Photonic N-to-one Single-mode Combiner Using Lantern and Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed photonic signal processing faces challenges in combining multiple single-mode photonic inputs effectively due to coherent interference issues, leading to unstable outputs, particularly when using single-mode fibers or waveguides, which often result in noisy RF-domain outputs and do not scale well for a large number of inputs.
Innovation Solution
A photonic N-to-one single-mode combiner system that includes a photonic lantern to combine multiple single-mode photonic inputs into a multi-mode output, using a photodiode to generate an RF signal, and an electro-optical modulator to convert this signal back into a single-mode photonic output, eliminating the need for noisy electronic amplifiers and enabling scalable combination of inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single-mode photonic inputs are combined using single-mode fibers or waveguides, then the output remains in the single-mode optical domain, but coherent interference results in unstable and noisy output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photonic lantern as an intermediary device that converts multiple single-mode inputs into multi-mode outputs, thereby mediating the combination process to avoid direct coherent interference between single-mode signals. The lantern acts as a transition medium that transforms the signal representation from single-mode to multi-mode domain where interference is suppressed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photonic inputs are combined via single-mode to multi-mode combiner and detected via COTS high speed detector, then the combination capacity increases, but the output is converted to RF domain rather than remaining in single-mode optical domain
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting optical signals to RF domain for combination (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the process by using a photonic lantern to combine signals in the optical domain and then using electro-optical modulators to convert the combined optical signal back to optical domain, thereby maintaining output domain purity while achieving combining capacity.
3Ease of operation
If RF-domain output is generated from photonic combination, then detection is possible with COTS detectors, but noisy RF amplifiers are required which introduce distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic RF amplification system with an electro-optical modulation system. Instead of using noisy RF amplifiers to boost the detected signal, the system uses low-noise electro-optical modulators driven by the photodiode output to regenerate the optical signal, thereby substituting the harmful electronic amplification process with a cleaner optical regeneration process.
4Quantity of substance
If a large number of photonic inputs are combined, then the system capacity increases, but coherent interference and noise become more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from combining signals in the single-mode dimension (where interference occurs) to combining them in the multi-mode dimension via the photonic lantern. This dimensional change allows a large number of inputs to be combined by distributing them across multiple modes, thereby increasing system capacity while maintaining output stability through the multi-mode transformation.
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 stable, scalable combination of multiple photonic inputs into a single-mode optical output without the introduction of distortion, maintaining high performance and efficiency even with a large number of inputs, by converting the combined optical signal into an RF domain and back to an optical domain using a low-noise electro-optical modulator.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode configured for receiving the multi-mode photonic output and generating an RF output (e.g., electrical output) therefrom
Implementation Method 2
an electro-optical modulator (EOM) optically connected to the laser emitter and further connected to the photodiode; the RF/electrical output of the photodiode drives the EOM to modulate the laser input, generating a SM photonic output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic N-to-one single-mode combiner is disclosed. In embodiments, the combiner receives multiple single-mode photonic inputs (e.g., via single-mode optical fibers) and combines the single-mode inputs into a multi-mode photonic output via photonic lantern. The multi-mode photonic output is converted via high-power, high-speed photodiode into an RF/electrical output which in turn drives an electro-optical modulator, modulating a second optical beam (e.g., a laser generated by a laser emitter of the combiner) to generate a single-mode photonic output signal.