WSS Array Sharing Optics for ROADM Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) systems face challenges in achieving a compact, efficient, and flexible structure for high-speed optical communication networks, particularly in effectively routing and managing optical signals across various wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a WSS array using liquid crystal for light polarization manipulation, which includes multiple WSSs optically coupled to share a single set of optics, enabling compact module size and low cost, while providing wavelength switching and attenuation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple WSSs are integrated to share a single set of optics, then the device complexity is reduced and compactness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple WSSs (first WSS, second WSS) to share a single set of optics including circulators, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. This merging approach reduces the overall device complexity and achieves a compact structure while maintaining full wavelength switching functionality through coordinated operation of the integrated components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical signal processing into distinct functional stages handled by separate WSS units. The first WSS performs initial wavelength selection and routing, while the second WSS handles subsequent wavelength switching. This segmentation allows each WSS to operate with optimized precision requirements while collectively achieving complex routing functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical signals are routed through multiple WSS stages, then wavelength switching capability is improved, but the signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optical channel monitoring at the input stage before signals enter the first WSS. This preliminary monitoring allows for pre-compensation of expected signal losses through the multiple WSS stages by adjusting input power levels or applying gain compensation, ensuring that wavelength switching capability is maximized while minimizing the impact of cumulative signal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates optical channel monitors that continuously monitor the optical signals passing through the WSS stages. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of system parameters to compensate for signal losses, maintaining optimal performance across multiple wavelength switching operations while adapting to changing network conditions
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 solution enhances the ROADM system's ability to efficiently route optical signals, achieve wavelength switching, and monitor signal quality, thereby supporting a rich optical network application with improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a WSS array using liquid crystal for light polarization manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable optical add and drop multiplexer (ROADM) system is provided. The ROADM system may include a switching system which includes at least one first WSS optically coupled to a tapping coupler and configured to receive an input optical signal from a first circulator, transmit a drop optical signal to a demultiplexer to drop one or more first wavelength channels, and output a through optical signal. The switching system may also include at least one second WSS optically coupled to the at least one first WSS and a multiplexer and configured to receive an add optical signal to add one or more second wavelength channels, receive the through optical signal, and output an output optical signal to a second circulator, and at least one OCM configured to monitor the input optical signal and the output optical signal.