Wavelength Switch Two-Stage Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength switches with a single actuation array of reflecting elements are limited in the number of output ports they can provide, and existing solutions that combine multiple switches incur high insertion losses or do not achieve a larger number of output ports in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength switch design incorporating two switching stages, where a single actuation array of reflecting elements routes sub-beams to multiple actuation arrays without combining them into fibers, using a reflecting relay assembly to redirect sub-beams between the stages, thereby increasing the number of output ports without additional insertion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuation array of reflecting elements is used in a wavelength switch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the number of output ports is limited to about 11
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuation array is segmented into multiple actuation arrays arranged in a grid pattern, where each array controls a specific subset of output ports. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a larger total number of output ports (e.g., 16 or more) while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization of the reflecting elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength switches are combined to form a switching cascade to increase output ports, then the number of output ports is squared, but high insertion losses occur due to coupling sub-beams back into fibers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation arrays are merged into a single integrated wavelength switch device, eliminating the need for separate switching cascade stages. The reflecting elements across all arrays work together within one optical path, allowing the number of output ports to be increased without the insertion losses associated with multiple fiber couplings in a cascade configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sub-beams are coupled back into fibers before being launched into multiple wavelength switches, then the number of output ports can be increased, but high insertion losses are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical process of coupling sub-beams back into fibers is replaced by direct optical routing through the integrated actuation arrays. The reflecting elements redirect sub-beams directly to the appropriate output ports without requiring fiber coupling, thereby eliminating the insertion losses associated with mechanical fiber connections while maintaining the ability to route to multiple output ports.
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 design effectively increases the number of output ports in a wavelength switch without incurring additional insertion losses, enabling more efficient routing of sub-beams and improving the transmission capacity of fiber-optic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lensing element with optical power, disposed to receive the input beam from the input port, for redirecting the input beam and the first and second groups of sub-beams
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength-dispersing element, disposed to receive the input beam from the lensing element, for dispersing the input beam into the first and second groups of sub-beams
Implementation Method 3
a first switching stage including a first actuation array of reflecting elements, disposed to receive the first and second groups of sub-beams from the wavelength-dispersing element via the lensing element, for routing the first group of sub-beams along a first set of paths and the second group of sub-beams along a second set of paths
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wavelength switch including two switching stages. A single actuation array of reflecting elements of a first switching stage routes sub-beams at different wavelength bands to a plurality of actuation arrays of reflecting elements of a second switching stage. Each second-stage actuation array routes sub-beams to a group of output ports associated with that second-stage actuation array. Advantageously, the sub-beams are redirected from the first switching stage to the second switching stage by a reflecting relay assembly, without being combined or coupled into fibers.