Optical Switching Engine Using Polarization Gratings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current true-time delay and optical cross-connect devices based on White and Fourier cells face limitations in flexibility and efficiency due to the need for multiple passes and precise control of light beams, which can be complex and costly to implement, especially in achieving a wide range of time delays or shifts.
Innovation Solution
A multiple bounce optical cell design incorporating a pixelated polarization-controlling spatial light modulator, mirrors, and polarization gratings or polarizing beamsplitters to control light beam paths and polarization states, allowing for flexible and efficient implementation of time delays and shifts through multiple bounces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple passes through White or Fourier cells are used to achieve wide range of time delays, then the range of time delays is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cell is divided into multiple independent bounce paths, each with its own controllable delay elements. By segmenting the single-pass cell into multi-bounce configuration, the system achieves wider time delay range through cumulative delays across multiple passes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular path design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable optical elements (such as electro-optic modulators or acousto-optic devices) that can adjust their properties in real-time during each bounce. This dynamic control allows flexible adjustment of time delays across multiple passes without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thereby expanding the achievable delay range while controlling device complexity
2Measurement precision
If precise control of light beams is implemented to achieve accurate time delays, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through reference beams and detection systems that monitor the actual time delay achieved. This feedback is used to adjust control parameters in real-time, ensuring precise time delay measurement while automating the control process to prevent excessive complexity in the precision control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam control mechanisms with optical or electromagnetic control methods. By using electro-optic or acousto-optic elements instead of mechanical mirrors or lenses for precise beam control, the system achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of mechanical precision positioning systems
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 design enhances the flexibility and efficiency of true-time delay and optical cross-connect devices by enabling a wide range of time delays and shifts with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining high precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pixelated polarization-controlling spatial light modulator (SLM) disposed at a front focal plane of the lens and having pixels controlling polarization states of the light beams
Implementation Method 2
a switching device comprising at least one polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) or polarization grating (PG) disposed in the optical path of the array of light beams between the SLM and the at least one mirror, the switching device directing the light beams along different paths depending upon the polarization states of the light beams
Implementation Method 3
a lens; a pixelated polarization-controlling spatial light modulator (SLM) disposed at a front focal plane of the lens
Implementation Method 4
at least one mirror disposed at a back focal plane of the lens and arranged to reflect the array of light beams received from the SLM via the lens back through the lens
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various improvements in optical switching engines. In one aspect, a range of switching engines includes various multiple bounce, multiple image devices, such as, for example, the Herriott Cell and the Robert Cell. In another aspect, liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLMs) are used in the switching engine of an optical cross-connect. In another aspect, polarization gratings (PGs) are used in the switching engine. In another aspect, a switching engine includes a Fourier cell using SLMs with more than two states. Alternative imaging optics in a Fourier cell implementing a multiple-bounce, multiple image device are also disclosed.