Single Lens Optical Signal Processing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical signal processing devices with integrated functions face challenges in size, cost, and alignment complexity due to the need for multiple lenses and precise positioning, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal processing device with a single lens and a planar lightwave circuit that uses a spectroscopic unit for wavelength demultiplexing, a focusing unit for phase modulation, and a spatial light modulator, where the light input/output units have different traveling directions, allowing for the integration of multiple WSS function units with reduced optical members and simplified alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used for integrating multiple WSS function units, then optical signal processing capability is improved, but device size and alignment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WSS function units into a single integrated device by making the input and output fibers common among multiple functional units. This merging approach allows multiple optical signal processing functions to be performed within one device without requiring separate lenses for each unit, thereby reducing alignment complexity while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single optical device that can perform multiple WSS functions simultaneously. The input fibers and output fibers are shared across different functional units, enabling the device to handle multiple wavelength routing functions with a unified optical path, thus avoiding the need for multiple separate lens systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used for integrating multiple WSS function units, then optical signal processing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple WSS function units into a single integrated device with shared input and output fibers, the patent reduces the total number of optical components required. This consolidation decreases manufacturing cost by eliminating redundant lenses and simplifying the overall device structure while preserving the ability to perform multiple optical signal processing functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single lens is used for integrating multiple WSS function units, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but optical efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the single lens design to handle multiple functional units effectively. The lens is positioned and designed with specific focal length characteristics that ensure each WSS function unit receives appropriate optical focusing, maintaining optical efficiency despite using only one lens instead of multiple lenses.
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 configuration reduces costs and simplifies alignment by minimizing the number of lenses and employing a planar lightwave circuit, facilitating the integration of multiple WSS function units while maintaining optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating configured to perform wavelength demultiplexing
Implementation Method 2
focused again via a lens after having passed through a plurality of lenses
Implementation Method 3
A Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) configured to provide the optical signal with a desired phase variation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a low-cost and easy-to-align optical signal processing device on which a plurality of WSS function units can be integrated using only a single lens. Optical signals input to the first input/output port group (101-1) are output into a space as collimated light via the microlens array (102). The signal light propagating through the space will be wavelength-demultiplexed by the diffraction grating (103), focused by the lens (104), and focused at the upper part in the drawing, with respect to the y-axis direction of the spatial light modulator (105). The light provided with a desired phase modulation and reflected by the spatial light modulator (105) is deflected at a desired angle in the y-z plane according to its phase setting, and further optically coupled to an arbitrary port by passing through the lens (104) again, thus the switching operation is completed.