Wavelength-Selective Switch Array With Displaced Optical Power Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength selective switch (WSS) arrays in optical communication networks require specialized optical components and complex architectures, limiting their scalability and cost-effectiveness for use in reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) systems and route and select architectures.
Innovation Solution
A WSS array design that employs two independent WSS devices sharing a single optical system and liquid crystal deflection element, with optical power elements displaced relative to their respective ports, allowing for independent operation and reduced size and complexity, using a pixilated liquid crystal spatial light modulator for beam deflection and spectral dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple WSS devices are employed in a WSS array, then the routing capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and optical component requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple WSS devices share a common optical system including the beam deflection element, optical scanning mirrors, and wavelength dispersion grating. This merging approach allows independent WSS functionality while reducing overall device complexity and component requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam deflection element and optical scanning system serve multiple WSS devices simultaneously, providing universal functionality across the array. The optical system is designed to handle multiple wavelength channels from different WSS devices through a single deflection and detection path.
2Measurement precision
If optical power elements are displaced relative to their ports, then the beam deflection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Optical power elements are positioned at displaced locations relative to their corresponding ports, acting as intermediaries that redirect beams through the common optical system. This displacement enables proper beam routing while the optical design compensates for positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power elements are arranged in a spatial configuration where their optical axes are displaced from port axes, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve proper beam routing angles. This dimensional arrangement enables beam deflection without requiring extreme manufacturing precision at each individual interface.
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
Enables efficient routing of wavelength channels with reduced optical complexity and cost, suitable for modern communication networks and ROADM systems, while maintaining independent processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system is configured to receive the first and second WDM signals output at the first and second angles, respectively, spectrally disperse the received first and second WDM signals into a first and a second set of wavelength channels
Implementation Method 2
using a pixilated liquid crystal spatial light modulator for beam deflection and spectral dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
An input section for a wavelength-selective switch array includes a plurality of optical ports. The plurality of optical ports includes a first sub-plurality of optical ports having a plurality of first port optical axes, a second sub-plurality of optical ports having a plurality of second port optical axes, and a plurality of optical power elements. Each one of the plurality of optical power elements is disposed at an end of a respective one of each of the plurality of optical ports. The plurality of optical power elements further includes a first sub-plurality of optical power elements including a plurality of first optical power element optical axes displaced relative to the plurality of first port optical axes and a second sub-plurality of optical power elements including a plurality of second optical power element optical axes displaced relative to the plurality of second port optical axes.