Tunable Laser Using Demultiplexer and Suppression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tunable lasers based on the Digital Supermode DBR (DS-DBR) design require expensive and power-hungry electronic circuitry for control, particularly due to the need for digital-analog conversion (DAC) chips, making them impractical without gratings.
Innovation Solution
A discrete wavelength tunable laser design that uses a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), a wavelength demultiplexer, and a lasing suppression mechanism within each spatial path, eliminating the need for multiple SOAs and complex driving circuits by employing optical amplitude modulators or tunable DBRs for wavelength selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Digital Supermode DBR (DS-DBR) design is used for tunable laser, then wavelength tunability is achieved, but expensive and power-hungry electronic circuitry (DAC chips) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex DAC electronic circuitry from the laser system by using an external wavelength selector that directly interfaces with the DS-DBR laser output. The wavelength selection function is separated from the laser generation function, eliminating the need for integrated DAC chips while maintaining full wavelength tunability across the laser's operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary wavelength selection mechanism is introduced between the DS-DBR laser source and the output. This intermediary component provides the wavelength selection function without requiring complex electronic control circuitry, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DS-DBR design with DACs is used, then continuous wavelength tuning is possible, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power-hungry DAC electronic circuitry is extracted from the system. The wavelength selection is performed by an external mechanism that does not require high-power digital-to-analog conversion, thereby maintaining the full wavelength tuning range while dramatically reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system (DAC chips) is replaced with an optical or simpler electrical control mechanism for wavelength selection. This substitution maintains the continuous wavelength tuning capability while using significantly less power, as the replacement mechanism avoids the energy-intensive digital signal processing required by DACs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SOAs are used for each lasing channel, then wavelength switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single SOA is designed to perform multiple functions by generating light across a broad spectral range that encompasses all desired lasing channels. This universal SOA replaces multiple channel-specific SOAs, providing wavelength switching capability through external selection rather than through multiple active laser elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic wavelength selection rather than static multiple SOAs. A single SOA dynamically switches between wavelengths by controlling which wavelength is selected and amplified, rather than requiring multiple SOAs to be simultaneously active. This dynamic approach reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to switch between channels.
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 design allows for low-complexity wavelength switching between multiple lasing channels without DACs, reducing power consumption and costs, while maintaining tunability and stability through simple driving circuits and integrated reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength demultiplexer (Demux), having a Demux input which receives the output from the SOA, and a plurality of Demux outputs, each Demux output defining a different spatial path for a respective lasing channel
Implementation Method 3
a reflector located within each spatial path for reflecting light of the respective lasing channel
Data Source
AI summary
A discrete wavelength tunable laser capable of switching between a plurality of lasing channels of different wavelengths, the tunable laser comprising: a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA); a wavelength demultiplexer (Demux), having a Demux input which receives the output from the SOA, and a plurality of Demux outputs, each Demux output defining a different spatial path for a respective lasing channel; each of the respective lasing channels being within the bandwidth of the SOA; a reflector located within each spatial path for reflecting light of the respective lasing channel; and a lasing suppression mechanism located within each lasing channel; wherein one or more desired lasing channels are selected by application of the lasing suppression mechanism in each spatial path other than the one or more spatial paths corresponding to the one or more desired lasing channels.