Wavelength Selective Switch Multimode Optical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimode optical fibers in WDM systems face challenges in effectively steering discrete wavelength channels independently, which limits the flexibility and efficiency of wavelength selective switching.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch (WSS) is designed with an optical subsystem, a cylindrical lens, and a steering element, where the optical subsystem collimates and demultiplexes the input multimode optical signal into discrete wavelength channels, and the cylindrical lens focuses these channels onto the steering element for independent redirection and convergence onto output fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WSS devices use LCOS or MEMS mirror arrays for routing, then wavelength channel routing capability is achieved, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase for multimode optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the WSS function into distinct modular components: an optical subsystem for collimation and demultiplexing, a cylindrical lens for focusing, and a steering element for channel redirection. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical subsystem serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collimates the input multimode optical signal and demultiplexes it into discrete wavelength channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If multimode optical fibers are used in WDM systems, then bandwidth and transmission capacity increase, but the ability to independently steer discrete wavelength channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical lens acts as an intermediary element between the optical subsystem and the steering element. It focuses the demultiplexed wavelength channels onto the steering element at substantially different locations, enabling independent steering control. This intermediary component bridges the gap between multimode fiber capabilities and precise wavelength channel steering requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality through the cylindrical lens, which focuses channels in one dimension onto the steering element. This dimensional transformation allows discrete wavelength channels to be positioned at different locations on the steering element, enabling independent steering control that was previously unavailable in multimode systems.
3Measurement precision
If the cylindrical lens is positioned at specific focal distances, then precise focusing and independent channel steering are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical subsystem performs preliminary demultiplexing of the input signal into discrete wavelength channels before they reach the cylindrical lens. This preliminary action separates the channels spatially, making them individually addressable by the steering element and reducing the precision requirements for subsequent positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical lens provides localized focusing action at specific positions on the steering element, with each region optimized for a particular wavelength channel. This local quality approach allows precise channel positioning without requiring extreme global manufacturing precision across the entire system.
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 enables independent steering and routing of discrete wavelength channels, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of wavelength selective switching in multimode optical systems, allowing for dynamic routing of optical signals across multiple output fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The collimating lens may be located between the fiber array and the dispersive element
Implementation Method 2
The optical subsystem may include a collimating lens and a dispersive element
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical lens may be located between the optical subsystem and the steering element. The cylindrical lens may be configured to focus in one dimension the input discrete wavelength channels onto a steering element
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a WSS may include a steering element, an optical subsystem, and a cylindrical lens. The optical subsystem may include a collimating lens and a dispersive element. The optical subsystem may be located between a fiber array and the steering element. The collimating lens may be located between the fiber array and the dispersive element. The cylindrical lens may be located between the optical subsystem and the steering element.