Wavelength Selective Optical Switch Using Phase Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength selective optical switches using multilevel optical phased arrays face challenges in selecting high-resolution wavelengths at one pixel unit or less, and suffer from fringe effects that narrow the selected wavelength bands due to interference between neighboring pixels.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective optical switch device employing a multilevel optical phased array with a wavelength selection element that uses a two-dimensional array of pixels, where each pixel's phase shift is controlled using a sawtooth wave pattern, allowing for precise wavelength selection and transmission in multiple directions without generating fringe effects, enabling high-resolution wavelength control and attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multilevel optical phased array is used for wavelength selection, then wavelength selective functionality is achieved, but fringe effects occur between neighboring pixels causing wavelength band narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful fringe effects between neighboring pixels by introducing a phase compensation function. This function specifically counteracts the interference patterns that cause wavelength band narrowing, allowing the optical phased array to maintain its wavelength selective functionality without the detrimental side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase distribution parameters across the pixel array by applying a phase compensation function. This modifies the optical path differences between neighboring pixels, transforming the fringe effect pattern into a uniform phase distribution that eliminates wavelength band narrowing while preserving wavelength selectivity.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution wavelength selection is attempted at one pixel unit or less, then wavelength precision is improved, but fringe effects intensify causing wavelength band narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful fringe effects into a beneficial phase compensation function. By analyzing the fringe effect patterns and creating a compensating phase distribution, the patent transforms what was previously a detrimental interference pattern into a tool for achieving high-resolution wavelength selection without band narrowing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies precise parameter changes to the phase distribution at the sub-pixel level. By adjusting the phase compensation function parameters, the system achieves wavelength selection precision of one pixel unit or less while simultaneously maintaining adequate wavelength band width through the compensating effect.
3Device complexity
If conventional phase control is used in optical phased array, then device complexity is reduced, but wavelength selection resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional phase control to a two-dimensional phase compensation approach. By introducing a phase compensation function that operates across both spatial dimensions of the pixel array, the system achieves sub-pixel wavelength resolution while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through software-based phase control rather than hardware complexity.
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
The device achieves precise wavelength selection and transmission at one pixel unit or less, alleviating the narrowing of wavelength bands and eliminating fringe effects, allowing for high-resolution output and average output across regions.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength dispersion element that spatially disperses a signal beam according to the wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a condensing element that condenses the light dispersed by the wavelength dispersion element onto a two-dimensional plane
Implementation Method 3
cyclically changes the phase shift amount in the y-axis direction to a sawtooth wave pattern for each pixel on the x-axis
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective optical switch device includes an incidence and exit part where a signal beam made of light of a multiplicity of wavelengths enters and a signal beam of a selected wavelength exits, a wavelength dispersion element that spatially disperses a signal beam according to the wavelength thereof and multiplexes reflected light, a condensing element that condenses the light dispersed by the wavelength dispersion element onto a two-dimensional plane, and a wavelength selection element that uses a multilevel optical phased array arranged in a position to receive incident light developed on an xy-plane made of an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction perpendicular thereto developed according to a wavelength, having a multiplicity of pixels arrayed in a lattice on the xy-plane, and that cyclically changes the phase shift amount in the y-axis direction to a sawtooth wave pattern for each pixel on the x-axis.