Wavelength Selective Switch Beam Steering Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication systems, existing optical switching devices for adding, dropping, or attenuating individual wavelength channels are complex and require high tolerance manufacturing and alignment, making them undesirable to produce in array form.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch (WSS) with multiple input and output ports, utilizing beam steering arrays such as MEMS mirrors or LCOS panels, and an array of beam-polarizing liquid-crystal elements for wavelength-independent attenuation, allowing independent control of beam steering elements to direct wavelength components to any output port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical switching devices are used to achieve wavelength channel switching, then wavelength selective switching capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing alignment tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching device is segmented into multiple independent beam steering arrays, each capable of handling specific wavelength components. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity of aligning all wavelength channels through a single complex optical path, thereby resolving the contradiction between wavelength selective capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by using multiple beam steering arrays positioned at different locations and orientations. Instead of attempting to switch all wavelengths through a single optical element, the system distributes wavelength switching across multiple spatial dimensions, reducing the alignment tolerance requirements and overall device complexity while maintaining full wavelength selective switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam steering arrays are used to achieve M×N wavelength selective switching, then switching flexibility improves, but manufacturing and alignment tolerance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Each beam steering array is designed with multi-functionality, capable of steering multiple wavelength components to different output ports. This universal design allows the same structural configuration to handle various wavelength switching scenarios, reducing the need for highly precise custom alignment for each wavelength channel and thereby improving manufacturing feasibility while maintaining switching flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing independent control of beam steering angles for each array element. By dynamically adjusting steering parameters rather than relying on fixed precise mechanical alignment, the system achieves high switching flexibility while tolerating broader manufacturing variations, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and manufacturing 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
The solution enables efficient and flexible switching of wavelength components between input and output ports, achieving M×N wavelength-selective switching capability with reduced complexity and improved manufacturing tolerances, allowing for scalable and compact optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffracting element positioned in an optical path of optical signals transmitted through input ports to separate the optical signals into wavelength components
Implementation Method 2
Each beam steering element of the first array is independently controlled to direct one of the wavelength components to a selected one of the beam steering elements of the second array
Implementation Method 3
each beam steering element of the second array is independently controlled to direct the wavelength component incident thereon to a selected output port, via a wavelength-combining grating element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switching device has multiple input ports and multiple output ports and is capable of switching a wavelength component from any of the input ports to any of the output ports. The optical switching device is configured with beam steering arrays that are controlled to provide the switching from any of the input ports to any of the output ports. The beam steering arrays may be microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirror arrays or liquid-crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels. In addition, an array of beam-polarizing liquid-crystal elements provides wavelength-independent attenuation.