Ring-Filter Comb Laser with Phase Tuning for Low Modal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy laser architectures are limited in generating multi-wavelength lasers with flexible wavelength spacing and are prone to modal loss due to alignment issues between cavity modes and ring filter modes, which affects manufacturability and wavelength targeting.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength laser generator design utilizing a ring filter and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors, with a phase tuner to align cavity modes with ring filter modes, allowing for customizable frequency comb generation and reducing modal loss, enabling compact comb laser sources for wavelength-division multiplexing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy laser architectures are used to generate multi-wavelength lasers, then wavelength flexibility is limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavelength tuning capability by incorporating a phase tuner that can adjust the phase of cavity modes in real-time. This allows the laser to adapt to different wavelength configurations dynamically, transforming a static legacy architecture into a dynamic multi-wavelength system capable of flexible wavelength spacing without requiring multiple fixed laser sources
Solution Approach 2:
The laser cavity is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating multiple wavelengths, providing phase tuning capability, and maintaining mode alignment. The single integrated cavity structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate laser sources and combination optics, achieving multi-functionality while controlling overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If ring filter is used to select wavelength spacing, then wavelength spacing flexibility is improved, but modal loss increases due to alignment issues between cavity modes and ring filter modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the phase tuner that continuously monitors and adjusts the phase of cavity modes to maintain optimal alignment with ring filter transmission peaks. This feedback control compensates for drift and manufacturing variations, ensuring minimal modal loss while maintaining wavelength spacing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The phase tuner dynamically changes the phase parameter of cavity modes to optimize alignment with the ring filter's fixed transmission characteristics. By adjusting this single parameter (phase), the system adapts to maintain low loss operation across different wavelength spacing configurations without requiring physical realignment
3Loss of energy
If phase tuner is added to align cavity modes with ring filter modes, then modal loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase tuner is integrated directly into the laser cavity structure, merging the tuning function with the existing cavity components rather than adding a separate external tuning device. This integration shares physical space and control electronics, reducing the overall complexity increase that would result from adding a standalone phase tuning system
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 design enables the production of custom frequency or wavelength comb spectra with uniformly spaced wavelengths, improving manufacturability and reducing modal loss, allowing for efficient wavelength targeting and compact comb laser sources capable of handling high data rates like 100 Gb and beyond.
Implementation Method 1
a ring filter to select spacing between the modes of the laser
Implementation Method 2
one or more distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors in the laser cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to multi-wavelength laser generator may produce light with a frequency comb having equally spaced frequency lines. In various embodiments, the laser generator includes first, a semiconductor gain element is used to provide gain to the laser being generated. Second, a ring resonator filter, or ring filter, is used to select the wavelength comb spacing. Third, a narrow-band DBR or narrow-band mirror is used to select the number of wavelengths that lase. Fourth, a wide-band or narrow-band mirror is used to provide optical feedback and to form the optical cavity. Fifth, a phase tuner section is used to align the cavity modes with the ring resonances (i.e. the ring filter modes) in order to reduce or minimize the modal loss. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.