Ring Modulator Wavelength Control via Thermal Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-capacity optical fiber communication systems using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, ring modulators and demultiplexers often have resonance wavelengths that are not manufactured to desired specifications due to manufacturing errors or environmental changes, leading to the need for effective allocation and adjustment of these wavelengths to match the wavelengths of light sources.
Innovation Solution
A control method involving a plurality of light sources and ring modulators with wavelength adjustment electrodes, where the power supplied to the electrodes is adjusted to match the resonance wavelengths of the ring resonators with the wavelengths of the light sources, using a Peak-Position Matrix (PPM) to select corresponding modulators and demultiplexers for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ring modulators and demultiplexers are manufactured with standard processes, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but resonance wavelength precision and matching accuracy deteriorate due to manufacturing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the resonance wavelength of ring resonators through controlled heating. By changing the temperature parameter of the ring resonator, the resonance wavelength can be precisely tuned to match the wavelength of light sources, thereby compensating for manufacturing errors without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-adjusting the resonance wavelength of each ring resonator before actual communication operation. The system performs wavelength matching in advance by heating the ring resonators to appropriate temperatures, ensuring that the resonance wavelengths are aligned with light source wavelengths before signals are transmitted
2Reliability
If resonance wavelengths are adjusted to match light sources, then wavelength matching accuracy and communication reliability are improved, but power consumption increases due to heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by heating only specific ring resonators that require wavelength adjustment, rather than heating all resonators uniformly. The system selectively applies heating power to individual ring resonators based on their specific wavelength mismatch requirements, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the resonance wavelength of each ring resonator and adjusting the heating power accordingly. The system continuously detects wavelength deviations and modifies the heating intensity to maintain optimal wavelength matching, ensuring reliable communication while minimizing energy consumption through precise control
3Productivity
If multiple ring modulators and demultiplexers are used for WDM, then communication capacity and bandwidth are improved, but system complexity and wavelength allocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each ring resonator to automatically adjust its own resonance wavelength through independent heating control. Each ring resonator can autonomously match its wavelength to the corresponding light source wavelength without requiring complex centralized coordination, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high communication capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by treating each ring resonator as an independent adjustable unit with its own heating control. By dividing the wavelength adjustment function into separate controllable segments (individual ring resonators), the system can manage multiple WDM channels effectively without overwhelming complexity
4Measurement precision
If resonance wavelengths are precisely matched to light sources, then signal transmission accuracy and communication quality are improved, but sensitivity to temperature changes and manufacturing variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using temperature as a dynamic adjustment parameter for resonance wavelength. By changing the temperature of ring resonators, the system can compensate for environmental variations and maintain precise wavelength matching despite changes in operating conditions or manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control to maintain wavelength matching accuracy under varying environmental conditions. The system monitors resonance wavelength deviations caused by temperature changes or manufacturing variations and automatically adjusts heating power to correct these deviations, thereby maintaining high transmission accuracy while adapting to environmental changes
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 method allows for precise allocation and adjustment of resonance wavelengths in ring modulators and demultiplexers, ensuring effective communication by matching wavelengths, minimizing power consumption, and accommodating temperature changes and thermal crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength adjustment electrode configured to adjust a resonance wavelength in the ring resonator
Implementation Method 2
each of the ring modulators includes a ring resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of an optical element, including light sources to emit lights having different wavelengths from each other, and ring modulators connected in cascade along a light waveguide, is disclosed. Each ring modulator includes a ring resonator, and a wavelength adjustment electrode to adjust a resonance wavelength in the ring resonator, wherein the lights from the light sources are multiplexed to enter the light waveguide. The method includes having a light source emit the light; adjusting power to the wavelength adjustment electrode in each ring modulator, to obtain a value of the power causing the resonance wavelength of the ring resonator, equivalent to the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source; obtaining a relationship between the light sources and the values of the power corresponding to the ring modulators; and selecting the ring modulators corresponding to the light sources based on the relationship.