Optical Waveguide Temperature and Wavelength Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting temperature and wavelength changes in optical waveguide structures cannot isolate these changes from other influencing factors, such as output power variations or mechanical stress, and cannot distinguish between intensity variations caused by temperature or wavelength changes.
Innovation Solution
The method employs an optical detection device with a waveguide structure that has differing power transfer functions for wavelength and temperature dependencies, allowing for the determination of absolute temperature and wavelength values by measuring electrical signals from multiple output ports, using calibration or simulation to establish invertible mapping rules for these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature or wavelength changes are detected using optical intensity measurement, then temperature or wavelength information can be obtained, but it is impossible to isolate these changes from other influencing factors such as output power variations or mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength channels, and the detection is divided into multiple measurement steps at different wavelengths. This allows the system to separate temperature effects from wavelength effects by comparing measurements across different spectral regions, thereby isolating the temperature signal from other influencing factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method transitions from single-wavelength intensity measurement to multi-wavelength spectral measurement. By adding the wavelength dimension to the measurement space, the system can distinguish between intensity changes caused by temperature versus those caused by wavelength drift or coupling variations, enabling reliable temperature isolation.
2Measurement precision
If single wavelength optical intensity measurement is used, then simple detection is achieved, but it is impossible to distinguish between intensity variations caused by temperature or wavelength changes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength channels, and the detection is divided into multiple measurement steps at different wavelengths. This allows the system to separate temperature effects from wavelength effects by comparing measurements across different spectral regions, thereby isolating the temperature signal from other influencing factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method transitions from single-wavelength intensity measurement to multi-wavelength spectral measurement. By adding the wavelength dimension to the measurement space, the system can distinguish between intensity changes caused by temperature versus those caused by wavelength drift or coupling variations, enabling reliable temperature isolation.
3Measurement precision
If temperature-stabilized device or wavelength-stabilized probe signal is used, then accurate detection is achieved, but additional stabilization requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the optical waveguide structure itself as the reference. The known wavelength and temperature dependencies of the power transfer functions allow the system to automatically compensate for drift and stabilization requirements, eliminating the need for external temperature-stabilized devices or wavelength-stabilized sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the known parameter dependencies of the optical waveguide structure - specifically how the power transfer functions change with wavelength and temperature. By measuring at multiple wavelengths and using the calibrated dependencies, the system can mathematically separate and determine both temperature and wavelength values without requiring physical stabilization of these parameters.
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 approach enables accurate detection of temperature and wavelength changes without the need for temperature- or wavelength-stabilized devices, allowing for compensation of variations in both parameters, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide structure defining an optical input port adapted to receive an optical probe signal and a first and a second optical output port adapted to output a first and a second optical detection signal, respectively, as a response to the optical probe signal
Implementation Method 2
detecting the first and second optical detection signal at the first and second optical output port by means of a first and second opto-electrical converter creating a first and second electrical signal corresponding to the optical power of the respective first or second optical detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection device and method for detecting temperature changes and/or wavelength changes of an optical probe signal includes transmitting an optical probe signal having a predetermined wavelength to an optical input port of an optical waveguide; detecting first and second optical detection signal at first and second optical output ports via first and second opto-electrical converters which create corresponding first and second electrical signals; measuring values of the first and second electrical signal and determining an absolute temperature or a temperature change of the optical waveguide and/or an absolute wavelength value or a wavelength change of the optical probe signal via values measured of the first and second electrical signals and first and second previously determined wavelengths and temperature dependencies of both first and second power transfer functions.