Optical Node Device Cladding Pumped Multicore Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical node devices with multidegree ROADM architecture, increasing the number of paths leads to higher transmission loss and a decrease in signal-to-noise ratio, limiting the transmission distance due to the scale of wavelength selection switches.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cladding pumped multicore optical amplifiers between input-side and output-side wavelength selection switches to amplify light, compensating for transmission loss and maintaining signal quality across multiple spans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of paths in the optical node device increases to achieve multidegree ROADM architecture, then the network flexibility and routing capability are improved, but the transmission loss increases and transmission distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between the input-side wavelength selection switch and the output-side wavelength selection switch. This amplifier actively compensates for the transmission loss incurred through the mesh-connected wavelength selection switches, enabling the system to maintain signal quality even as the number of paths and routing flexibility increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scale of wavelength selection switches increases to support more paths, then the routing flexibility is improved, but the transmission loss increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier performs preliminary amplification of the optical signal after it exits the input-side wavelength selection switch but before it enters the output-side wavelength selection switch. This preliminary action compensates for transmission loss in advance, preventing signal-to-noise ratio deterioration and maintaining reliability throughout the optical path.
3Productivity
If the number of input/output ports of wavelength selection switches increases to support more paths, then the network capacity is improved, but the transmission loss increases and transmission distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier serves as a mediator that actively compensates for the transmission loss caused by the increased scale of wavelength selection switches. By placing the amplifier between the input-side and output-side switches, the system can support a larger number of input/output ports and higher network capacity while maintaining adequate transmission distance through active loss compensation.
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
The solution effectively suppresses the decrease in transmission distance, allowing for longer signal accumulation and increased spans, from two to 18, by compensating for insertion loss and maintaining a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
an amplification unit that amplifies the light output from each of the output ports of the input-side wavelength selection switches
Implementation Method 2
the amplification unit includes a cladding pumped multicore optical amplifier for each of the input-side wavelength selection switches
Data Source
AI summary
An optical node device includes one or more input-side wavelength selection switches, a plurality of output-side wavelength selection switches, and an amplification unit. The input-side wavelength selection switches include a plurality of output ports, separate input light in accordance with a wavelength, and output the separated light from the output port corresponding to an output destination of the separated light. The output-side wavelength selection switches include input ports each receiving the light output from each of the one or more input-side wavelength selection switches, multiplex the light received from the input ports, and output the light. The amplification unit amplifies the light output from each of the output ports of the input-side wavelength selection switches and outputs the amplified light to the output-side wavelength selection switch at the output destination corresponding to the output port.