, then signal monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the auxiliary optical waveguides for dual purposes: they both carry the main optical signal and provide auxiliary signals for monitoring. The optical coupler enables the same optical path to serve both signal transmission and monitoring functions. This universal approach allows monitoring capability to be added without requiring completely separate dedicated monitoring waveguides, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 design effectively suppresses signal loss and stabilizes optical signal transmission by allowing for precise monitoring and control of signal phases and intensities, enhancing the performance of optical modulators by reducing reflective light and maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter configured to split input optical signals into a first optical signal and a second optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a phase shifter configured to modulate a phase of at least one of the first and second optical signals
Implementation Method 3
an optical combiner configured to combine the first and second optical signals and including three output ports... configured to generate an output optical signal by combining the first and second optical signals transmitted from the first and second optical waveguides respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulator includes an optical splitter splitting input optical signals into a first optical signal and a second optical signal and transmitting the first optical signal and the second optical signal to a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide, respectively, an optical combiner generating an output optical signal by combining the first and second optical signals transmitted from the first and second optical waveguides respectively, and including three output ports including a main output port, a first auxiliary output port, and a second auxiliary output port, three output optical waveguides connected to the three output ports, respectively, and transmitting the output optical signal, and an optical detector connected to at least one of the three output optical waveguides.