Spatial Light Modulator Reset Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulator systems experience undesirable signal modulation and insertion loss due to simultaneous reset of all optical channels, which can lead to complete or excessive signal loss during reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple reset groups for the spatial light modulator elements, allowing each optical channel to span across two or more groups and actuating these groups at different times to minimize disruption during signal reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all reset groups are actuated simultaneously to reset the spatial light modulator, then the reset operation is completed quickly and efficiently, but this causes undesirable signal modulation and insertion loss affecting all optical channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reset groups into multiple segments that can be actuated independently at different times. Instead of resetting all groups simultaneously, the controller staggers the reset operations across different time periods, so that only a portion of the optical channels are affected at any given moment, thereby reducing signal modulation and insertion loss while maintaining overall reset efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single reset group actuates all optical channels, then the control structure is simple, but this creates the opportunity for undesirable signal modulation such as insertion loss affecting every optical channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical channels across multiple reset groups, so that when one reset group is actuated, only the optical channels associated with that specific group are affected. This segmentation isolates the harmful effects of reset operations to localized portions of the system rather than affecting all channels globally, thereby reducing overall signal modulation and insertion loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the controller can selectively actuate different reset groups at different times based on operational requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between reset efficiency and signal stability by adjusting which groups are reset and when, rather than using a static all-or-nothing reset strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of modulation elements, the spatial light modulator operable to receive an optical signal comprising one or more optical channels, wherein the elements are operable to perform an optical function on at least one of the one or more optical channels. The system further comprises two or more reset groups associated with the spatial light modulator, wherein each reset group comprises one or more elements, and wherein at least one of the one or more optical channels resides on at least two of the two or more reset groups. The system also comprises a controller operable to actuate the elements of at least one of the at least two reset groups associated with the optical channel at a different time than any one or more other reset group of the at least two reset groups.