Multi-Device Optical Switch With Spatially Offset Fiber Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switching devices face challenges in maintaining independent routing of multiple optical sources within a single device, leading to increased optical loss, size, and cost, with crosstalk issues due to limited angular isolation and diffraction order redirection.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch design incorporating spatially offset columns of fibers, angular and polarization encoding, and a switching engine to independently route optical beams from multiple sources, using a microlens array, polarization manipulation, and focus delay elements to enhance isolation and reduce crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent optical sources are incorporated into a single WSS device, then device functionality and throughput are improved, but optical loss and isolation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical offset in the figure) to the traditional two-dimensional fiber array arrangement. By offsetting columns of fibers vertically in addition to horizontal separation, the system creates distinct spatial regions that map to different optical sources, enabling multi-source operation while maintaining isolation through three-dimensional spatial coding
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent optical sources are incorporated into a single WSS device, then device functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple WSS devices into a single integrated device by sharing common optical components including the switching engine, dispersion compensation elements, and detection systems. Multiple independent optical sources are multiplexed through spatial coding and processed by a single switching engine, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining independent routing capability
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fiber array arrangement is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but crosstalk between optical sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber array into multiple vertically offset columns, where each column corresponds to a different optical source. This segmentation creates distinct spatial channels that prevent crosstalk between sources while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through standardized fiber array fabrication techniques
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 provides high-performance, cost-effective multi-device optical switching with improved isolation and reduced crosstalk, enabling efficient data throughput and flexibility without increasing physical size or number of modules.
Implementation Method 1
a two dimensional microlens array disposed adjacent to the input array of optical fibers, the microlens array having a microlens corresponding to each of the input optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a switching engine positioned to receive the optical beams and apply an angular switching to the beams to direct the beams to respective output fibers
Implementation Method 3
optical beams are encoded at respective angles or polarization states such that each column of optical beams is incident onto a different region of the switching engine
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an optical switch (100), comprising an input array (102) of optical fibers. The array (102) comprises two or more columns of fibers that are spatially offset in one or both of a switching dimension or a dispersive dimension of the optical switch (100). Each column (102A, 102B) of fibers is adapted to project respective optical beams. A switching engine (112) is positioned to receive the optical beams and apply an angular switching to the beams to direct the beams to respective output fibers. The optical beams are encoded at respective angles or polarization states such that each column of optical beams is incident onto a different region of the switching engine (112).