Optical Path Control Device for Wavelength Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength selective switches using beam guide elements suffer from crosstalk due to deviations in beam incidence positions, leading to improper beam alignment and coupling between optical defectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical path control device with a configuration that includes anamorphic converters, dispersive elements, and optical power elements to converge and collimate wavelength-multiplexed beams, ensuring distinct propagation angles for each beam group, thereby preventing crosstalk by individually coupling beams to their respective optical deflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam guide elements are used for input/output of each group of beams to or from each optical deflector, then the device can handle multiple wavelength components, but crosstalk occurs when beam incidence position deviates from prescribed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple groups, with each group having its own optical deflector and beam guide element. This segmentation allows independent control of each wavelength component group while maintaining the ability to handle multiple wavelengths overall, resolving the contradiction between versatility and crosstalk prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system. Specifically, beam guide elements with different diffraction grating configurations are used for different wavelength components, allowing each group to be optimized for its specific wavelength range while preventing interference with other groups, thus eliminating crosstalk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical deflectors are arranged in juxtaposition to increase the number of separable wavelength components, then more wavelength components can be handled, but beam alignment becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beam guide elements as intermediary components between the optical deflectors and the input/output beams. These beam guide elements with diffractive structures automatically guide and align the beams to the correct optical deflectors, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and maintaining beam alignment accuracy even with multiple deflectors arranged in juxtaposition.
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 optical path control device effectively reduces crosstalk between beam groups by ensuring precise alignment and deflection of dispersed beams, enhancing the separation and coupling efficiency of wavelength components.
Implementation Method 1
The second element is comprised of the third and fourth elements and is an anamorphic converter configured to convert an aspect ratio of beam spots of the first and second wavelength-multiplexed beams input from the first and second input ports
Implementation Method 2
The third element includes first and second optical power elements arranged in juxtaposition in propagation directions of the first and second wavelength-multiplexed beams and configured to converge the first and second wavelength-multiplexed beams
Implementation Method 3
The fourth element includes a third optical power element configured to collimate the first and second wavelength-multiplexed beams
Implementation Method 4
The fifth element is a first dispersive element configured to rotate a propagation direction of light of each wavelength included in each of the first and second wavelength-multiplexed beams around an axis along the first direction depending upon the wavelength
Implementation Method 5
The seventh element is first and second optical deflectors configured to rotate each of the first and second dispersed beams around an axis along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical path control device, a light input section 1 forms optical apertures 61a, 61b to output dispersed beams L2a, L2b, respectively, so that propagation angles of the dispersed beams L2a, L2b in an YZ plane are different from each other, at a focal position on the dispersive element 5 side of an optical power element 6. The dispersed beams L2a, L2b propagating at their respective angles different from each other in the YZ plane are individually coupled to optical deflectors 7a, 7b, respectively.