Segmented Prism Element for Wavelength Switching and Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic switching systems face challenges in efficiently switching multiple wavelengths without the need for expensive optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversion, particularly in complex multi-wavelength networks where signal degradation and power imbalance are significant, and monitoring of wavelength channels is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic switch utilizing a segmented prism element (SPE) with arrays of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors that demultiplexes and switches multiple wavelengths, allowing for internal feedback monitoring and dynamic insertion loss control, enabling cost-effective, high-level integration and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic switching is used to route optical signals, then signal switching capability is achieved, but expensive optical-electrical-optical (OEO) regeneration is required which increases system cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic switching mechanism with an optical switching mechanism. Specifically, it uses a first array of MEMS mirrors to perform optical switching directly in the optical domain, eliminating the need for OEO conversion. The MEMS mirrors reflect and redirect optical signals between fiber ports without converting to electrical signals, thus substituting the conventional electronic switching approach with an all-optical solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal optical switching platform that can handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The first array of MEMS mirrors is configured to switch multiple wavelengths from multiple input fiber ports to a single output fiber port, providing multi-functional capability. This universal approach allows the system to route different wavelength channels through different spatial paths without requiring separate switching mechanisms for each wavelength, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are switched simultaneously, then transmission capacity is increased, but power imbalance and signal degradation occur requiring complex monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the second array of MEMS mirrors that can be configured to monitor the optical power of specific wavelengths. The system can detect power imbalances among multiple wavelengths and use this feedback information to adjust the switching operation of the first array of MEMS mirrors or activate optical amplifiers to compensate for power differences, thereby maintaining reliable signal transmission across all wavelength channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical switching function into wavelength-specific paths using the first array of MEMS mirrors. Each mirror in the first array is assigned to handle specific wavelength(s), allowing independent control and monitoring of each wavelength's power level. This segmentation enables the system to address power imbalance issues on a per-wavelength basis rather than treating all signals uniformly, improving overall reliability while maintaining high transmission capacity.
3Measurement precision
If separate monitoring devices are used for each wavelength channel, then monitoring precision is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal monitoring approach where a single second array of MEMS mirrors can be configured to monitor multiple different wavelengths sequentially or simultaneously. Instead of requiring a separate monitoring device for each wavelength channel, the same physical monitoring infrastructure (second array of MEMS mirrors, photodetector, and control electronics) can be programmed to monitor any selected wavelength by directing the appropriate wavelength to the photodetector through the MEMS mirror array. This multi-functional monitoring system achieves the same monitoring precision as separate dedicated monitors while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring function with the existing optical switching infrastructure. The second array of MEMS mirrors is integrated into the same optical path and housing as the first array, sharing common components such as the photodetector, control electronics, and mechanical structure. By combining the switching and monitoring functions into a single integrated device, the system eliminates the need for separate external monitoring instruments, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise wavelength channel monitoring capability.
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 enables efficient switching and monitoring of multiple wavelengths within a single device, reducing the need for OEO conversion, maintaining power balance, and simplifying network management, while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A segmented prism element (SPE) 68... refracting and/or steering wavelength-specific light beams from back end optics 66 onto a switching mirror array 72
Implementation Method 2
by tilting MEMS mirror #1, the preferred optical path is generated via beam steering between an input fiber port and the output fiber port
Implementation Method 3
a diffraction grating for spatially separating/combining the wavelength components of the aggregate multi-wavelength WDM signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic switch utilizing a segmented prism element, comprising a fiber optic switch used in multi-channel optical communications networks and having one or more arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, wherein at least a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to select & switch wavelengths from a number of input fiber ports (N) to an output fiber port, wherein at least a second array of MEMS mirrors using and sharing the same free space optics as the first MEMS array is utilized to produce yet another fiber optic switch, wherein the second switch is utilized to select individual wavelengths or spectral components from its input fiber ports to send to its output fiber port for optical power or other monitoring purposes, thus, enabling a cost effective, high level of integration N×1 or alternatively a 1×N switch capable of internal feedback monitoring.