Polarization Control System for Deterministic POLMUX Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing polarization demultiplexing in coherent optical networks require external equipment and alignment phases, making them inefficient and non-deterministic for characterizing POLMUX systems.

Innovation Solution

A polarization control system that determines a reference polarization state from input light, allowing for deterministic and calibrated scrambling of polarized light without external polarimeters or optical feedback, using manipulators like quarter-wave plates and half-wave plates to achieve a user-desired state of polarization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external equipment and alignment phases are used for testing, then polarization demultiplexing can be tested, but testing efficiency and determinism deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by deriving the reference polarization state from the input light itself through automated algorithms, eliminating the need for external polarimeters and manual alignment phases. The polarization state is determined by analyzing the input light's characteristics and computing the reference state algorithmically, enabling the system to test itself without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical alignment procedures with computational methods. Instead of manually or mechanically aligning optical components, the system uses digital signal processing and algorithms to determine the reference polarization state from electrical signals, substituting mechanical operations with electronic/computational processes that are faster and more deterministic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If external polarimeters and optical feedback are used, then polarization alignment can be calibrated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization alignment precisionVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the polarization reference state information directly from the input light signal itself, removing the need for external polarimeters and optical feedback equipment. By deriving the reference state from the input signal's inherent characteristics through computational analysis, the system eliminates complex external measurement devices while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a computational model or representation of the polarization state from electrical signals rather than requiring physical optical measurement devices. The reference polarization state is copied or reconstructed algorithmically from the input light's electrical signal characteristics, replacing the need for physical polarimeters and optical feedback paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If manual alignment procedures are used, then polarization state can be set, but automation level and repeatability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment operation simplicityVSAvoidalignment automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated computational procedures. The reference polarization state is determined algorithmically from electrical signals through digital signal processing, eliminating manual intervention entirely. This substitution achieves both simplicity in operation (through automated algorithms) and high automation level (through computer-controlled determination of polarization state).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically determining its own reference polarization state from the input signal without external manual intervention. The automated algorithms analyze the input light characteristics and compute the reference state independently, enabling the system to service itself and achieve repeatable results across multiple testing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables repeatable and controlled testing of POLMUX systems by simulating various scrambling rates, improving the characterization of Input Impulse Response and reducing the need for external equipment, thus enhancing testing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

using manipulators like quarter-wave plates and half-wave plates to achieve a user-desired state of polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Data Source

PatentUS10598965B2Polarization control based upon a polarization reference state

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

According to an example, a polarization control system is to manipulate polarization manipulators to output light that achieves a trajectory on a Poincaré sphere that tracks a known trajectory of a polarizer on the Poincaré sphere, in which the trajectory of the output light enables definition of a reference polarization state of the output light. The polarization control system may also manipulate an output polarization manipulator to set the output light to a predefined polarization state based upon the reference polarization state.