Wavelength Selective Switch with Polarization Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength selective switch assemblies in optical communication networks lack the flexibility and efficiency in directing specific wavelengths to various ports, limiting their ability to efficiently drop and add wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch assembly incorporating a polarization conditioning system, dispersion system, and a switching system with transmissive and reflective polarization modulators, featuring individually controllable cells and a symmetrical beam polarization separator, which separates and redirects optical beams based on polarization to enable flexible wavelength management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wavelength selective switch assembly uses conventional switching mechanisms, then the basic switching function is achieved, but the flexibility and efficiency in directing specific wavelengths to various ports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable cells within the polarization modulators, where each cell can be individually controlled to switch specific wavelength channels. This segmentation enables flexible and efficient wavelength routing by allowing selective activation of individual cells rather than switching all wavelengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable polarization modulators that can rapidly change their optical properties in response to control signals. The individually controllable cells can dynamically adjust their polarization states to direct different wavelength channels to different ports, providing real-time flexibility and high-speed wavelength switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switch assembly incorporates polarization conditioning and dispersion systems with multiple controllable cells, then wavelength switching flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization modulators serve multiple functions: they condition the polarization state of incoming optical signals, act as switching elements by directing different wavelengths to different ports, and enable wavelength-selective routing through individually controllable cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing wavelength switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization conditioning system acts as an intermediary between the input optical signals and the switching mechanism. By pre-conditioning the polarization state of incoming signals before they reach the switching elements, the system simplifies the switching operation and enables more efficient wavelength routing, thereby managing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If individually controllable cells are used in polarization modulators, then precise wavelength channel control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization modulators are divided into multiple individually controllable cells, where each cell corresponds to specific wavelength channels. This segmentation enables precise control over individual wavelength channels by activating or deactivating specific cells, achieving high measurement precision in wavelength channel selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The individually controllable cells utilize changes in optical parameters (such as polarization state) to achieve precise wavelength channel control. By modulating the polarization properties of each cell independently, the system can precisely direct specific wavelength channels to different ports with high control precision.
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 allows for efficient and flexible switching of wavelength channels, enabling the assembly to direct specific wavelengths to various ports, enhancing the communication network's capability to manage wavelengths effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The polarization conditioning system is configured to separate the input optical beam into first and second optical components. The first optical component has a first polarization and the second optical component has a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization.
Implementation Method 2
The birefringence section includes a plurality of individually controllable second cells, with each second cell being configured to independently and selectively convert linear polarization of an optical beam passing therethrough to circular polarization and to independently and selectively convert circular polarization of the optical beam passing through the second cell to linear polarization.
Implementation Method 3
The transmissional polarization modulator includes a plurality of individually controllable transmissive first cells, with each first cell being configured to independently and selectively change a polarization orientation of an optical beam passing through the cell.
Implementation Method 4
The symmetrical beam polarization separator is configured to redirect the optical beam passing therethrough based upon its polarization.
Implementation Method 5
The dispersion system is configured to spatially separate the plurality of wavelength channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch includes a plurality of optical ports, a polarization conditioning system, a dispersion system, and a switching system. The switching system includes at least one transmissive stage and a reflective polarization modulator. Each transmissive stage has a transmissional polarization modulator and a symmetrical beam polarization separator. The transmissional polarization modulator includes transmissive first cells each being configured to change a polarization orientation of an optical beam passing through the cell. The symmetrical beam polarization separator is configured to redirect the optical beam passing therethrough based upon its polarization. The reflective polarization modulator includes a birefringence section and a reflective section. The birefringence section includes controllable second cells each being configured to convert linear polarization of an optical beam passing therethrough to circular polarization and to independently and selectively convert circular polarization of the optical beam passing through the second cell to linear polarization.