Resonant Scanning Mirror Array for Optical Power Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical circuit switches using MEMS mirror arrays face challenges in efficiently managing high bandwidth and low power consumption while maintaining effective connection management between optical fiber communication paths, particularly in ensuring minimal insertion loss and optimizing mirror array functionality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-channel optical circuit switch with a resonant scanning mirror array and a scan controller that uses a MEMS scanning mirror to time-multiplex signal detectors, allowing for precise power measurement and control of mirror rotations to minimize insertion loss and maximize bandwidth utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a resonant scanning mirror array is used to time-multiplex signal detectors, then measurement precision and power measurement capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical power measurement function across multiple signal detectors that are time-multiplexed by the resonant scanning mirror array. Each detector measures power for a specific time slot corresponding to a particular spatial frequency component, enabling precise multi-channel power measurement through sequential detection rather than requiring multiple simultaneous detectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resonant scanning mirror array performs periodic scanning at its resonant frequency to cycle through different spatial frequency components. This periodic action enables the single detector to sequentially measure power across multiple channels by synchronizing with the mirror's scanning cycle, transforming a single-detector system into a multi-channel measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If MEMS scanning mirror is used to direct optical beams, then adaptability and connection management are improved, but loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection management capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the resonant vibration frequency of the MEMS scanning mirror to achieve large angular deflections with minimal drive energy. By operating at the mirror's resonant frequency, the system achieves high adaptability in connecting optical paths while minimizing energy loss, as the resonant oscillation efficiently transfers energy from the drive electrode to the mirror's mechanical motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the driving frequency parameter to match the resonant frequency of the scanning mirror, optimizing the balance between adaptability and energy efficiency. By tuning the operating parameters to the resonant condition, the system achieves maximum mirror response with minimum energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If resonant scanning mirror array is implemented, then productivity and bandwidth utilization are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidmirror array fabrication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the resonant scanning mirror array to serve multiple functions: spatial frequency filtering, optical beam steering, and power measurement. This multi-functionality allows a single fabricated array to achieve high bandwidth utilization across multiple channels, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to designing separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient connection management between optical fiber paths with reduced insertion loss, maintaining high bandwidth and low power consumption, thereby optimizing the performance of optical circuit switches.

Implementation Method 1

resonant scanning mirror array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

MEMS scanning mirror to time-multiplex signal detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) mirror arrays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9436002B2Multichannel optical power meter using a synchronous scanner

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 CALIENT AI INC

AI summary

Optical scanning systems and methods of controlling a resonant scanning mirror are disclosed. A rotatable mirror may oscillate about a rotation axis in response to a drive signal. A reference source may provide a reference light beam directed to the rotatable mirror. A reference detector may be disposed to receive the reference light beam reflected from the rotatable mirror twice during each oscillation of the rotatable mirror. A controller may set both an amplitude and a frequency of the drive signal based on an output of the reference detector.