Wavelength Selective Switch Layout for Port Isolation and Compact Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength selective switches face challenges in maintaining isolation between adjacent ports while expanding port/channel capacity, as reducing beam angles leads to decreased spacing between fibers, causing deterioration in isolation.
Innovation Solution
A 2D fiber array design with alternately arranged columns of fibers offset in the dispersion direction, combined with a novel grating partition and optical path adjustment components, allows for improved isolation and reduced module height by guiding beams to specific ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If port/channel expansion is implemented in conventional 1D fiber array WSS, then the number of ports increases, but the spacing between fibers on adjacent channels decreases causing isolation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional 1D fiber array arrangement to a 2D fiber array arrangement. The 2D array includes a first column and a second column of fibers arranged in different directions, allowing beams to be routed through different spatial paths. This dimensional change enables port expansion while maintaining adequate fiber spacing and isolation between adjacent channels.
2Length of stationary object
If module height is reduced to maintain compact size, then the device becomes more compact, but the spacing between diffraction angles decreases causing isolation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a 2D fiber array with columns arranged in different directions, the system can maintain adequate angular spacing between diffracted beams while reducing overall module height. The multi-directional arrangement allows compact packaging without compromising isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating is divided into multiple grating partitions corresponding to different fiber columns. Each grating partition handles specific wavelength ranges or channel groups, allowing independent optimization of diffraction angles for each segment while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Quantity of substance
If diffraction angle spacing is reduced to increase port capacity, then more ports can be accommodated, but fiber spacing on adjacent channels decreases causing isolation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D fiber array arrangement with columns in different directions enables the system to accommodate more ports by utilizing additional spatial dimensions rather than simply reducing diffraction angle spacing. This maintains adequate fiber spacing while increasing port capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber array is segmented into multiple columns with different orientations. Each column can be independently optimized for specific angular ranges, allowing the system to pack more ports while maintaining appropriate spacing through strategic geometric arrangement.
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 2D fiber array design enhances adjacent port isolation by up to 10 dB and reduces module height, addressing the limitations of conventional 1D arrays by maintaining isolation and expanding port capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion unit, configured to disperse the first beam from the first optical path adjustment component, to generate a plurality of first sub-beams corresponding to different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a period of the grating is changed, so that beams of corresponding wavelengths can be diffracted to different angles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wavelength selective switch and an optical device related to the wavelength selective switch. The wavelength selective switch includes a 2D fiber array, including a first column of fibers and a second column of fibers, where fibers in the second column of fibers and fibers in the first column of fibers are alternately arranged in a switching direction, and the second column of fibers is offset from the first column of fibers by a predetermined spacing in a dispersion direction; a dispersion unit, configured to disperse a first beam from a first optical path adjustment component, to generate a plurality of first sub-beams corresponding to different wavelengths; and an optical switching engine, configured to: receive the plurality of first sub-beams, and operatively adjust directions of the plurality of first sub-beams, for the plurality of first sub-beams to be incident back to the dispersion unit. The dispersion unit is further configured to: multiplex at least a part of incident-back first sub-beams in the plurality of first sub-beams, to generate a multiplexed second beam, and guide the second beam to an output port via the first optical path adjustment component.