Compact Wavelength Checker Using Optical Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength checkers, such as optical spectrum analyzers, are large, heavy, and require high voltage, making them impractical for portable use in checking signal light in PON systems during opening and failure isolation investigations.
Innovation Solution
A compact wavelength checker featuring an arrayed waveguide with a groove filled with an optical conversion material that converts near-infrared light to visible light, allowing for easy identification of signal light presence through visible light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical spectrum analyzer is used to measure wavelength, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential wavelength measurement function from the complex optical spectrum analyzer by using a compact arrayed waveguide device that can be integrated into small form factors, eliminating the need for large movable parts while retaining core measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical diffraction grating system with a photonic integrated circuit-based arrayed waveguide structure, substituting mechanical movement with fixed photonic pathways to achieve miniaturization while maintaining wavelength dispersion and measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If an optical spectrum analyzer is used to measure wavelength, then measurement precision is improved, but power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-voltage electrical systems with low-voltage photonic integration, using the arrayed waveguide's optical pathways to achieve wavelength measurement without requiring high voltage power supplies, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision
3Volume of moving object
If a compact wavelength checker is designed, then device size is reduced, but detection capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength-dependent color or intensity changes in the arrayed waveguide output to enable visual or electronic detection of signal light presence and wavelength, allowing compact device design while maintaining effective detection capability through optical characteristic 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 efficient and portable wavelength checking in PON systems, improving work efficiency by allowing easy discrimination of signal types and isolation of failures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical conversion unit made of a conversion material that converts near-infrared light to visible light
Data Source
AI summary
An arrayed waveguide, an input-side slab waveguide, an output-side slab waveguide, an input waveguide, and an output waveguide are included. Provided are a groove formed to extend in a direction crossing a plurality of the output waveguides, and an optical conversion unit made of a conversion material that converts near-infrared light to visible light, the groove being filled with the optical conversion unit. The conversion material is, for example, a phosphor or fluorescent substance that converts near-infrared light to visible light.