Tunable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer With Angle-Based Wavelength Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable optical add/drop multiplexers (T-OADMs) face challenges in achieving flexible and controllable wavelength adjustment, requiring multiple devices and manual installation, which hinders intelligent operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tunable optical add/drop multiplexer (T-OADM) with beam adjustment apparatuses and optical filters that dynamically adjust the incident angle and transmission direction of beams to control wavelength selection, allowing flexible and controllable signal addition and dropping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed OADM is used to add or drop signals of one or more fixed wavelengths, then reliability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tunable optical filter with dynamically adjustable incident angle to enable the OADM to adapt to different wavelength requirements. The beam adjustment apparatus allows real-time modification of the optical path, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can reconfigure wavelength selection without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the incident angle parameter of the optical beam on the tunable optical filter to achieve wavelength tuning. By controlling the incident angle through beam adjustment apparatus, the system can selectively add or drop different wavelengths dynamically, maintaining reliability while achieving flexibility through parameter modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of devices are manufactured or combined to add or drop signals of different wavelengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal T-OADM device that can handle multiple wavelengths through a single integrated system. The tunable optical filter combined with beam adjustment apparatus serves multiple functions: wavelength selection, beam direction control, and signal routing, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of wavelength selection and beam direction control into a single integrated T-OADM system. By combining the tunable optical filter with beam adjustment apparatus in one device, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving multi-wavelength adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If devices are manually installed and replaced, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated beam adjustment apparatus that can dynamically reconfigure wavelength routing without manual intervention. The system automatically adjusts the incident angle and beam direction to add or drop signals, enabling intelligent operation and maintenance while maintaining simple device manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical installation and adjustment with automated optical control mechanisms. The beam adjustment apparatus uses optical feedback and control systems to automatically configure wavelength routing, eliminating the need for manual device replacement and installation while simplifying operational procedures.
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 flexible and intelligent control of wavelength selection, reducing the need for multiple devices and simplifying maintenance by dynamically adjusting wavelengths without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the optical filter is configured to: receive an incident beam, and split the incident beam into a transmitted beam and a reflected beam
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a tunable optical add/drop multiplexer T-OADM. A beam adjustment apparatus changes an incident angle at which an incident beam is emitted onto an optical filter. After the optical filter splits the incident beam into a transmitted beam and a reflected beam, the beam adjustment apparatus further adjusts a transmission direction of the transmitted beam emergent from the optical filter and a transmission direction of the reflected beam emergent from the optical filter, so that the transmitted beam and the reflected beam are output to corresponding ports, so as to implement a flexible and controllable T-OADM apparatus. This application may be applied to the optical communication field, for example, may be used to implement add/drop multiplexing of tributary signals in an optical domain in fields such as a long-haul backbone and a metropolitan area network.