Spectrum Processing Apparatus with Adjustable Lens Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrum processing apparatuses have limited functionality, as they are not suitable for both wavelength blocking and overall spectrum adjustment due to the requirements for large bandwidth and small light spots on the spatial light modulator (SLM), which can lead to glitches in the spectrum.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spectrum processing apparatus includes a port assembly, a lens assembly, a dispersive assembly, a spatial light modulator (SLM), and a reflective element, where each port can transmit an input light beam to a corresponding lens, and the lenses can adjust the light beam width to accommodate different functions, such as wavelength blocking and overall spectrum adjustment, by varying the size of light spots on the SLM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the spectrum processing apparatus uses small light spots on the SLM to achieve wavelength blocking with large bandwidth, then the bandwidth is improved, but the apparatus cannot perform overall spectrum adjustment smoothly due to glitches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens assembly with adjustable focal lengths that can dynamically change the light spot size on the SLM. By adjusting the focal length, the system can switch between small light spots for wavelength blocking and large light spots for overall spectrum adjustment, making the apparatus adaptable to different functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-port apparatus where each port can be configured for different functions (wavelength blocking, spectrum adjustment, spectrum detection) by adjusting the corresponding lens parameters. This universal design allows a single apparatus to perform multiple spectrum processing functions that were previously required separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spectrum processing apparatus uses large light spots on the SLM to perform overall spectrum adjustment, then the spectrum smoothness is improved, but the bandwidth in each wavelength channel becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lens assembly allows dynamic switching between large and small light spot configurations. When overall spectrum adjustment is needed, large light spots are used; when wavelength blocking is needed, the lens is adjusted to produce small light spots, thus maintaining both capabilities in a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (focal length, beam width) by introducing adjustable lenses. By modifying these parameters, the system can adapt the light spot size on the SLM to match the required function, whether it be high bandwidth wavelength blocking or smooth overall spectrum adjustment
3Device complexity
If the spectrum processing apparatus is designed for wavelength blocking with small light spots, then the device complexity is reduced, but the apparatus lacks functionality for overall spectrum adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal spectrum processing apparatus that can perform wavelength blocking, overall spectrum adjustment, and spectrum detection. By adding adjustable lens assemblies to the basic wavelength blocking structure, the apparatus gains additional functionalities without requiring completely separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of adjustable lenses with variable focal lengths adds dynamic control capability to the apparatus. This dynamic element allows the system to reconfigure itself for different functions, transforming a static wavelength blocking device into a versatile multi-functional platform
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 solution enriches the functionality of the spectrum processing apparatus, allowing it to perform various functions by adjusting the light beam width and light spot size on the SLM, thereby improving the flexibility and performance of optical networks.
Implementation Method 1
Each lens in the lens assembly is configured to adjust a width of the first light beam to obtain a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
The dispersive assembly is configured to decompose the second light beam into a plurality of sub-wavelength light beams
Implementation Method 3
The reflective element is configured to reflect the second light beam to the dispersive assembly
Implementation Method 4
The SLM is configured to modulate the plurality of sub-wavelength light beams
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a spectrum processing apparatus and a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer, thereby enriching functions of the spectrum processing apparatus. The spectrum processing apparatus includes: a port assembly, a lens assembly, a dispersive assembly, a spatial light modulator SLM, and a reflective element. Each port in the port assembly is configured to transmit an input first light beam to a lens corresponding to the port. Each lens in the lens assembly is configured to adjust a width of the first light beam to obtain a second light beam, and transmit the second light beam to the reflective element. The reflective element is configured to reflect the second light beam to the dispersive assembly. The dispersive assembly is configured to decompose the second light beam into a plurality of sub-wavelength light beams, and transmit the plurality of sub-wavelength light beams to the reflective element. The reflective element is further configured to reflect the plurality of sub-wavelength light beams to the SLM. The SLM is configured to modulate the plurality of sub-wavelength light beams, and reflect at least one modulated sub-wavelength light beam to the reflective element.