Tunable Laser Non-Linearity Correction via Time-Slice Eradication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swept-wavelength testing of optical components with non-linearities in laser sources leads to inaccurate measurements due to short-period non-linearities, causing errors in wavelength determination and signal filtering issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor and detect non-linearities in tunable laser sources during wavelength sweeps, allowing the measurement system to cease data collection during non-linearities and store data for correction, using a processor to execute algorithms for data correction and incorporating a switched sample and hold circuit to manage settling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If swept-wavelength testing is performed using a tunable laser source, then wavelength tuning capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to wavelength non-linearities
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-identifies and stores the temporal locations of non-linearities in the laser sweep before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary characterization allows the measurement system to proactively avoid collecting data during non-linear periods, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving wavelength tuning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes data collected during non-linear wavelength sweep periods from the final measurement results. By identifying and excluding these contaminated data points, the system maintains measurement accuracy while still utilizing the tunable laser source for wavelength sweeping
2Productivity
If data collection continues during non-linearities, then continuous measurement coverage is maintained, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to non-linearity errors
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system actively skips data collection during identified non-linearity periods by gating the detector or ignoring data from these time intervals. This selective skipping prevents unreliable data from being recorded while minimizing impact on overall measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the known non-linearity characteristics to control the data collection process. By continuously monitoring the laser wavelength position against the pre-identified non-linearity map, the system dynamically adjusts data collection to avoid problematic regions, thereby maintaining both reliability and coverage
3Stability of the object's composition
If signal filtering is applied to handle amplitude variations, then signal stability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to filter settling time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic non-linearity periods from the measurement data before any filtering operations are applied. By eliminating the source of large amplitude variations beforehand, subsequent filtering operations can proceed without the compromising effects of filter settling time delays
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for correcting non-linearities in the output of a tunable laser over a sweep range. Electromagnetic radiation is directed over a range of wavelengths to a measurement system from the tunable laser source, wherein the measurement system collects data over the range of wavelengths. The electromagnetic radiation emitted over the range of wavelengths is monitored. A non-linearity in one or more wavelengths over the range of wavelengths is determined. A signal is transmitted to the measurement system to cease collecting data when the one or more wavelengths having the non-linearity is output from the tunable laser source or the data is ignored.