Optical Signal Processing Device for Multi-Band Wavelength Demultiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal processing systems require separate devices for each wavelength band, leading to increased costs and reduced network reliability due to the need for multiple devices, which also results in reduced transmission capacity when handling multiple bands.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal processing device with wavelength demultiplexing means specifically designed for each wavelength band, utilizing shared optical elements like spatial light modulators and lenses, allowing for simultaneous operation across multiple bands while maintaining the characteristics of a single-band device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for each wavelength band, then the optical characteristics required for single-band devices are maintained, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single optical signal processing device that can handle multiple wavelength bands (C band and L band) simultaneously. The device incorporates wavelength band separation means that divides incoming optical signals into different wavelength bands, which are then processed by shared optical elements including a spatial light modulator and lens. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate single-band devices while maintaining the required optical characteristics for each wavelength band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple single-band processing functions into a single integrated device. The wavelength band separation means separates C band and L band signals, which are then simultaneously directed to shared optical processing elements. This combining approach reduces device complexity and costs while enabling ultrawideband operation across multiple wavelength bands that were previously handled by separate devices.
2Productivity
If multiple devices are used to handle multiple wavelength bands, then the transmission capacity increases, but the failure rate increases and network reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high transmission capacity through a single universal device that processes multiple wavelength bands simultaneously. The wavelength band separation means divides incoming signals into C band and L band, which are then processed by shared optical elements including the spatial light modulator and lens. This unified approach provides ultrawideband operation capability while reducing the failure rate compared to using multiple separate devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate devices are deployed for each wavelength band, then the optical processing quality is maintained, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-band processing functions into a single integrated device to reduce costs. The wavelength band separation means separates C band and L band signals, which are then processed by shared optical elements. This consolidation maintains high optical processing quality through precise wavelength separation and shared high-quality optical components while eliminating the need to manufacture and deploy multiple separate devices.
4Device complexity
If a single device handles multiple wavelength bands, then the device complexity reduces and costs decrease, but the optical characteristics may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical signal processing into distinct wavelength band paths. The wavelength band separation means separates C band and L band signals into different processing paths, which are then recombined after processing. This segmentation ensures that each wavelength band receives appropriate optical processing while maintaining high optical characteristics, despite the unified device structure.
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 device achieves higher capacity and lower costs by enabling efficient operation across multiple wavelength bands with reduced failure rates and improved transmission efficiency, maintaining the optical characteristics required for single-band devices.
Implementation Method 1
one spatial light modulator for phase-modulating the optical signals light-collected in N regions by the light collecting means, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength demultiplexing means for providing the optical signals for the respective wavelength bands separated by the M wavelength band separation means with different wavelength demultiplexing statuses in a free space, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical signal processing device that can operate simultaneously for a plurality of wavelength bands. The optical signal processing device includes a WDM coupler array including a plurality of WDM couplers for separating the C band and the L band for the respective ports; input/output port groups provided for the C band and the L band, respectively; a micro lens array; a diffraction grating; a lens; and a spatial light modulator arranged in this order. The spatial light modulator collects light at different positions for the respective wavelengths, thus allowing all wavelengths to be independently subjected to a phase modulation. Light subjected to the desired phase modulation by the spatial light modulator is reflected and is deflected to have an angle corresponding to any desired port of the input/output port group, and then is optically-coupled to an input/output port depending on the deflection angle.