Wavelength Selective Switch Fiber Array for Diffraction Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength selective switches (WSS) require complex optical path systems due to the use of diffraction gratings and additional lenses for aberration compensation, leading to increased structure complexity, length, and reduced optical design freedom.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength selective switch design featuring an optical fiber array with fiber cores distributed in a curve in the height direction, where each second optical fiber core has a first offset relative to a first optical fiber core to compensate for diffraction spectrum offsets, eliminating the need for additional optical elements and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a combined lens is added to the optical path to compensate for diffraction spectrum offset, then the diffraction spectrum offset is eliminated, but the structure becomes more complex and the optical path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aberration compensation function from the optical path and integrates it directly into the fiber core structure. By embedding the compensation capability within the fiber itself rather than adding separate optical elements, the system eliminates diffraction spectrum offset without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the fiber core structure. The fiber core simultaneously serves as the light transmission medium and the aberration compensation element. This merging eliminates the need for separate combined lenses while achieving both signal transmission and offset compensation.
2Measurement precision
If a combined lens is added to the optical path to compensate for diffraction spectrum offset, then the diffraction spectrum offset is eliminated, but the optical path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compensation function from external optical elements and embeds it within the fiber core. This eliminates the need for additional optical path segments that would increase overall length while maintaining the compensation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the aberration compensation functionality within the fiber core structure itself. By placing the compensation mechanism inside the existing fiber rather than adding external elements, the optical path length is minimized while achieving the desired compensation effect.
3Measurement precision
If a combined lens is added to the optical path to compensate for diffraction spectrum offset, then the diffraction spectrum offset is eliminated, but optical design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compensation function from fixed external optical elements and embeds it in the fiber core. This provides greater design freedom as the compensation characteristics can be tailored during fiber manufacturing to match specific application requirements rather than being constrained by pre-fabricated lens combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter optimization by embedding the compensation function in the fiber core. Parameters such as the fiber core offset distance can be precisely controlled during manufacturing to achieve optimal compensation for different diffraction grating configurations, providing flexibility in optical system design.
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 design enhances optical design freedom, facilitates easier commissioning, reduces reliability risks, and lowers production costs by simplifying the optical path system without the need for extra components.
Implementation Method 1
the WSS needs to use the diffraction grating for spatial multiplexing/demultiplexing. When a beam is incident to the diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength selective switch includes an optical fiber array, a multiplexing/demultiplexing component, and a transmission direction adjustment component. The optical fiber array includes a first optical fiber and at least one second optical fiber. The first offset is used to compensate for a second offset of a diffraction spectrum generated when a plurality of single-wavelength optical signals obtained after an optical input signal is processed by the multiplexing/demultiplexing component arrive at the transmission direction adjustment component, so that the second offset of the diffraction spectrum of the plurality of single-wavelength optical signals arriving at the transmission direction adjustment component is 0 or may be ignored. An optical system has a simple structure, and no optical element needs to be added. This increases optical design freedom, facilitates optical path system commissioning, and reduces reliability risks and costs of subsequent products.