Optical Module Feedback Control for Dual-Wavelength Intensity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems using wavelength tunable light sources, it is challenging to monitor and maintain the intensity of two different wavelengths that share the same path, as existing methods require complex configurations and increased size and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with an optical amplifier, splitter, light reception unit, intensity detection unit, and amplification control unit that modulates and amplifies light of different wavelengths, splits the light, and uses amplitude detection to control amplification based on monitoring results, allowing for simple intensity monitoring and control of both wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate wavelength tunable light sources are used to handle two wavelengths, then light intensity can be kept constant for each wavelength, but the device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate wavelength tunable light sources into a single integrated light source that can output two different wavelengths. This is achieved by configuring the light source to generate first light at a first wavelength and second light at a second wavelength, combining their functions into one device while maintaining the ability to independently control and stabilize the intensity of each wavelength through separate modulation signals.
2Reliability
If two separate wavelength tunable light sources are used to handle two wavelengths, then light intensity can be kept constant for each wavelength, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate wavelength tunable light sources into a single integrated light source that can output two different wavelengths. This is achieved by configuring the light source to generate first light at a first wavelength and second light at a second wavelength, combining their functions into one device while maintaining the ability to independently control and stabilize the intensity of each wavelength through separate modulation signals.
3Volume of moving object
If a single light source outputs two wavelengths, then device size and power consumption are reduced, but it becomes difficult to individually monitor intensity of each wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the monitoring of the two wavelengths through frequency-based detection. The intensity detection unit extracts a first component having a first frequency corresponding to the first wavelength and a second component having a second frequency corresponding to the second wavelength from the combined light signal, enabling individual monitoring of each wavelength's intensity despite them sharing the same optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the amplification control unit monitors the intensity of each wavelength based on the extracted frequency components and controls the amplification of each wavelength in the optical amplifier based on the monitoring result. This closed-loop feedback system maintains constant intensity for each wavelength while using a single integrated light source.
4Volume of moving object
If a single light source outputs two wavelengths, then device size and power consumption are reduced, but intensity control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the amplification control unit monitors the intensity of each wavelength based on the extracted frequency components and controls the amplification of each wavelength in the optical amplifier based on the monitoring result. This closed-loop feedback system maintains constant intensity for each wavelength while using a single integrated light source.
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
Enables accurate and efficient monitoring and control of light intensity for both wavelengths with a compact configuration, reducing size and power consumption while maintaining consistent light output.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier configured to modulate first light having a first wavelength with a first modulation signal having a first frequency and amplify the first light, and modulate second light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength with a second modulation signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency and amplify the second light
Implementation Method 2
a light reception unit configured to receive the first light and the second light being split by the splitter, and output an electric signal indicating intensity of light acquired by adding the received first light and the received second light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical amplifier modulates first light with a first modulation signal having a first frequency, and modulates second light with a second modulation signal having a second frequency. A splitter splits the first light and the second light. A light reception unit outputs an electric signal indicating intensity of light acquired by adding the received first light and the received second light. An intensity detection unit extracts a first component having the first frequency and a second component having the second frequency included in the electric signal, and detects amplitude of each of the first and second components. An amplification control unit monitors intensity of the first light based on amplitude of the first component and intensity of the second light based on amplitude of the second component, and controls amplification of each of the first light and the second light in the optical amplifier.