Wavelength-Tunable Filter Channel Setup Using Temperature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength-tunable optical receivers face challenges in efficiently selecting and receiving specific channels within a narrow temperature range, leading to high power consumption and reduced thermal stability due to the limited adjustability of Fabry-Perot etalon filters.
Innovation Solution
A method for setting up channels in optical receivers using a wavelength-tunable filter that adjusts the temperature of the filter to select and store reference channels within a predetermined range, allowing for the sequential selection of additional channels using a cyclic characteristic of the filter's transmissive modes, thereby reducing the temperature range needed for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature range for wavelength-tunable filter operation is increased to select all communication channels, then channel selection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel selection process into two distinct parts: (1) a calibration phase where the wavelength-tunable filter is tuned across the full temperature range to identify actual channel wavelengths and store them in memory, and (2) an operation phase where only a narrow temperature range around a reference temperature is used for channel selection. This segmentation allows the system to acquire comprehensive channel information once while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation by limiting temperature adjustments to a small range around the reference temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration before normal operation, where the wavelength-tunable filter is scanned across the entire temperature range to detect and store the actual wavelengths of all communication channels in memory. This preliminary action captures all necessary channel information in advance, so that during subsequent channel selection operations, the system only needs to make small temperature adjustments around the reference temperature, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to access all channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature range for wavelength-tunable filter operation is increased to select all communication channels, then channel selection capability is improved, but thermal stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature operation into a calibration phase covering the full temperature range for channel identification, and an operation phase restricted to a narrow range around a reference temperature. By separating these functions, the system maintains thermal stability during normal channel selection while still achieving comprehensive channel access through the preliminary calibration phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration across the full temperature range before normal operation to map all channel wavelengths to specific temperature points and store this information in memory. During subsequent channel selection, the system only requires small temperature adjustments around the reference temperature, minimizing thermal fluctuations and maintaining thermal stability while still accessing all channels through the pre-acquired wavelength-temperature mapping.
3Manufacturing precision
If Fabry-Perot etalon filter adjustability is limited, then manufacturing precision is improved, but wavelength selection range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wavelength-tunable filter dynamically adjustable through temperature control, allowing it to scan across a wide wavelength range by varying temperature during calibration. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for the limited manufacturing precision of the Fabry-Perot etalon filter, enabling the system to access all communication channels despite fixed manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining simple filter structure.
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 approach enables the selection of all communication wavelengths within a narrow temperature range, reducing power consumption and improving thermal stability by limiting the temperature range for heaters or thermoelectric elements, and ensuring all wavelength-tunable filters can be used efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive indexes change in accordance with temperature
Implementation Method 2
Fabry-Perot (FP) type etalon filters manufactured by depositing dielectric thin films having high and low refractive indexes on both sides of a semiconductor substrate made of silicon, GaAs, or InP of which the refractive indexes change in accordance with temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to A channel set up method of optical receiver with wavelength tunable filter such as an etalon filter in a TO type received wavelength-tunable optical receiver.According to the method of setting a channel in a wavelength-tunable optical receiver of the present invention, by circularly receiving communication channels within a predetermined temperature range, in which selectively receiving communication channel using two adjacent transmissive modes in the transmissive modes of a wavelength-tunable filter, it is possible to individually select and receive all communication channels with a predetermined temperature range. Further, it is possible to use all FP type etalon filters regardless of transmissive wavelength characteristics in at a specific temperature of a wavelength-tunable filter, so it is possible to reduce a manufacturing cost and power consumption of a product and increase thermal stability of a package.