Optical SSB Modulator High-Speed Frequency Sweep Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical frequency control devices using optical SSB modulators are limited by the speed and range of electrical signal frequency sweeps, restricting the ability to achieve high-speed and wide-range frequency control.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an arbitrary waveform generator and an electrical signal frequency multiplier generates high-speed modulation signals that expand the frequency range, enabling the optical SSB modulator to achieve rapid and extensive frequency sweeps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical SSB modulator is used for frequency control, then precision and stability are improved, but sweep speed is limited by the electrical signal frequency sweep rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency control precisionVSAvoidsweep speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electrical signal frequency sweep mechanism with an optical frequency sweep mechanism. By using an optical frequency sweep device to directly control the optical SSB modulator, the system achieves high-speed frequency sweeping (up to 10 GHz/s or faster) while maintaining the precision and stability benefits of optical modulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and sweep speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical signal frequency sweep unit with wide frequency range is used, then frequency range is improved, but sweep rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidsweep rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the electrical signal frequency sweep unit with an optical frequency sweep device. This optical-based approach simultaneously achieves wide frequency ranges (covering multiple GHz bands) and high sweep rates (10 GHz/s or faster), eliminating the inverse relationship between frequency range and sweep rate that characterized electrical signal systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If an FM modulator is used for high-speed frequency sweeping, then sweep rate is improved, but frequency transition width becomes narrow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesweep rateVSAvoidfrequency transition width

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of optical SSB modulation (wide frequency range, high precision) with optical frequency sweeping (high speed). By combining an optical frequency sweep device with an optical SSB modulator, the system achieves both high sweep rates (10 GHz/s or faster) and wide frequency transition widths (multiple GHz), resolving the contradiction between speed and frequency range that limited FM modulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for the control of optical frequencies over a vast range at high speeds, enhancing the precision and stability of frequency control, and enabling the measurement of optical filters and radio signals with improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an arbitrary waveform generator for generating an electrical signal which has arbitrary waveforms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArbitrary waveform generation:

Implementation Method 2

an electrical signal frequency multiplier for multiplying a frequency of the electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency multiplication:

Implementation Method 3

an optical single-side-band (SSB) modulator which can obtain an output light shifted by a frequency of a modulation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSingle-sideband modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS8682177B2Super high speed optical frequency sweeping technology

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 NAT INST OF INFORMATION & COMM TECH

AI summary

It is an object to provide an optical frequency control device or the like which can quickly carry out control over a wide frequency range. The object is achieved by an optical frequency control device or the like comprised of an optical SSB modulator (2), a bias voltage source (3) for applying a bias voltage to the optical SSB modulator (2), and a modulating signal source (4) for applying a modulating signal to the optical SSB modulator (2), wherein the modulating signal source (4) is provided with an arbitrary waveform generator (5) for generating an electrical signal with an arbitrary waveform, and an electrical signal multiplier (6) for multiplying a frequency of the electrical signal generated by the arbitrary waveform generator (5).