Transamplifier for Optical Signal Power and Noise Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal transmission systems, particularly in FTTH and HFC networks, face challenges in managing noise sources like Relative Intensity Noise (RIN), intermodulation noise, and scattering phenomena, which degrade the quality of service and limit the transmission capacity for high-definition video and data applications.
Innovation Solution
A transamplifier system using directly modulated optical transmitters and a phase modulator to combine and amplify optical signals, reducing signal non-linearities and enhancing power transmission while maintaining low SBS, utilizing a polarization maintaining multiplexer and amplifier to ensure consistent polarization and reduce noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If optical signals are amplified to increase transmission capacity, then power transmission is enhanced, but noise sources like RIN and intermodulation noise increase degrading signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external waveguide as an intermediary component between the optical transmitter and the fiber network. This waveguide serves as a mediator that allows for external modulation of the optical signal, enabling better control over signal quality and reducing the direct interaction between the transmitter and noisy fiber environment, thus amplifying power while managing noise through the intermediary structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical modulation of the laser diode with external optical modulation using an electro-optic modulator in the waveguide. This substitution of the modulation mechanism allows for linear modulation with better signal quality, enabling power amplification without the nonlinear distortion and noise that would otherwise accompany direct electrical modulation
2Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are transmitted to increase bandwidth capacity, then transmission capacity for video and data is enhanced, but non-linearities and scattering phenomena increase degrading service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modulation function from the light generation function by using separate components: an external cavity laser for stable light generation and an electro-optic modulator for wavelength-specific modulation. This segmentation allows each wavelength channel to be independently controlled and modulated, reducing inter-channel nonlinearities and scattering effects while maintaining high transmission capacity for multiple video and data channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the external waveguide structure, specifically the electro-optic properties of the waveguide material, to enable precise control over multiple wavelength channels. By changing the refractive index and other optical parameters through external voltage control, the system can manage multiple wavelengths with reduced nonlinear interactions, enhancing overall transmission capacity
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 system achieves improved optical signal power performance, reduces non-linearities, and enhances the quality of service by increasing the transmission capacity for broadband video and data, supporting multiple wavelengths and enabling efficient delivery of high-definition content.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of directly modulated optical transmitters, each optical transmitter receives at least one input signal and transmits a corresponding transmitter output optical signal
Implementation Method 2
A polarization maintaining (PM) optical multiplexer has a plurality of inputs and at least one output. Each transmitter output optical signal is provided to a respective one of the plurality of inputs with substantially the same polarization
Implementation Method 3
A PM optical amplifier receives the combined optical signal and transmits an amplified combined optical signal at the output thereof such that the amplified combined optical signal has substantially the same polarization
Implementation Method 4
A phase modulator is configured to modulate the amplified combined optical signal and provide a corresponding modulated combined optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device, method of use and system for an analog multi-wavelength transamplifier. The transamplifier embodiments described herein allow the use of multiple wavelengths to segment logical service groups, such as for use in a CATV distribution system and a FTTH system having a broadband overlay. Improved optical signal power performance can be achieved by using direct modulating transmitters and maintaining polarization of the optical signals that are modulated by a phase modulator, such as an external waveguide.