Wavelength-Selective Optical Tapping for Stable Monitor Tap Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices experience significant changes in tap rate due to variations in signal light wavelength, which is problematic for coherent optical transceivers handling wavelength multiplexing communication.
Innovation Solution
The optical device employs a first coupler for tapping signal light on the short wavelength side and a second coupler for tapping signal light on the long wavelength side, with a monitor connected to each coupler to stabilize the tap rate across varying wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional optical device uses a single coupler for optical tapping, then the device structure is simple, but the tap rate changes significantly with wavelength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical tapping function into multiple couplers, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. The first coupler handles short wavelengths while the second coupler handles long wavelengths, segmenting the overall tapping function to maintain stable performance across the entire C-band without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of different couplers based on wavelength. By designing couplers with different tap rates suited to specific wavelength ranges, the system maintains optimal tapping performance across varying wavelengths, transforming a single-parameter problem into a multi-parameter solution
2Power
If the tap rate is made wavelength-dependent to optimize for specific wavelengths, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the adaptability across wavelength multiplexing communication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical tapping system that can handle multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously. By combining multiple couplers with different wavelength optimizations, the system achieves multi-functionality, serving both short and long wavelength communication needs within the C-band while maintaining high coupling efficiency for each wavelength range
3Measurement precision
If a wide dynamic range A/D converter is used to accommodate tap rate variations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and quantization noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary wavelength filtering and separation before the A/D conversion process. By using wavelength-selective couplers to pre-organize the optical signals into distinct wavelength ranges, the system reduces the dynamic range requirement for subsequent A/D conversion, eliminating the need for complex wide-dynamic-range converters
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 solution maintains a stable tap rate across a wide range of wavelengths, reducing the need for a wide dynamic range in the A/D converter and minimizing quantization noise, thus enhancing the performance of optical transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupler largely taps signal light on a short wavelength side from the first input port to the first bar port
Implementation Method 2
The second coupler largely taps signal light on a long wavelength side from the second input port to the second cross port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first coupler, a second coupler, and a monitor. The first coupler includes a first input port, a first bar port, and a first cross port, and largely taps signal light on a short wavelength side from the first input port to the first bar port. The second coupler includes a second input port, a second bar port, and a second cross port, and largely taps signal light on a long wavelength side from the second input port to the second cross port. The monitor is connected to one of the first bar port and the second cross port, and monitors signal light that is output from one of the first bar port and the second cross port.