Reflective Light Source With Polarization Alignment for WDM PON
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Solution Overview
Problem
The self-seeded technology for wavelength allocation in WDM PON access networks introduces optical losses between the mirror and the light source, which affects the laser performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device with an optical amplifier associated with a polarizing device, where the polarization axis of the reflected light is aligned with the emitted light, reducing optical losses and enhancing the device's ability to tolerate losses due to optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a partially reflective mirror is used in the laser cavity for self-seeding, then wavelength allocation is achieved, but optical losses occur between the mirror and light source
Solution Approach 1:
An optical amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the partially reflective mirror. The amplifier compensates for optical losses by providing gain to the circulating light, thereby maintaining laser performance while enabling self-seeded wavelength allocation. The amplifier acts as a mediator that restores energy in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters (gain, power handling capacity) by introducing an amplifying medium with controllable amplification characteristics. This allows the system to overcome the fixed loss characteristics of the partially reflective mirror configuration while maintaining wavelength selectivity.
2Reliability
If optical losses are reduced, then laser performance improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it compensates for optical losses, enables wavelength self-seeding, and provides power handling capacity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while improving laser performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source, optical amplifier, and partially reflective mirror into an integrated laser cavity system. This merging of components creates a compact structure where the amplifier is seamlessly incorporated into the existing self-seeding mechanism, reducing complexity compared to separate systems.
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 increases the optical gain and power handling capacity, improving the network's ability to maintain performance despite optical losses, thereby enhancing the network's efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source with an optical gain medium of wavelength that is self-seeding during a go-and-return pass of light between the optical gain medium and an optical reflective component defining the laser cavity
Implementation Method 2
wavelength that is self-seeding during a go-and-return pass of light between the optical gain medium and an optical reflective component defining the laser cavity
Implementation Method 3
an optical amplifier associated with a polarizing device determined so that the polarization axis of the reflected light is the same as the polarization axis of the emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective light-emitting device is provided for a WDM PON optical access network. The device includes a light source with an optical gain medium. The light-emitting device includes a light source with an optical gain medium, of wavelength that is self-seeding during a go-and-return passage of light between the optical gain medium and an optical reflective component defining the laser cavity. The optical reflective component is made up of an optical amplifier associated reflective optical connection to a polarizing device so that the polarization axis of the reflected light is the same as the polarization axis of the emitted light.