Wavelength Converter Segmentation for Noise Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wavelength conversion techniques face challenges in maintaining high output power while suppressing noise, leading to reduced transmission distances due to increased nonlinear noise and requiring multiple excitation light sources, which increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A wavelength converter configuration that combines signal light with wavelength-conversion excitation light and Raman excitation light, using a first nonlinear optical medium for wavelength conversion and a second nonlinear optical medium for amplification, where the Raman excitation light wavelength allows for amplification of the wavelength-converted light, thereby enhancing output power and suppressing nonlinear noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If wavelength conversion is performed using conventional techniques, then wavelength conversion is achieved, but output power is reduced and nonlinear noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput optical powerVSAvoidnonlinear noise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wavelength conversion process into two separate stages: a first nonlinear optical medium performs wavelength conversion, and a second nonlinear optical medium performs amplification. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, preventing noise generation during conversion while enabling high-power amplification in the second stage without transferring noise to the output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary amplification stage between the wavelength conversion process and the final output. The second nonlinear optical medium acts as an intermediary that amplifies the already-converted wavelength without introducing additional nonlinear noise, thereby achieving high output power while maintaining low noise levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple excitation light sources are used for wavelength conversion and amplification, then conversion and amplification can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidnumber of excitation light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the second nonlinear optical medium serve dual functions: it amplifies the wavelength-converted light from the first medium, and simultaneously acts as the excitation source for the wavelength conversion process in the first medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate excitation light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining high transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the amplification function and the excitation function into a single second nonlinear optical medium. By combining these two functions that were previously performed by separate components, the system achieves high productivity without increasing device complexity or requiring multiple independent excitation light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration achieves high output optical power while minimizing noise, allowing for expanded transmission capacity and reduced costs by sharing excitation lights between wavelength conversion and amplification stages.

Implementation Method 1

a first nonlinear optical medium that generates wavelength-converted light of the signal light, based on a nonlinear optical effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNonlinear optical effect:

Implementation Method 2

a second nonlinear optical medium that amplifies the wavelength-converted light of the signal light output from the first nonlinear optical medium. A wavelength of the Raman excitation light is a wavelength within an amplification band that allows Raman amplification of the wavelength-converted light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRaman amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS20240103338A1Wavelength converter and optical transmission system

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 1FINITY INC

AI summary

A wavelength converter includes: a first multiplexer that combines input signal light with wavelength-conversion excitation light; a second multiplexer that combines the signal light with Raman excitation light; a first nonlinear optical medium that generates wavelength-converted light of the signal light, based on a nonlinear optical effect; and a second nonlinear optical medium that amplifies wavelength-converted light of the signal light output from the first nonlinear optical medium. A wavelength of the Raman excitation light being a wavelength within an amplification band that allows Raman amplification of wavelength-converted light.