Wavelength Tunable Filter With Segmented Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical receivers using thermos-electric elements for channel tuning in optical communication systems face challenges in achieving rapid wavelength switching, particularly in mobile backhaul applications where channel tuning within 50msec is required, as they often take more than 300msec, and struggle with maintaining uniform temperature distribution and thermal balance.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength tunable filter with a thermally separated heat generation unit and a body portion acting as a thermoelectric element, where the heat generation unit is strategically positioned on a portion of the filter's surface and the body portion maintains internal temperature, allowing for quick wavelength tuning and uniform temperature distribution across the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a thermos-electric element is used for channel tuning, then the optical receiver can select specific wavelength channels, but the channel tuning time exceeds 100msec and cannot meet the 50msec requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filter structure into multiple sections with different thermal conductivities. The first section (incident light side) has lower thermal conductivity to maintain uniform temperature, while the second section (transmitted light side) has higher thermal conductivity to enable rapid heat dissipation and fast wavelength tuning. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of temperature uniformity and fast tuning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the filter are assigned different thermal conductivity properties according to their functional requirements. The incident light side requires low thermal conductivity for temperature uniformity, while the transmitted light side requires high thermal conductivity for fast heat dissipation. This local differentiation of thermal properties resolves the contradiction between slow tuning and temperature non-uniformity.
2Temperature
If heat generation and heat drain units are disposed across the entire outer circumferential surface of the filter, then temperature control is achieved, but the filter volume increases and cooling time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat drain function from the entire circumferential surface and concentrates it only in the second section (transmitted light side) where high thermal conductivity material is disposed. This extraction allows the first section to be smaller and reduces overall filter volume while maintaining effective heat dissipation where needed for wavelength tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional configuration where heat control units are distributed across the entire outer surface to a configuration where thermal conductivity is differentiated along the light transmission direction (depth dimension). This dimensional reorganization allows compact filter design with optimized cooling characteristics.
3Loss of time
If the filter volume is reduced to enable fast wavelength tuning, then channel switching speed improves, but temperature uniformity across the filter may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal conductivity characteristics to different spatial locations within the filter. The incident light side uses low thermal conductivity material to ensure temperature uniformity, while the transmitted light side uses high thermal conductivity material for rapid heat dissipation. This local quality differentiation enables the filter to achieve both fast tuning and temperature uniformity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter employs composite material construction with at least two different materials having different thermal conductivity values. This composite structure allows the filter to exhibit both slow heat diffusion (for temperature uniformity) in the incident light region and fast heat dissipation (for rapid tuning) in the transmitted light region, resolving the contradiction between speed and uniformity.
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 enables faster wavelength tuning and improved thermal management, allowing the optical receiver to change channels quickly and maintain optimal performance by controlling temperature based on power consumption rather than external temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generation unit configured to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
The optical wavelength transmitted through the wavelength tunable filter is changed depending on temperature thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
A wavelength tunable filter, an optical receiver and a method using the wavelength tunable filter are disclosed. According to an aspect of the present invention, an optical receiver module having a wavelength tunable filter is provided. The transmission wavelength or reflective wavelength of the wavelength tunable filter is tunable The optical receiver module includes the wavelength tunable filter, a heat generation unit, and a separation unit. The wavelength tunable filter transmits light of a preset wavelength and tunes the preset wavelength. The heat generation unit is in contact with at least a portion of the wavelength tuning filter. The separation unit has a preset thermal conductivity. The separation unit is in contact with at least another portion of the wavelength tunable filter to support the wavelength tunable filter and separate physically or thermally the wavelength tunable filter from other components of the optical receiver module except for the heat generation unit. The preset wavelength is determined based on a temperature of the heat generation unit.