Optical Polarization Multiplexing Laser Array Bandwidth

Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical data rate connectivity systems face challenges in achieving high bandwidths, particularly in the Terahertz range, due to the need for multiple optical transmission media and components that are costly and occupy significant space.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical polarization multiplexing system that combines orthogonally polarized optical data signals using a laser array and optical components such as polarization beam combiners and birefringent crystals, allowing for dual-channel optical data signals to be transmitted efficiently without requiring intervening waveguides or couplers, thereby reducing cost and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple optical transmission media and components are used to achieve high bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical data signals with orthogonal polarizations into a single optical transmission medium using polarization multiplexing. Multiple lasers generate signals that are combined through optical components (beam combiners, birefringent crystals) into one waveguide or fiber, eliminating the need for separate transmission media for each signal while maintaining high bandwidth capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single optical transmission medium serves multiple functions by carrying multiple polarized signals simultaneously. The system enables one waveguide or fiber to function as multiple separate channels, achieving multi-functionality without requiring additional physical media or components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple optical transmission media and components are used to achieve high bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical data signals with orthogonal polarizations into a single optical transmission medium using polarization multiplexing. Multiple lasers generate signals that are combined through optical components (beam combiners, birefringent crystals) into one waveguide or fiber, eliminating the need for separate transmission media for each signal while maintaining high bandwidth capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single optical transmission medium serves multiple functions by carrying multiple polarized signals simultaneously. The system enables one waveguide or fiber to function as multiple separate channels, achieving multi-functionality without requiring additional physical media or components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate transmission media are used for each optical signal, then signal integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polarization states as an intermediary to distinguish and separate multiple optical signals within a single transmission medium. Orthogonal polarizations act as unique identifiers for each signal channel, allowing the system to maintain signal integrity through polarization-based multiplexing and demultiplexing without requiring separate physical media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables significant cost and space reduction while achieving high bandwidth transmission by multiplexing optical data signals, allowing for efficient data transfer across computer systems without the need for separate transmission media for each signal, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A first optical data signal and a second optical data signal may be provided to a birefringent crystal, which may be oriented at an angle with respect to the lasers. The birefringent crystal may be configured to combine the optical data signals based on a spatial walk-off of one of the optical data signals through the birefringent crystal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Implementation Method 2

An optical polarization multiplexing system may be used to combine pairs of orthogonally polarized optical data signals. A polarizing beam combiner may be used to combine the optical data signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS9160481B2Optical polarization multiplexing using laser arrays

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

An optical data system and method are disclosed. An optical data system includes an array of lasers that are modulated by the plurality of modulation signals to provide a plurality of pairs of orthogonally polarized optical data signals. The optical data system further includes an optical multiplexing system to combine each of the pairs of orthogonally polarized optical data signals to provide a plurality of dual-channel optical data signals.