Compact WSXC Device Using Multi-Pass Grating and Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-selective cross-connect (WSXC) devices face challenges such as increased footprint, high maintenance complexity, and reduced reliability due to the large number of constituent optical devices required, which complicates network scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A WSXC device with N input ports and M output ports, featuring a diffraction grating and a beam-steering device optically coupled to route carrier wavelengths, allowing each wavelength to traverse the diffraction grating and beam-steering device multiple times, enabling flexible routing and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WSXC devices use multiple individual optical devices and fiber connections, then wavelength routing functionality is achieved, but device footprint and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual optical devices (de-multiplexers, switches, multiplexers) into a single integrated WSXC device. The diffraction grating and beam-steering device work together as unified components to perform wavelength separation and routing functions that previously required separate devices, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining full wavelength routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated WSXC device performs multiple functions (de-multiplexing, switching, multiplexing) using a single set of optical components. The diffraction grating handles wavelength separation for multiple input ports, the beam-steering device routes wavelengths to multiple output ports, and the same components handle the reverse operations for traffic in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for duplicate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WSXC devices use many constituent optical devices, then comprehensive wavelength switching capability is provided, but maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical devices into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components that require individual maintenance, calibration, and repair. The unified structure allows for centralized monitoring and simpler troubleshooting, as there are fewer connection points and component interfaces that can fail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WSXC devices use numerous fiber connections between optical devices, then wavelength routing is enabled, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of fiber connections by integrating optical functions into fewer components. The diffraction grating and beam-steering device are optically coupled with minimal intermediate connections, eliminating numerous fiber interconnections between separate devices that serve as potential failure points, thereby improving overall system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional WSXC devices use many optical components, then wavelength selection flexibility is achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves full wavelength selection flexibility using a compact arrangement of diffraction grating and beam-steering device, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical racks and their associated fiber routing infrastructure. This integration dramatically reduces the physical footprint while preserving the ability to route any wavelength to any output port.
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 results in a compact, scalable, and reliable WSXC device with improved maintenance and cost efficiency, capable of flexible wavelength channel assignment and reduced angular diversity, enhancing network performance.
Implementation Method 1
A WSXC device with N input ports and M output ports, featuring a diffraction grating and a beam-steering device optically coupled to route carrier wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a beam-steering device interposed between the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports... configured to individually steer beams corresponding to different wavelength bands
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A wavelength-selective cross-connect (WSXC) device having N input ports and M output ports and configured to route any set of one or more carrier wavelengths from a corresponding input port to any selected output port. In one embodiment, the WSXC device includes a diffraction grating and a beam-steering device optically coupled to each other and to the input/output ports so that each of the carrier wavelengths traverses the diffraction grating and the beam-steering device two or more times en route from the respective input port to a designated output port. Various unfolded configurations of the WSXC device are also disclosed.