WDM Amplifier Power Optimization via Wavelength Band Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical fiber communication systems using wavelength division multiplexing, the gain variation of optical amplifiers across different wavelengths leads to inefficiencies in power resource utilization due to wavelength-dependent signal gain.
Innovation Solution
A light amplification device and method that includes a wavelength demultiplexing unit, multiple light amplification media, a wavelength multiplexing unit, and excitation energy supply units, controlled by a unit that optimizes the starting wavelength and number of signal lights to minimize power consumption, thereby reducing wavelength dependency and enhancing power resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wavelength division multiplexed signal light is amplified using a single optical amplifier, then the amplification process is simple, but the gain varies with wavelength causing inefficiency in power supply resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavelength division multiplexed signal into multiple wavelength bands using a demultiplexer, and amplifies each band separately using multiple optical amplifiers with different gain characteristics. This segmentation allows each amplifier to operate at its optimal gain level for specific wavelength ranges, improving overall power efficiency while maintaining signal quality across all channels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple optical amplifiers with different gain characteristics are used to reduce wavelength dependency, then power resource utilization efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a demultiplexer as an intermediary device that separates the WDM signal into distinct wavelength bands before amplification. This intermediary component enables the use of multiple amplifiers with different gain characteristics without requiring direct complex coordination between them, as each amplifier processes a specific wavelength band independently. The demultiplexer simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving improved power efficiency.
3Reliability
If a light gain equalization filter is used to equalize gain deviation across wavelengths, then transmission quality improves, but power consumption increases due to additional amplification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a gain equalization filter to reduce gain deviation after amplification (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using multiple amplifiers with inherently different gain characteristics to directly provide the required gain distribution across wavelength bands. This eliminates the need for additional equalization filtering and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining transmission quality.
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 solution effectively reduces wavelength dependency of signal gain, optimizing power consumption and resource utilization in optical fiber communication systems by strategically demultiplexing and amplifying signal lights across multiple wavelength bands.
Implementation Method 1
a core portion of an optical fiber is doped with erbium (Er) as an example of a rare earth element. Erbium ions in the optical fiber are activated by excitation light in the 0.98 μm or 1.48 μm band, and laser transition in the 1.55 μm band, in erbium, is used.
Implementation Method 2
Erbium ions in the optical fiber are activated by excitation light in the 0.98 μm or 1.48 μm band
Data Source
AI summary
A light amplification device according to an example aspect of the invention includes a wavelength demultiplexing unit configured to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexed signal light into a plurality of wavelength bands; a plurality of light amplification media configured to amplify the plurality of pieces of demultiplexed multiplex signal light; a wavelength multiplexing unit configured to multiplex the amplified demultiplexed multiplex signal light; a plurality of excitation energy supply units configured to supply excitation energy to each of the plurality of light amplification media; and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes a wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing control unit configured to control the wavelength demultiplexing unit and the wavelength multiplexing unit in such a way that a starting wavelength and a wavelength number become an optimum starting wavelength and an optimum wavelength number when a sum of power consumption of the plurality of excitation energy supply units is minimized.