阅读说明：本技术 集群光源和产生集群光源的方法 (Cluster light source and method for generating cluster light source ) 是由 张欣 孙旭 李彦波 于 2020-05-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请揭示一种集群光源和产生集群光源的方法。一种多波长集群光源包括光源、合波器、分光器和光放大器阵列。其中,光源用于并行输出多个波长均不相同的单波长连续光；合波器用于将多个单波长连续光合成为一个多波长连续光；分光器用于将多波长连续光进行功率分束,以输出多个多波长连续光；光放大器阵列用于放大多个多波长连续光,以输出多个另一多波长连续光。可选地,集群光源还包括另一分光器,以针对多个另一多波长连续光进行分束,以较简单的结构输出较多数量、性能统一的多波长连续光,满足实际需求。可选地,集群光源还包括备用光源和光开光阵列,通过光开关阵列选择光源或备用光源的波长输入合波器,实现波长级备份,提升光源可靠性。(A cluster light source and a method of generating a cluster light source are disclosed. A multi-wavelength cluster light source comprises a light source, a wave combiner, a light splitter and an optical amplifier array. The light source is used for outputting a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights with different wavelengths in parallel; the combiner is used for combining the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights into a multi-wavelength continuous light; the optical splitter is used for splitting the power of the multi-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of multi-wavelength continuous lights; the optical amplifier array is used for amplifying a plurality of multi-wavelength continuous lights to output a plurality of other multi-wavelength continuous lights. Optionally, the cluster light source further includes another optical splitter to split the beam of the multiple another multi-wavelength continuous light, so that the multiple multi-wavelength continuous light with a relatively large number and uniform performance is output with a relatively simple structure, and actual requirements are met. Optionally, the cluster light source further includes a standby light source and an optical switch array, and the wavelength of the light source or the standby light source is selected by the optical switch array to be input into the combiner, so that wavelength-level backup is realized, and reliability of the light source is improved.)

1. A multi-wavelength cluster light source, comprising a first light source, a combiner, a first splitter, and an optical amplifier array, wherein:

the first light source is used for outputting a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights in parallel, and the wavelengths of the single-wavelength continuous lights are different;

the wave combiner is used for combining the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights into a first multi-wavelength continuous light;

the first optical splitter is used for splitting the power of the first multi-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights;

the optical amplifier array is used for amplifying the plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights to output a plurality of third multi-wavelength continuous lights.

2. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 1, further comprising a second optical splitter for power splitting at least a portion of the third plurality of wavelengths of continuous light to output a fourth plurality of wavelengths of continuous light, wherein the number of the second optical splitters is less than or equal to the number of the third plurality of wavelengths of continuous light.

3. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiwavelength cluster light source further comprises an optical switch array for receiving the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights and a plurality of further single-wavelength continuous lights output by a second light source, the wavelengths of the plurality of further single-wavelength continuous lights and the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights being in one-to-one correspondence, the optical switch array comprising a number of optical switches equal to the number of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights, each optical switch of the optical switch array for selecting either one of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights or two single-wavelength continuous lights of the same wavelength of the plurality of further single-wavelength continuous lights for input into the combiner;

the combiner is configured to combine the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and specifically includes:

the combiner is used for combining the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights selectively output by the light switch into the first multi-wavelength continuous light.

4. The multiwavelength cluster light source of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the combiner and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip.

5. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 3, wherein the optical switch array, the combiner, and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip.

6. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 3 or 5, wherein the multiwavelength cluster light source further comprises the second light source.

7. A multi-wavelength cluster light source, comprising a first light source, an optical amplifier array, a combiner, and a first splitter, wherein:

the first light source is used for outputting a plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights in parallel, and the wavelengths of the first single-wavelength continuous lights are different;

the optical amplifier array is used for amplifying the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights;

the combiner is used for combining the amplified first single-wavelength continuous lights into a first multi-wavelength continuous light;

the first optical splitter is used for splitting the power of the first multi-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights.

8. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 7, further comprising a second optical splitter for splitting power of each of the amplified first single-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of second single-wavelength continuous light;

the combiner is configured to combine the amplified first single-wavelength continuous lights into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and specifically includes:

the combiner is configured to combine the plurality of second single-wavelength continuous lights with different wavelengths into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and the number of the combiner is equal to the number of the plurality of second single-wavelength continuous lights obtained by splitting power of any one of the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights.

9. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 7 or 8, wherein the multiwavelength cluster light source further comprises an optical switch array for receiving a plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights and a plurality of third single-wavelength continuous lights output by the second light source, the wavelengths of the plurality of third single-wavelength continuous lights and the wavelengths of the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights being in one-to-one correspondence, the optical switch array comprising a number of optical switches equal to the number of the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights, each optical switch of the optical switch array for selecting either one of the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights or two single-wavelength continuous lights of the plurality of third single-wavelength continuous lights having the same wavelength for input into the optical amplifier array;

the optical amplifier array is configured to amplify the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights, and specifically includes:

the optical amplifier array is used for a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights of the optical switch light selection output.

10. The multiwavelength cluster light source of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the combiner and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip.

11. The multiwavelength cluster light source of claim 9, wherein the multiwavelength cluster light source further comprises the second light source.

12. A communication device comprising the multi-wavelength cluster light source of any one of claims 1-11, a modulator, and an electrical chip, wherein:

the multi-wavelength continuous light output by the multi-wavelength cluster light source is used for inputting the modulator, the electric chip outputs a service signal to the modulator, and the modulator is used for modulating the service signal onto the multi-wavelength continuous light.

13. The communication device of claim 12, further comprising an optical cross-over for transmitting after spatially switching multiple wavelengths of continuous light carrying the traffic signal.

14. A communication device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the communication device is a router, a switch or an optical communication device.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of optical devices, and in particular, to a cluster light source and a method of generating a cluster light source.

Background

A long-term research direction in the field of optical communication is how to provide a multi-wavelength light source with excellent optical performance, long reliable working time and insensitivity to external environment at the source of a communication link. With the continuous improvement of communication capacity, the multi-wavelength light source has a trend towards dense deployment. Currently, this requirement is met by laying out a relatively large number of multi-wavelength light sources (i.e., deploying light source modules of the same kind in bulk).

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a cluster light source and a method for generating the cluster light source, so as to achieve the purposes of improving the stability of a multi-wavelength light source and reducing the cost.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-wavelength cluster light source. The multi-wavelength cluster light source comprises a first light source, a wave combiner, a first optical splitter and an optical amplifier array. The first light source is used for outputting a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights in parallel, and the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights are different. The wave combiner is used for combining the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights into a first multi-wavelength continuous light. The first optical splitter is used for splitting the power of the first multi-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights. The optical amplifier array is used for amplifying the plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights to output a plurality of third multi-wavelength continuous lights.

The single light source is split by the optical splitter and the optical amplifier, and compared with the prior art, the multi-wavelength cluster light source with uniform and stable performance and more quantity can be provided by the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application. In addition, the technical scheme has the advantages of simple structure and relatively low cost.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further includes a second optical splitter for power splitting a part or all of the plurality of third multi-wavelength continuous lights to output a plurality of fourth multi-wavelength continuous lights. Wherein the number of the second beam splitters is less than or equal to the number of the plurality of third wavelength continuous lights. Through two-stage light splitting, the alternative can improve the number of the provided multi-wavelength light sources through a simpler structural design.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further comprises an optical switch array. The optical switch array is used for receiving the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights and a plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights output by the second light source. The wavelengths of the plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights and the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights correspond one to one. The optical switch array comprises a number of optical switches equal to the number of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights, and each optical switch of the optical switch array is used for selecting any one of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights or two single-wavelength continuous lights with the same wavelength in the plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights to be input into the wave combiner. Correspondingly, the combiner is configured to combine the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and specifically includes: the combiner is used for combining the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights selectively output by the light switch into the first multi-wavelength continuous light. This alternative may provide a backup of the wavelength stages through the optical switch array. Compared with the prior art that only the multi-wavelength light source can be replaced integrally, the scheme is lower in implementation cost.

Optionally, the combiner and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip. Similarly, optionally, the optical switch array, the combiner and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip. This alternative may reduce the volume of the multi-wavelength cluster light source.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further comprises the second light source.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-wavelength cluster light source. The multi-wavelength cluster light source comprises a first light source, an optical amplifier array, a wave combiner and a first optical splitter. The first light source is used for outputting a plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights in parallel, and the wavelengths of the first single-wavelength continuous lights are different. The optical amplifier array is used for amplifying the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights. The combiner is used for combining the amplified first single-wavelength continuous lights into a first multi-wavelength continuous light. The first optical splitter is used for splitting the power of the first multi-wavelength continuous light to output a plurality of second multi-wavelength continuous lights.

The single light source is split by the optical splitter and the optical amplifier, and compared with the prior art, the multi-wavelength cluster light source with uniform and stable performance and more quantity can be provided by the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application. In addition, the optical amplifier array is used for amplifying a single wavelength, and the cost is low.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further includes a second optical splitter, configured to split power of each of the amplified single-wavelength continuous lights to output a plurality of second single-wavelength continuous lights. Correspondingly, the combiner is configured to combine the amplified multiple first single-wavelength continuous lights into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and specifically includes: the combiner is configured to combine the plurality of second single-wavelength continuous lights with different wavelengths into the first multi-wavelength continuous light, and the number of the combiner is equal to the number of the plurality of second single-wavelength continuous lights obtained by splitting power of any one of the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights. Through two-stage light splitting, the alternative can improve the number of the provided multi-wavelength light sources through a simpler structural design.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further comprises an optical switch array. The optical switch array is used for receiving a plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights and a plurality of third single-wavelength continuous lights output by the second light source. The wavelengths of the third single-wavelength continuous lights and the wavelengths of the first single-wavelength continuous lights are in one-to-one correspondence, and the number of the optical switches included in the optical switch array is equal to the number of the first single-wavelength continuous lights. Each optical switch of the optical switch array is used for selecting any one of two single-wavelength continuous lights with the same wavelength in the first single-wavelength continuous lights or the third single-wavelength continuous lights to be input into the optical amplifier array. Correspondingly, the optical amplifier array is configured to amplify the plurality of first single-wavelength continuous lights, and specifically includes: the optical amplifier array is used for a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights of the optical switch light selection output. This alternative may provide a backup of the wavelength stages through the optical switch array. Compared with the prior art that only the multi-wavelength light source can be replaced integrally, the scheme is lower in implementation cost.

Optionally, the combiner and the first optical splitter are integrated in a single chip.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source further comprises the second light source.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device comprises a multi-wavelength cluster light source, a modulator and an electrical chip as described in the first aspect or any specific implementation of the first aspect, or any specific implementation of the second aspect or the second aspect. The multi-wavelength continuous light output by the multi-wavelength cluster light source is used for inputting the modulator, the electric chip outputs a service signal to the modulator, and the modulator is used for modulating the service signal onto the multi-wavelength continuous light.

In particular, the communication device is a router, a switch or an optical communication device.

Optionally, the communication device further includes an optical cross for implementing spatial switching of the multi-wavelength continuous light carrying the service signal and then sending out the multi-wavelength continuous light.

Optionally, the multi-wavelength cluster light source may also be replaced by the single-wavelength cluster light source described in the fourth aspect.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a single-wavelength cluster light source. The single-wavelength cluster light source comprises a single-wavelength light source, a first optical splitter, an optical amplifier array and a second optical splitter. Wherein the single wavelength light source is for one or more continuous wavelengths of light. The first optical splitter, the optical amplifier array and the second optical splitter are respectively used for carrying out primary power beam splitting, amplification and secondary power beam splitting on continuous light output by the single-wavelength light source so as to obtain the single-wavelength light source with uniform and stable performance and more quantity. In addition, compared with the prior art, the single-wavelength light source provided by the scheme is smaller in volume.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a method of generating a multi-wavelength light source. The method specifically comprises the following steps: obtaining a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights, wherein the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights are different; and carrying out merging, beam splitting and amplification treatment on the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights to obtain a plurality of multi-wavelength continuous lights.

In a possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially subjected to combining, beam splitting, and amplifying processes to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights.

In another possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially amplified, combined, and split to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights.

In yet another possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially subjected to combining, beam splitting, amplifying, and beam splitting again to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights.

Optionally, the method further comprises: and acquiring a plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights, wherein the wavelengths of the plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights correspond to the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights one to one. Before the second step of the fifth aspect is executed, the single-wavelength continuous light of the same two wavelengths of the two single-wavelength continuous lights is alternatively output to obtain a new set of single-wavelength continuous lights, so as to implement the wavelength level backup.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-wavelength cluster light source provided in the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a second multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a third multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a single-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for generating a cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The device form and the service scenario described in the embodiment of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, and do not limit the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention. As can be known to those skilled in the art, with the evolution of device morphology and the appearance of new service scenarios, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

The technical scheme provided by the application can be suitable for multi-wavelength channel transmission and scenes needing multiple light sources. Such as a router network, a telecommunications ethernet network, an optical access network or a data centre network, etc. Specifically, the technical solution provided by the present application may be used for the transmitting-side device and/or the receiving-side device corresponding to any one of the networks.

It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in this application are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the data so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are capable of operation in sequences not described in the present application. "and/or" is used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, meaning that three relationships may exist. For example, a and/or B, may represent: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The specific methods of operation in the method embodiments may also be applied in the apparatus embodiments. Conversely, the functional description of components in the device embodiments also applies to the related description in the method embodiments.

It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, a specific description of some features in one embodiment may also be applied to explain that other embodiments refer to corresponding features. For example, the detailed description of the 1 × M splitter in one embodiment may be applied to the corresponding 1 × M splitter in other embodiments. As another example, the specific implementation of the optical switch array in one embodiment may be applied to the optical switch array in other embodiments. Further, to more clearly show the relationship of components in different embodiments, the same or similar reference numbers are used in this application to refer to components with the same or similar functions in different embodiments.

Further, the connections referred to herein may be direct connections or indirect connections. The specific connection relation refers to the description of the corresponding embodiment. Unless specifically stated otherwise, "connected" is not to be construed as overly limiting.

Currently, for a scene requiring a larger number of light source modules, the light source modules are generally deployed in a manner of a plurality of light source modules with the same function, that is, in a batch manner. For example, 25 multi-wavelength light source modules are deployed on a router to meet the number of multi-wavelength light sources required by a specific application scenario. Generally, the existing light source module is an external full-function light source module. Specifically, the full-function light source module includes a color light source and a wavelength combining component in the light source module, and directly outputs a multi-wavelength continuous light. Externally positioned means that the light source module is plugged into an optical interface provided by the device for use.

There are two main problems with the mass deployment of light source modules. First, the number of optical interfaces that can be provided by the device, the requirements for heat dissipation and/or power consumption, and other factors limit, the deployment is inflexible, and it is difficult to increase the number of light source modules (i.e., capacity expansion). Secondly, with multiple light source modules deployed to the same device, differences between the modules may cause device performance instability. In addition, it is found through research that, for a multi-wavelength light source (sometimes also referred to as a color light module), a single wavelength is damaged more frequently, but the current batch deployment scheme needs to replace the whole multi-wavelength light source module, which introduces higher cost.

To this end, the present application provides a new cluster light source. The cluster light source is based on a single light source, and performs amplification, beam splitting and other processing to realize output of a plurality of continuous lights, so that a light source module with uniform and stable performance and relatively easy capacity expansion is provided for practical application. In addition, optionally, by adding the light switch-on light and the backup light source, the cluster light source can realize backup based on a single wavelength, and the cost is lower.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-wavelength cluster light source provided by the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 includes multi-wavelength light source 101, combiner 102, 1 × M splitter 103, and optical amplifier array 104. The multi-wavelength light source 101 is configured to output a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights in parallel, where the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights are different. The parallel output means that the multi-wavelength light source 101 outputs a plurality of continuous lights at the same time, unlike the prior art light source module which directly outputs one multi-wavelength continuous light. It should be noted that, for the description of the number of consecutive lights, "number" may be replaced by "path" or "beam". Specifically, the Parallel output may be realized by a Parallel Single Mode (PSM), a waveguide, or a spatial optical. The combiner 102 is configured to combine a plurality of single-wavelength light sources output from the multi-wavelength light source 101 into a multi-wavelength continuous light. The 1 × M optical splitter 103 is configured to perform power splitting on the multi-wavelength continuous light output by the combiner 102 to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights. Specifically, the combiner may be implemented by an Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG), a Thin Film Filter (TFF), or the like. The optical amplifier array 104 is used to amplify the multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights output from the 1 × M optical splitter 103 to provide the output of the multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 (i.e., to provide multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights with uniform performance). It should be understood that the optical amplifier array 104 includes a plurality of optical amplifiers, each of which is used to amplify one of the multiple wavelengths of continuous light. Alternatively, the optical amplifier array 104 may be replaced with a plurality of individual optical amplifiers. Specifically, the Optical Amplifier array 104 may employ an Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) or a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA).

It should be noted that the multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 shown in fig. 1 may also be referred to as a light source pool or a cluster light source. The present application is not limited by name. The number of output ports of 1 × M optical splitter 103 determines the number of multi-wavelength continuous lights that multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 can output. For example, M may be 16, 32, or even larger to meet practical application requirements.

It should be further noted that the number of optical amplifiers included in the optical amplifier array may be equal to the number of multi-wavelength continuous light output by the 1 × M optical splitter 103. Alternatively, the optical amplifier array may include more optical amplifiers than the number of multi-wavelength continuous light output from the 1 × M optical splitter 103. The latter design mode is beneficial to the requirement of system capacity expansion.

It is to be understood that the optical amplifier array 104 may also be placed between the multi-wavelength light source 101 and the combiner 102. See the detailed description of fig. 4, which is not repeated herein.

The multi-wavelength light source 101 and the combiner 102 may be replaced with an existing optical module (i.e., an optical transceiver module that outputs one multi-wavelength continuous light).

By using a single multi-wavelength light source to perform wave combination, light splitting and amplification processing, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 can output multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights with consistent performance, and provides stable multi-wavelength light source input for equipment required by intensive light source deployment. In addition, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 100 has a simple structure and low equipment cost.

The beam splitter may also be referred to as a beam splitter. For example, the optical splitter may be implemented by using a silicon-based waveguide chip or a photonic integrated circuit (PLC) planar optical waveguide. In the application, letters such as M and N are used to indicate that the number of the light splitting realized by the light splitter is variable, and specific values are not limited. The selection can be comprehensively carried out according to specific needs and limiting factors (such as the area of a single board of the equipment) in the design of actual devices.

It should be understood that the wavelength band of the continuous light output by the multi-wavelength light source is not limited in the present application, and may be a C-band, an L-band, or a C + L-band.

It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the respective components of the multi-wavelength cluster light source provided by the embodiments of the present application may be connected by optical fibers, waveguides, or by spatial optical means (i.e., without direct physical connection). The present application is not limited thereto.

The embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on the above-described common aspects related to multi-wavelength cluster light sources.

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 packageThe multi-wavelength optical amplifier comprises a multi-wavelength light source 101, a combiner 102, a 1 × M optical splitter 103, an optical amplifier array 104 and a 1 × N optical splitter 201. For the description of the multi-wavelength light source 101, the combiner 102, and the 1 × M optical splitter 103, refer to fig. 1, which is not described herein again. It should be understood that the number of wavelengths output in parallel by the multi-wavelength light source 101 in this embodiment is 16 (i.e., N in fig. 2)_λ＝16)。

In this embodiment, the multi-wavelength light source may be a pluggable optical module. The plug connection is performed with the other parts of the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 through the parallel optical interface. Other parts of the wavelength cluster light source 200 may be designed as a single plate or on other existing single plates. This has the advantage that if the multi-wavelength light source is in trouble, the light source can be replaced without replacing other parts, thereby reducing the cost. It should be understood that the multi-wavelength light source may also be in the form of an On-Board Optical Module (OBO).

As shown in fig. 2, the optical amplifier array 104 includes M channels, i.e., optical amplifier array channel 1, optical amplifier array channel 2, …, and optical amplifier array channel M in the drawing. Each channel is used to amplify the continuous light output from one of the 1 × M splitters 103. It should be noted that it is preferable to set the value of M equal to the number of channels of the optical amplifier array. However, the value of M is not necessarily equal to the number of single-wavelength continuous lights output in parallel from the multi-wavelength light source, and may be larger than the former. When capacity expansion is needed, the multi-wavelength light source is directly replaced by the light source with more output continuous light, other devices are not needed to be replaced, and cost is reduced.

Unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 further includes a 1 × N optical splitter 201 for splitting the multi-wavelength continuous light output from the optical amplifier array 104 twice to obtain a larger number of multi-wavelength continuous light outputs. That is, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 can output M × N multi-wavelength light sources at most, provides a larger number of multi-wavelength continuous light outputs than the embodiment of fig. 1, and can better satisfy a network scene requiring dense light sources with a simpler structure. For example, M is 32, N is 3, and a total of 35 optical splitters with a low port number can realize 96-channel 16-wave continuous optical output. Compared with the scheme of using a 96-port optical splitter, the structure is simpler and the implementation is easier. The values of M and N can be set according to the requirements of practical application. For example, M is 4 and N is 10, thereby realizing 40-path multi-wavelength output. For another example, M is 8, and N is 8, thereby realizing 64-path multi-wavelength light source output.

It is understood that the number of 1 x N splitters 201 may be less than or equal to M. If the number of 1 × N optical splitters 201 is less than M, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 can provide multi-wavelength light sources with different powers for different application requirements, providing better application flexibility.

Alternatively, the combiner and 1 × M splitter 103 may be integrated into a single chip, often implemented as a silicon-based waveguide chip or a PLC planar optical waveguide device, to achieve miniaturization of the overall cluster light source.

It should be understood that the relative positions of the components shown in fig. 2 are a practical hardware layout diagram, and the single board space can be reasonably arranged, which is beneficial to reducing the required occupied equipment space of the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200.

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a second multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, multi-wavelength cluster light source 300 includes multi-wavelength light source 101, multi-wavelength light source 301, optical switch array 302, combiner 102, 1 × M optical splitter 103, optical amplifier array 104, and 1 × N optical splitter 201. For the description of the multi-wavelength light source 101, the combiner 102, the 1 × M optical splitter 103, and the 1 × N optical splitter 201, refer to fig. 2, which is not described herein again. It should be understood that the number of wavelengths output in parallel by the multi-wavelength light source 101 in this embodiment is 32 (i.e., N in fig. 3)_λ＝32)。

Unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 2, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, a multi-wavelength light source 301 and an optical switch array 302 are added. The multi-wavelength light source 301 and the multi-wavelength light source 101 are similar in function, and are configured to output a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights (i.e., 32 single-wavelength continuous lights) in parallel. Except that the former acts as a backup for the latter. That is, if one or more single-wavelength continuous lights in the multi-wavelength light source 101 fail or deteriorate in performance, the single-wavelength continuous lights having the same wavelength in the multi-wavelength light source 301 may be selected by the optical switch array as an alternative. In this way, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 300 can provide stable multi-wavelength continuous light output even if the multi-wavelength light source 101 fails, and the service life thereof is greatly prolonged.

Optionally, a plurality of backup multi-wavelength light sources 301 may also be provided to cope with multiple failures of a single-wavelength continuous light, so as to further improve the service life of the multi-wavelength cluster light source 300. Correspondingly, the optical switch array needs to adopt one-out-of-many optical switches.

It should be understood that the optical switch array should include a number of optical switches greater than or equal to the number of single wavelength continuous light output by the multi-wavelength light source. The optical switch array can be realized in an integrated or separated mode. In addition, the optical switch array, the wave combiner and/or the 1 × M optical splitter can be integrated into a single chip and realized by a silicon-based waveguide chip or a PLC planar optical waveguide device, so as to realize the miniaturization of the whole cluster light source framework.

Through the cooperation of the optical switch and the multiple multi-wavelength light sources, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 300 in the embodiment of the application can realize backup of wavelength levels, so that the service life is prolonged with lower cost, and the system stability is improved.

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a third multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 400 includes a multi-wavelength light source 101, a combiner 102, a 1 × N optical splitter 201, and an optical amplifier 401. The description of the multiwavelength light source 101 and the 1 × N optical splitter 201 is referred to fig. 2, and will not be repeated herein.

Unlike the foregoing embodiments, in the present embodiment, the optical amplifier is placed between the multi-wavelength light source 101 and the combiner 102; the number of which is not less than the number of the single-wavelength continuous lights output from the multi-wavelength light source 101, for amplifying the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights output from the multi-wavelength light source 101. The combiner 102 is configured to combine the amplified multiple single-wavelength continuous lights to obtain a multi-wavelength continuous light beam. Finally, the 1 × N optical splitter 201 performs power splitting on the beam of multi-wavelength continuous light to obtain N multi-wavelength continuous lights as the output of the multi-wavelength cluster light source 400.

It is understood that the beam splitter 201 may be implemented by one beam splitting device. Alternatively, it may be realized by cascading a plurality of optical splitters. For example, a 1 x (M x N) splitter may be implemented by one 1 x M splitter and M1 x N splitters. The latter is easier to implement and the optical power of the split optical output is more balanced.

It should be understood that the optical amplifier of the embodiments of the present application, unlike the optical amplifier array shown in fig. 1-3, is used to amplify only a single wavelength, and is less costly. Therefore, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 400 provided by the embodiment of the present application has a lower cost on the premise of providing the same number of multi-wavelength continuous light outputs.

Fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 500 includes a multi-wavelength light source 101, an optical amplifier 401, a 1 × M optical splitter 502, a plurality of combiners 102, and a plurality of 1 × N optical splitters 201. For the description of the multi-wavelength light source 101, the optical amplifier 401, the combiner 102, and the 1 × N optical splitter 201, refer to fig. 4, and are not described herein again.

In fig. 5, a combiner 102 and a 1 × N splitter 201 form a module 501. Multi-wavelength cluster light source 500 includes a plurality of components 501. These components 501 are physically connected to multiple 1 x M splitters. For example by means of waveguides or optical fibre connections.

Unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 4, in the present embodiment, multiple 1 × M optical splitters are added to the multi-wavelength cluster light source to implement two-stage optical splitting, so as to obtain M × N paths of multi-wavelength continuous light output at a lower cost. It will be appreciated that the wavelength of the continuous light input and output to each 1 x M splitter is different. Thus, one combiner 102 is connected to each 1 × M splitter to combine all the single wavelength continuous light of different wavelengths.

Fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth multi-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 6, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 600 includes a multi-wavelength light source 101, a multi-wavelength light source 301, an optical switch array 302, an optical amplifier 401, a combiner 102, and a 1 × N optical splitter 201. The description of these components refers to the related description of fig. 1 or fig. 4, and is not repeated here.

Similar to fig. 4, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 600 also implements wavelength selection in two continuous lights that are backup to each other through the optical switch array to provide backup of multiple single-wavelength continuous lights. Through the cooperation of the optical switch and the multiple multi-wavelength light sources, the multi-wavelength cluster light source 600 can realize backup of wavelength levels, and the service life of the multi-wavelength cluster light source is prolonged at lower cost.

It should be understood that the present embodiment can also be designed as a two-stage splitter design similar to fig. 5, and will not be described herein.

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a single-wavelength cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 7, single wavelength cluster light source 700 includes single wavelength light source 701, 1 × M optical splitter 103, optical amplifier array 104, and 1 × N optical splitter 201. For the description of the combiner 102, the 1 × M optical splitter 103, and the 1 × N optical splitter 201, refer to fig. 3, and are not described herein again. It should be understood that in this embodiment a single wavelength light source 701 is used to output continuous light of one or more single wavelengths.

Compared to the prior art in which a dense light source is provided by a plurality of single-wavelength light source modules, the single-wavelength cluster light source 700 can provide a plurality of continuous light outputs with better consistency. In addition, the single-wavelength cluster light source 700 has a simple structure, and the occupied volume is obviously reduced compared with the existing scheme.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a cluster light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 8, the method of generating cluster light sources comprises the following two steps.

S801: obtaining a plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights, wherein the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights are different;

s803: and carrying out merging, beam splitting and amplification treatment on the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights to obtain a plurality of multi-wavelength continuous lights.

Specifically, there are various implementations of step S803. In a possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially subjected to combining, beam splitting, and amplifying processes to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights. In another possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially amplified, combined, and split to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights. In yet another possible implementation manner, the multiple single-wavelength continuous lights may be sequentially subjected to combining, beam splitting, amplifying, and beam splitting again to obtain multiple multi-wavelength continuous lights.

Optionally, the method may further comprise the steps of: and acquiring a plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights, wherein the wavelengths of the plurality of other single-wavelength continuous lights correspond to the wavelengths of the plurality of single-wavelength continuous lights one to one. Then, before step S803 is performed, the single-wavelength continuous light of the same two wavelengths in the two single-wavelength continuous lights is alternatively output to obtain a new set of single-wavelength continuous lights, and then the correlation process of S803 is performed.

It should be understood that the specific manner of determination may alternatively be determined by the power of the single wavelength continuous light to be selected. For example, λ for both wavelengths₁If one of the detected power values is lower than the preset threshold value, the other continuous light can be selected as the single-wavelength continuous light for subsequent processing.

It should be understood that the corresponding effects of the above method steps are described in the foregoing embodiments of the apparatus, and are not repeated herein.

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 9, the communication device 900 includes the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200, modulator(s) 901, and electrical chip(s) 902. The multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 outputs a plurality of multi-wavelength continuous lights to the plurality of modulators 901 (one-to-one correspondence), and the plurality of electrical chips 902 also respectively provide the client signals to the plurality of modulators 901. Each modulator 901 modulates the customer signal onto a multi-wavelength continuous light provided by the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 and then transmits it to enable transmission of the customer signal. It should be noted that the number of the client signals output by the electrical chip 902 matches the number of the multi-wavelength continuous light output by the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200, so as to realize the modulation of one client signal onto one wavelength.

It should be understood that the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 may be replaced with other multi-wavelength cluster light sources as described in any of the previous embodiments of the present application. Such as the multi-wavelength cluster light sources and associated variations shown in fig. 3-6. It should be further noted that the multi-wavelength cluster light source 200 can also be replaced by a single-wavelength cluster light source to meet the signal transmission requirement based on a single wavelength.

Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include an optical cross-connect to enable spatial switching of wavelengths carrying the client signals for retransmission and transmission of the client signals.

Finally, it should be noted that: the above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of the changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present application, and shall be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.