THz Wireless Reception Using Optical Frequency Comb Demodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing THz detection methods face challenges such as the need for complex and expensive electrical devices susceptible to electromagnetic induction noise, time delays in signal conversion between electrical and optical communications, and low electro-optic conversion efficiency for high-speed wireless communication, particularly in the terahertz band, with difficulties in achieving low phase noise and frequency spacing for optical mode lights.
Innovation Solution
A wireless reception device utilizing a micro-optical resonator to generate an optical frequency comb, an optical bandpass filter to separate frequency modes, an optical circulator for amplification, an electro-optic conversion element for modulation, and a demodulation device to convert optical beat signals into electrical signals, enabling efficient superimposition of THz waves onto optical carriers with low phase noise and minimal time delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical THz detection methods are used, then THz waves can be directly detected as electrical signals, but the devices become medium-sized, complex, and expensive with susceptibility to electromagnetic induction noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical detection systems with optical detection systems. Instead of using electrical components to detect THz waves directly, the invention uses optical components (optical frequency comb, optical beat signal detection) to detect THz waves, thereby avoiding electromagnetic induction noise and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system to bridge the detection of THz waves. By converting THz wave information into optical beat signals through mixing with local oscillator signals, the system uses optical fields as an intermediary to avoid direct electrical detection, thus reducing complexity and improving reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal conversion between electrical and optical communications is performed, then integration with optical communication platforms is enabled, but time delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the THz wave detection function from the electrical communication domain and places it directly in the optical domain. By using optical frequency combs and optical beat signal detection, the system eliminates the need for electrical-to-optical conversion, thereby removing the associated time delays while maintaining compatibility with optical communication platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct optical components (optical frequency comb generation, optical beat signal generation, optical detection) that operate independently and simultaneously, eliminating sequential conversion steps and associated delays
3Device complexity
If optical detection of THz waves is used, then small-sized, simple, and inexpensive devices are achieved, but electro-optic conversion efficiency is low for high-speed wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the optical detection system by using optical frequency combs with specific repetition frequencies and adjusting the local oscillator signal parameters. This enables the system to achieve high detection efficiency for THz waves in the terahertz band while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic optical frequency combs with specific repetition frequencies to enhance the detection efficiency. The periodic structure of the optical frequency comb allows for efficient energy transfer and signal detection in the THz band, overcoming the limitations of conventional optical detection methods
4Measurement precision
If two mode lights with low relative phase noise and frequencies spaced apart by approximately the frequency of THz wave are obtained, then optical beat signal detection can cancel out common phase noise, but such mode lights are difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single optical frequency comb source that automatically generates the required mode lights. The optical frequency comb self-generates multiple modes with appropriate frequency spacing and phase relationships, eliminating the need for separate mode light generation systems and complex phase control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the generation of multiple mode lights into a single optical frequency comb source. Instead of requiring separate light sources and complex phase control systems, the invention uses one optical frequency comb that simultaneously provides all necessary modes with the required frequency spacing and phase characteristics
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
Enables seamless integration with optical communication platforms for high-speed wireless reception, achieving efficient demodulation of THz band signals with low phase noise and minimal time delays, meeting Beyond 5G communication standards.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic conversion element that is provided at a reception portion of the reception antenna and optically modulates the arbitrary optical frequency mode in accordance with the wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical circulator that optically amplifies the separated arbitrary and adjacent optical frequency modes by injection locking to a slave laser with a wavelength adjacent to the separated arbitrary and adjacent optical frequency modes
Implementation Method 3
a micro-optical resonator that is excited by the laser light and generates an optical frequency comb with a repetition frequency different from a carrier frequency of the wireless signal by a difference frequency
Implementation Method 4
an optical bandpass filter that independently separates an arbitrary optical frequency mode and an adjacent optical frequency mode from the optical frequency comb consisting of optical frequency modes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to enable seamless connection between high-frequency wireless communication and optical communication. A wireless reception device according to the present invention is a device for receiving a wireless signal modulated with an information signal, including a reception antenna, an excitation laser that outputs laser light with a predetermined wavelength, a micro-optical resonator that is excited by the laser light and generates an optical frequency comb with a repetition frequency different from a carrier frequency of the wireless signal by a difference frequency, an optical bandpass filter that independently separates an arbitrary optical frequency mode and an adjacent optical frequency mode from the optical frequency comb consisting of optical frequency modes, the adjacent optical frequency mode being spaced apart from the arbitrary optical frequency mode by a repetition frequency, an optical circulator that optically amplifies the separated arbitrary and adjacent optical frequency modes by injection locking to a slave laser with a wavelength adjacent to the separated arbitrary and adjacent optical frequency modes, an electro-optic conversion element that is provided at a reception portion of the reception antenna and optically modulates the arbitrary optical frequency mode in accordance with the wireless signal, and an optical bandpass filter that separates the adjacent frequency mode and a modulated component of the arbitrary optical frequency mode adjacent thereto.