Optical Device Wavelength Selection Subsystem for Submarine Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating wavelength selective switches (WSS) into submarine WDM networks is hindered by high costs, power consumption, and failure rates, making it difficult to increase the number of WSS components due to maintenance challenges and limited power supply in submarine systems, while conventional OADMs lack wavelength flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a plurality of wavelength selection elements and a separation element, utilizing a latch-type optical switch and diffraction gratings or mirrors to separate and route wavelength components to different output paths, reducing the need for expensive mobile elements and lowering power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WSS is integrated into submarine WDM networks, then wavelength selection flexibility is improved, but cost and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the wavelength selection function into multiple independent wavelength selection elements (first, second, third wavelength selection elements), each handling specific wavelength bands. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wavelength selectivity without requiring a single complex WSS component, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an optical switch that can dynamically route optical signals to different wavelength selection elements based on the desired wavelength band. This dynamic switching capability provides wavelength selection flexibility comparable to WSS, but using lower-power optical switching instead of the high-power consumption WSS architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If WSS is integrated into submarine WDM networks, then wavelength selection flexibility is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wavelength selection function into multiple simpler wavelength selection elements rather than using a single complex WSS, the invention reduces the cost per element. The modular architecture allows for more economical manufacturing and deployment in submarine systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple copies of simpler wavelength selection elements instead of a single complex WSS. Each element handles a portion of the wavelength spectrum, and their combined functionality replicates the WSS capability at lower cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WSS is integrated into submarine WDM networks, then wavelength selection flexibility is improved, but failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wavelength selection function into multiple independent elements, the invention reduces the failure risk associated with a single complex WSS. If one wavelength selection element fails, the others can continue to operate, providing inherent redundancy and improved system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture with multiple wavelength selection elements provides built-in redundancy that cushions against failures. The system can tolerate the failure of individual elements while maintaining overall functionality, thereby reducing the impact of failures on system reliability.
4Reliability
If conventional OADM is used in submarine systems, then reliability is improved through passive components, but wavelength selection flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic optical switching capability that allows the system to flexibly route wavelengths to different selection elements based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability provides wavelength selection flexibility while maintaining the reliability benefits of passive optical components in the wavelength selection elements themselves.
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 configuration provides a cost-effective, reliable optical device with improved wavelength selection flexibility compared to conventional OADMs and reduced power consumption, suitable for submarine systems, enabling efficient optical signal branching and insertion in WDM networks.
Implementation Method 1
The separation element is provided in the propagation path of the input light between the input port and the plurality of wavelength selection elements and is configured to separate the input light into a plurality of wavelength components
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of wavelength selection elements is configured to propagate a group of wavelength components corresponding to a first wavelength band among the plurality of wavelength components from the incoming input light separated by the separation element to a first output path optically coupled to a first output port, and propagate a group of wavelength components corresponding to a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band to a second output path optically coupled to a second output port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: wavelength selection elements; an optical switch that switches a propagation path of input light that is from an input port such that the input light propagates to one designated wavelength selection element among the wavelength selection elements; and a separation element disposed in the propagation path of the input light between the input port and the wavelength selection elements and that separates the input light into wavelength components.