Sub-wavelength Grating Optical Shuffling for Dense Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical shuffling systems are costly, space-consuming, and lack flexibility in routing optical signals, particularly in dense configurations within computer and switch cabinets, as they often rely on expensive lens arrays or break-out boxes that introduce optical losses and are not easily automated.
Innovation Solution
The use of sub-wavelength grating (SWG) sections to reflect and direct optical beams, allowing for flexible shuffling without compromising cost or space, by configuring SWG sections with specific physical parameters to control wavefronts and modify optical paths, enabling complex routing and reducing the need for bulky components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lens arrays or break-out boxes are used for optical shuffling, then optical signals can be routed, but the system becomes costly and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical components (lens arrays, break-out boxes) with a photonic crystal structure that performs optical shuffling through its periodic refractive index modulation. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical routing components while maintaining signal routing capability through the photonic crystal's inherent optical path manipulation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the photonic crystal's structural parameters (period, refractive index, geometry) to control and manipulate optical signal paths. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves flexible routing of optical signals without requiring physical reconfiguration of mechanical components, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lens arrays or break-out boxes are used for optical shuffling, then optical signals can be routed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical/optical components (lens arrays, break-out boxes) with a photonic crystal structure that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. This substitution dramatically reduces system cost while maintaining full optical signal routing capability through the photonic crystal's engineered optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves cost reduction by utilizing parameter changes in the photonic crystal structure (period, material composition, geometry) that can be controlled during standard manufacturing processes. This allows precise optical routing functionality to be integrated into the device without requiring expensive post-assembly alignment and configuration of separate optical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical shuffling methods are used, then signals can be routed, but optical losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling methods with a photonic crystal-based integrated optical path that guides signals through its periodic structure. This substitution eliminates air-gaps and misalignment issues inherent in mechanical systems, thereby reducing scattering and coupling losses while maintaining flexible signal routing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If break-out boxes are used for optical shuffling, then signals can be routed, but the system lacks flexibility and automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual break-out box configurations with an integrated photonic crystal structure that provides fixed but programmable routing paths. This substitution enables automation by allowing routing configurations to be determined during device fabrication or programmed through optical switching within the photonic crystal, eliminating the need for manual fiber manipulation while maintaining routing adaptability.
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
SWG sections facilitate efficient and flexible optical shuffling, reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining high performance, allowing sources and receivers to be positioned on the same side of the system, enabling complex routing without optical losses.
Implementation Method 1
SWG sections to reflect and direct optical beams
Implementation Method 2
sub-wavelength grating (SWG) sections to reflect and direct optical beams, allowing for flexible shuffling
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques relating to optical shuffling are described herein. In an example, a system for shuffling a plurality of optical beams is described. The system includes a plurality of sources to output respective beams of light. The system further includes a plurality of receivers to receive respective beams of light. The system further includes a shuffling assembly including a plurality of sub-wavelength grating (SWG) sections. Each of the plurality of SWG sections is for defining optical paths of the plurality of beams. The plurality of SWG sections includes at least one reflecting SWG section to reflect and direct light from a respective one of the plurality of sources toward a respective one of the plurality of receivers.