Wavelength Selective Switch for Unified C- and L-Band Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication systems face challenges in supporting extended communication bands, such as the transition from the C-band to the L-band, requiring complex and costly upgrades to accommodate increased communication capacity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch (WSS) with a simplified structure that processes optical signals from both the C-band and L-band simultaneously, utilizing a grating and spatial light modulator to perform wavelength demultiplexing and multiplexing, reducing complexity and costs through a 2×N configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processing devices are used for C-band and L-band optical signals, then each band can be processed independently, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines C-band and L-band optical signal processing into a single WSS device with a unified optical path. The grating, spatial light modulator, and control unit are shared resources that handle both bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate processing devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent band processing capability through wavelength-selective switching
Solution Approach 2:
The WSS device is designed with multi-functional capability to process both C-band and L-band optical signals through a single unified structure. The spatial light modulator can dynamically configure optical paths for different wavelengths, and the control unit manages both bands, making the device universal and eliminating the need for band-specific dedicated hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate WSS devices are deployed to support extended bands, then comprehensive band coverage is achieved, but system costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The WSS device is designed with universal functionality to natively support both conventional C-band and extended L-band optical signals through a single device. The grating structure and spatial light modulator are configured to handle the full wavelength range, providing comprehensive band coverage without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex system configurations
3Device complexity
If a simplified WSS structure is used to reduce complexity, then costs are reduced, but the ability to process multiple bands simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spatial light modulator that can reconfigure optical paths in real-time based on wavelength requirements. This dynamic capability allows the simplified WSS structure to adaptively process both C-band and L-band signals simultaneously through a single unified optical path, maintaining multi-band processing capability without increasing structural 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 WSS enables efficient processing of optical signals in both bands within a single device, reducing complexity and costs while supporting extended communication bands without the need for separate processing steps or additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The grating is configured to perform wavelength demultiplexing on the first-band optical signal and the second-band optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The spatial light modulator is configured to perform spatial angle deflection on the plurality of first optical signals
Implementation Method 3
The grating is further configured to perform wavelength multiplexing on the plurality of second optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A WSS is provided. The WSS includes a first common port, a second common port, a grating, a spatial light modulator, and a plurality of branch ports. The first common port is configured to receive a first-band optical signal, and the second common port is configured to receive a second-band optical signal. The grating is configured to perform wavelength demultiplexing on the first-band optical signal and the second-band optical signal, to output a plurality of first optical signals, where the first optical signals are optical signals of a single wavelength.