Optical Pulse Counter Using Flip-Flop and AND Gate Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current all-optical digital signal processing technologies for optical packet-switched communications networks lack efficient solutions for optical pulse counting, frequency division, and square wave generation, which are crucial for high-capacity communication network nodes.

Innovation Solution

An optical device comprising an optical AND gate and flip-flop stages with non-linear optical elements and splitters, capable of performing 1-bit to multi-bit pulse counting, frequency division, and square wave generation, utilizing semi-conductor optical amplifiers and micro-resonator bistable elements for efficient and integrated optical processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional all-optical digital signal processing methods are used, then basic optical signal manipulation is achieved, but efficient optical pulse counting, frequency division, and square wave generation are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical pulse counting efficiencyVSAvoidfunctional capability for frequency division and square wave generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device integrates multiple functions (pulse counting, frequency division, square wave generation) into a single unified system using shared optical components including semiconductor optical amplifiers, micro-resonators, and optical splitters. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by providing versatile capabilities without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into distinct functional stages: an optical flip-flop stage for pulse counting, an optical AND gate stage for logic operations, and an optical splitter stage for frequency division. Each stage performs a specific function while working together as an integrated system, enabling efficient pulse counting and frequency division simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If optical packet switching operations in high capacity communication network nodes are supported, then data processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidoptical device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optical processing functions are merged into a single integrated device structure. The optical flip-flop, optical AND gate, and optical splitter are combined in a unified configuration that shares common components and optical paths, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high data processing capability for optical packet switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical splitters and couplers as intermediary elements to efficiently distribute and route optical signals between different functional stages without requiring complex switching mechanisms. These intermediary components simplify the overall device architecture while enabling sophisticated optical signal processing operations.

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

Enables efficient all-optical pulse counting and frequency division, supporting high-capacity optical communication networks with improved data processing capabilities and flexible wavelength usage.

Implementation Method 1

Various all-optical devices based on nonlinear optical effects, including cross-gain modulation, four-wave mixing and cross-phase modulation have been implemented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-linear optical effects:

Implementation Method 2

Said optical splitter is arranged to split a said AND gate optical output pulse into a first part to be received by said optical flip-flop and a second part to form a carry signal optical pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical splitting:

Implementation Method 3

said optical flip-flop comprises a first input, a second input and an output. Said first input is arranged to receive a further part of said optical input pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBistability: Metastability

Data Source

PatentUS8717651B2Optical devices and method of counting optical pulses

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

An optical device comprises an optical device stage, which comprises an optical input, an optical AND gate, an optical flip-flop and an optical output. The optical input is arranged to receive an optical input pulse at an input wavelength. The optical AND gate comprises a first input arranged to receive a part of said optical input pulse, a second input arranged to receive at least a part of a flip-flop optical output signal, and an output. The optical AND gate is arranged to generate an AND gate optical output pulse dependent on said flip-flop optical output signal. The optical flip-flop comprises a first input arranged to receive a further part of said optical input pulse, a second input arranged to receive a said AND gate optical output pulse, and an output. The optical flip-flop is arranged to generate said flip-flop output signal at a flip-flop output wavelength. At least a part of the flip-flop output signal is provided to said output.