Polarization Diversified WDM with Single Output Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarization diversified demultiplexers for high-speed optical communications face challenges in managing waveguide crossings and path matching, leading to degradation in signal quality due to relative time delays from mixed polarizations, especially when implementing a single set of outputs for orthogonal polarizations.
Innovation Solution
A polarization diversified wavelength demultiplexer system that includes a polarization beam splitter and a modified wavelength demultiplexer, such as an arrayed waveguide grating, which splits input signals into orthogonal polarizations and separates them by wavelength, allowing for a single set of outputs by aligning focusing spots for different polarizations using star couplers and waveguide gratings with polarization-dependent phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polarization diversified demultiplexers are used to separate signals by polarization, then signal separation is achieved, but waveguide crossings and path matching become complex leading to signal quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the demultiplexing functions for both polarizations into a single wavelength demultiplexer device. The polarization beam splitter separates input signals into two orthogonal polarizations, which are then fed to two different inputs of the same wavelength demultiplexer. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate demultiplexers and complex waveguide crossings, thereby improving signal quality while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the polarization dimension as an additional input dimension for the wavelength demultiplexer. By treating the two orthogonal polarizations as separate input channels (dimension) to the same demultiplexer device, the system avoids the need for spatial separation through complex waveguide crossings, thus resolving the contradiction between signal quality and device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate demultiplexers are used for different polarizations, then signal separation is maintained, but device footprint and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple polarization-specific demultiplexers into a single shared wavelength demultiplexer. The polarization beam splitter divides the input signal into two orthogonal polarizations, which are then routed to different inputs of the same demultiplexer. This consolidation reduces the device footprint by eliminating redundant demultiplexer structures while maintaining complete signal separation through the combination of polarization and wavelength filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength demultiplexer is designed to handle multiple polarization inputs simultaneously, making it a universal device that performs the demultiplexing function for both orthogonal polarizations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate polarization-specific demultiplexers, thereby reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining signal separation integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional demultiplexing is used with mixed polarizations, then wavelength separation is achieved, but relative time delays degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization beam splitter performs a preliminary action by separating the input signal into two orthogonal polarizations before they enter the wavelength demultiplexer. This pre-separation ensures that each polarization travels through its own dedicated path in the demultiplexer, eliminating relative time delays between mixed polarizations. The preliminary polarization separation maintains precise wavelength separation while preserving signal quality by preventing polarization-induced timing variations.
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 improved performance and reduced footprint by aligning demultiplexed signals from different polarizations onto a single set of outputs, reducing size and routing complexity while maintaining signal quality across varying polarization inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization beam splitter configured to output a first polarized signal and a second polarized signal based on an input signal
Implementation Method 2
the WDM is an arrayed waveguide grating
Implementation Method 3
separates them by wavelength, allowing for a single set of outputs by aligning focusing spots for different polarizations using star couplers and waveguide gratings with polarization-dependent phase
Implementation Method 4
aligning focusing spots for different polarizations using star couplers and waveguide gratings with polarization-dependent phase
Data Source
AI summary
In part, the disclosure relates to system. The system includes a polarization diversified wavelength demultiplexer (WDM). The polarization diversified wavelength demultiplexer includes a polarization beam splitter configured to output a first polarized signal and a second polarized signal based on an input signal; and a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM) having two inputs that are connected to the two outputs of the polarization beam splitter, and configured to output signals with a single set of outputs that carry signals of both polarizations, based on the first polarized signal from the first input and the second polarized signal from the second input.