Temperature-Tuned SLED Wavelength Reference for Multi-Band WDM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength reference devices in WDM systems are temperature-sensitive, leading to limited wavelength range usage and increased costs and footprint due to the need for multiple single-band devices to support multiple WDM bands.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength reference device comprising a broadband optical source, thermal source, and optical filter, which adjusts the optical power spectrum's temperature to extend its range across multiple WDM bands, reducing the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-band wavelength reference device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wavelength range coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the SLED to shift its spectral output. By controlling temperature variations, a single SLED can provide reference signals across multiple WDM bands (C-band, L-band, S-band), eliminating the need for multiple separate wavelength reference devices while maintaining accurate wavelength referencing capability.
2Temperature
If the SLED junction temperature is increased, then the center wavelength shifts to longer wavelengths, but the output power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the SLED temperature to different setpoints depending on which WDM band requires wavelength referencing. The system activates temperature control only when needed to shift the spectrum into a target band, rather than maintaining a fixed temperature, thereby optimizing the balance between wavelength coverage and output power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-band wavelength reference devices are used to support multiple WDM bands, then the wavelength range coverage is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single wavelength reference device universal by enabling it to serve multiple WDM bands through temperature-controlled spectral tuning. The same SLED and optical filter combination can reference wavelengths in C-band, L-band, and S-band sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require three separate dedicated wavelength reference devices.
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 a cost-effective and compact multi-band wavelength referencing capability, supporting multiple WDM bands with a single device, thereby reducing costs and footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one thermal source is disposed in thermal communication with the at least one broadband optical source and is configured to adjust an operating temperature of the at least one broadband optical source within a temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength reference device can be used to self-calibrate an optical channel monitor. The device includes a broadband source, a thermal source, and an optical filter, which can include one or more filters. A housing can house each of these components or can house at least the broadband source and thermal source. The broadband source emits an optical signal along an optical path. The thermal source in thermal communication with the broadband source can adjust the operating temperature of the broadband source within a temperature range. The temperature range is configured to shift optical power of the broadband source with respect to a multi-band wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) range such that the optical power meets a minimum power level towards lower and higher frequencies of the range. The optical filter(s) positioned in the optical path can filter the optical signal to create a spectral shape for use in wavelength referencing.