Electro-Optical Waveguide Tuning for Real-Time Dispersive Wavelength Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face limitations in scanning various wavelength bands in real time due to the fixed dispersion profile of waveguides, requiring either replacement of the waveguide or complex and expensive laser control systems.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical device comprising a waveguide and a wavelength modulator that absorbs incident light, allowing for active control of the dispersive wave's center wavelength by changing the absorption rate of the wavelength modulator, which is controlled by applied voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a waveguide with a fixed dispersion profile is used, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the wavelength band of the dispersive wave cannot be changed in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a wavelength modulator that can dynamically change the absorption characteristics of the waveguide in real time. This allows the dispersion profile to be adjusted on-the-fly without physically replacing the waveguide, enabling real-time wavelength band tuning while maintaining a fixed physical structure. The modulator transforms the static waveguide into a dynamic system where optical properties can be changed during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the absorption rate parameter of the waveguide through the wavelength modulator. By changing the absorption rate, the dispersion profile parameters are altered, which in turn changes the center wavelength of the generated dispersive wave. This allows tuning across different wavelength bands by adjusting a single parameter (absorption rate) rather than changing the physical waveguide structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is replaced to change the wavelength band, then the dispersive wave wavelength can be changed, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the waveguide system to change its own dispersion profile through the integrated wavelength modulator. Instead of requiring external intervention to replace the waveguide, the system can autonomously adjust its optical properties by changing the absorption rate, making wavelength band switching as simple as adjusting a control parameter rather than a physical component replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lasers with controllable wavelength bands are used, then various wavelength bands can be scanned, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength modulator as an intermediary component between the fixed-waveguide system and the desired wavelength tuning functionality. This modulator acts as a mediator that translates simple absorption rate changes into dispersion profile modifications, enabling wavelength band scanning without requiring complex controllable lasers. The intermediary simplifies the control mechanism while achieving the same functional outcome.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a light source in a wide wavelength band is used, then all wavelength bands can be covered, but the intensity per unit wavelength is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using the wavelength modulator to selectively enhance absorption at specific wavelength ranges rather than uniformly across the entire spectrum. By adjusting the absorption rate to target specific wavelength bands, the system can concentrate the optical energy into narrower bands, thereby increasing the intensity per unit wavelength while still maintaining the capability to access various wavelength bands through modulation.
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 real-time control and change of the wavelength band of the dispersive wave without replacing the waveguide or altering the laser characteristics, facilitating efficient scanning and measurement across various wavelength bands.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength modulator disposed along the waveguide and configured to absorb the incident wave propagating through the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The electro-optical material layer may include an electro-optical material for absorbing the incident wave propagating through the waveguide. An absorption rate at which the wavelength modulator absorbs the incident wave may change according to the Fermi level of the electro-optical material. The Fermi level of the electro-optical material may change according to a voltage applied through the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an electro-optical device, a laser device, and an electro-optical dual-comb generator. The electro-optical device includes a waveguide configured to generate a dispersive wave of which a center wavelength is different from a center wavelength of the incident wave of the waveguide, and a wavelength modulator disposed along the waveguide and configured to absorb the incident wave propagating through the waveguide, wherein, as the wavelength modulator absorbs the incident wave, the center wavelength of the dispersive wave changes.