Apple inc. (20240094592). MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH LOCKING simplified abstract

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH LOCKING

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Yi-Kuei Wu of San Jose CA (US)

Jason Pelc of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Mark Alan Arbore of Los Altos CA (US)

Thomas C. Greening of San Jose CA (US)

Matthew A. Terrel of Campbell CA (US)

Yongming Tu of Redwood City CA (US)

Mohamed Mahmoud of Sunnyvale CA (US)

MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH LOCKING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240094592 titled 'MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH LOCKING

Simplified Explanation

The integrated photonics device described in the abstract includes an on-chip wavelength stability monitor that utilizes interferometric components to monitor the wavelength emitted by a photonic component. The monitor can select among the output signals from the interferometric components based on the slope of the signal, and may correspond to a working zone at or around a specific wavelength or wavelength range. The interferometric components can be configured with different phase differences to have working zones at different wavelengths, and the slopes of the output signals may be weighted based on their steepness to lock the measured wavelength to a target wavelength.

  • Integrated photonics device with on-chip wavelength stability monitor
  • Utilizes interferometric components such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers
  • Selects output signals based on slope for monitoring emitted wavelength
  • Working zones at specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges
  • Interferometric components with different phase differences for different wavelengths
  • Weighted slopes for locking measured wavelength to target wavelength

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in telecommunications, spectroscopy, and optical sensing industries for precise wavelength monitoring and control.

Problems Solved

This innovation solves the problem of maintaining wavelength stability in integrated photonics devices, ensuring accurate performance and reliability.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved wavelength accuracy, enhanced device performance, and increased reliability in photonics applications.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology could include optical communication systems, medical imaging devices, and environmental monitoring equipment.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of interferometric components in wavelength monitoring systems in the field of photonics.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to traditional wavelength monitoring methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency?

This technology offers higher accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods due to its ability to select output signals based on slope and lock the measured wavelength to a target wavelength.

What are the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology in practical applications?

Some potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology could include the complexity of configuring interferometric components with different phase differences and the need for precise calibration for accurate wavelength locking.


Original Abstract Submitted

disclosed herein is an integrated photonics device including an on-chip wavelength stability monitor. the wavelength stability monitor may include one or more interferometric components, such as mach-zehnder interferometers and can be configured to select among the output signals from the interferometric components for monitoring the wavelength emitted by a corresponding photonic component, such as a light source. the selection may be based on a slope of the output signal and in some examples may correspond to a working zone at or around a wavelength or wavelength range. in some examples, the interferometric components can be configured with different phase differences such that the corresponding working zones have different wavelengths. in some examples, the slopes of the output signals may be weighted based on the steepness of the slope and all of the output signals may include information for wavelength locking the measured wavelength to the target wavelength.