Wavelength Tunable Laser Control for Non-ITU Grid Wavelengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength tunable laser technologies cannot generate a laser beam at desired wavelengths off the ITU-T grid wavelengths, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a wavelength tunable laser that involves receiving parameters to designate a target wavelength, calculating the target wavelength, acquiring a driving condition from memory for a different wavelength, and adjusting the laser's operation based on the calculated wavelength difference to achieve the desired output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the laser is controlled to lase at ITU-T grid wavelengths using stored control conditions, then the laser can reliably generate output at standard wavelengths, but the laser cannot lase at desired wavelengths off the ITU-T grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores control conditions for ITU-T grid wavelengths in memory, enabling quick retrieval and execution for standard wavelengths. This preliminary preparation allows the system to handle non-grid wavelengths through calculation based on pre-stored data, expanding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates alternative driving conditions by modifying parameters (current, temperature) based on the wavelength difference between stored grid wavelengths and desired non-grid wavelengths. This parameter adjustment approach enables continuous wavelength tuning while leveraging pre-stored control conditions as a baseline
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser uses fixed control conditions for ITU-T grid wavelengths, then the control system remains simple, but the laser cannot achieve lasing at arbitrary wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates alternative driving conditions using the wavelength difference between stored grid wavelengths and target wavelengths, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service calculation approach enables arbitrary wavelength selection while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength difference calculation acts as an intermediary between the stored control conditions and the final driving parameters. This intermediary step translates the gap between grid and non-grid wavelengths into adjusted control signals, enabling seamless wavelength extension
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a wavelength tunable laser is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: calculating a lasing wavelength from two or more kinds of parameters, the parameters designating the target lasing wavelength; acquiring a driving condition from a memory, the wavelength tunable laser being operable to generate a laser beam of a first wavelength in the driving condition; and calculating another driving condition from the driving condition thus acquired and a wavelength difference between the first wavelength and a second wavelength, the second wavelength corresponding to the lasing wavelength, the wavelength tunable laser being operable to generate a laser beam of the second wavelength in the another driving condition, the wavelength tunable laser being driven in the another driving condition.