Optical Multiplexer With MEMS Reflection Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical add drop multiplexers (OADMs) with wavelength-tunable filters suffer from high insertion loss and complexity, leading to increased costs and failure rates due to the use of couplers and spatial optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical multiplexer design that employs an optical dispersion element and a reflection mirror with distinct reflection elements to separate and direct wavelength components without couplers, allowing for simpler structure and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an OADM is equipped with a wavelength-tunable filter and couplers to enable wavelength selection and signal branching, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but insertion loss increases due to signal loss in each coupler (3 dB) and filter (2 dB)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the coupler components from the OADM system. By using a wavelength selection switch with MEMS mirrors directly to route wavelengths without requiring couplers, the system removes the source of 3 dB signal loss per coupler, thereby reducing overall insertion loss while maintaining wavelength selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical/optical coupling system with an electrically controlled MEMS mirror system. The MEMS mirrors are electrically actuated to redirect specific wavelengths to desired ports, substituting the passive optical coupling mechanism with an active, controllable system that has lower loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If an OADM is equipped with a wavelength selection switch including MEMS mirrors and spatial optical system to transmit arbitrary wavelengths to arbitrary paths, then wavelength selectivity and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the wavelength selection function into individual MEMS mirror elements, each capable of independently directing specific wavelengths. This segmentation allows for a more compact and manageable system architecture compared to traditional spatial optical systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining routing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamically controllable MEMS mirrors that can be electrically actuated in real-time to change wavelength routing paths. This dynamic control mechanism replaces static, complex spatial optical systems with a more compact, electrically controlled system that achieves the same functionality with reduced complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If an OADM is equipped with a wavelength selection switch with multiple optical components to achieve arbitrary wavelength routing, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to higher failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes multiple optical components from the wavelength selection system, retaining only the essential MEMS mirror elements. By eliminating unnecessary components, the system reduces the number of potential failure points while preserving the core wavelength routing capability, thereby improving reliability
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 reduces insertion loss, enhances reliability, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for couplers and complex spatial optical systems, while enabling wavelength-tunable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The optical dispersion element is configured to separate each of first input light and second input light into a plurality of wavelength components by dispersing the first input light and the second input light in a predetermined wavelength dispersion direction
Implementation Method 2
The reflection mirror includes a first reflection element configured to reflect a group of wavelength components corresponding to a first wavelength band among the plurality of wavelength components separated by the optical dispersion element, and a second reflection element configured to reflect a group of wavelength components corresponding to a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical multiplexer, an optical dispersion element separates, into a plurality of wavelength components, first input light from a first input port and second input light from a second input port. A reflection mirror includes first and second reflection elements. A first output port is provided in a propagation path of reflected light corresponding to a first wavelength band of the first input light by the first reflection element. A second output port is provided in a propagation path of reflected light corresponding to a second wavelength band of the first input light by the second reflection element. The second input port is arranged at a position where third reflected light that is reflected light by the second reflection element of the second wavelength band of the second input light is optically coupled to the first output port and output from the first output port.