Silicon optical integrated Bragg grating assembly and optical module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a silicon optical integrated Bragg grating assembly and an optical module, which comprise a silicon optical chip, the silicon optical chip is provided with a planar waveguide grating, a Bragg grating and a micro circulator, the planar waveguide grating comprises at least one optical waveguide input channel and a plurality of first optical waveguide output channels, each first optical waveguide output channel is correspondingly connected with one micro-circulator, each micro-circulator comprises two second optical waveguide output channels, and at least one second optical waveguide output channel is provided with the Bragg grating. The utility model has the advantages of small volume, high isolation and strong anti-interference capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a grating component, belongs to the technical field of optical modules, and in particular relates to a silicon optical integrated Bragg grating component and an optical module. Background Art

[0002] With the dramatic increase in data demand for communication networks and the rapid development of technology, the transmission rate of optical communication networks continues to increase. Against this backdrop, research on silicon photonics integration technology is gaining increasing attention. Silicon-based photonic devices offer numerous advantages, including compatibility with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes, compact size, transparency in the communication band, and radiation resistance. They also possess the advantages of high bandwidth, low latency, low energy consumption, and low crosstalk. Emerging information technologies such as optical communications, optical interconnects, and optical sensing based on silicon photonics integration are demonstrating a trend toward building new types of information hardware and are becoming a crucial foundation for the next generation of information systems and networks.

[0003] Circulators and wavelength division multiplexers are key components in optical communication systems. However, traditional circulators have several limitations. They typically utilize the magneto-optical effect and combine birefringent crystals and Faraday rotators. Their complex structure and large size make them difficult to implement in miniaturized systems. Similarly, existing wavelength division multiplexing components also suffer from limited functionality, bulk, low isolation between wavelength channels, and weak anti-interference capabilities.

[0004] In view of the above situation, the development of a grating component with small size, high isolation and strong anti-interference ability has become an urgent need in the current optical communication field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the technical defects existing in the prior art and provide a silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating component and optical module. Based on silicon photonics integration technology, the component utilizes the characteristics of parallel waveguide grating light splitting and Bragg grating wave splitting to integrate a planar waveguide grating and a Bragg grating on a silicon-based chip. Furthermore, through the thermo-optical effect of silicon, an all-optical passive circulator is integrated on the silicon-based chip. The planar waveguide grating and the Bragg grating are connected through the circulator to form a new silicon photonics integrated Bragg grating optical component to achieve the purpose of wavelength division. The new wavelength division component is small in size, has high isolation, strong anti-interference ability, and flexible bandwidth layout.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is as follows: the present invention discloses a silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating component, including a silicon photonic chip, on which a planar waveguide grating, a Bragg grating and a microcirculator are arranged. The planar waveguide grating includes at least one optical waveguide input channel and multiple first optical waveguide output channels, each first optical waveguide output channel is correspondingly connected to a microcirculator, and each microcirculator includes two second optical waveguide output channels, and at least one of the second optical waveguide output channels is provided with the Bragg grating.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the planar waveguide grating includes one optical waveguide input channel and four first optical waveguide output channels.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second optical waveguide output channels are arranged in parallel and spaced apart.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the planar waveguide grating, the Bragg grating and the microcirculator are etched on the silicon photonic chip by femtosecond laser.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microcirculator includes a P1 port, a P2 port and a P3 port, the P1 port is connected to the first optical waveguide output channel, the P2 port is connected to the second optical waveguide output channel and the Bragg grating, and the P3 port is connected to the second optical waveguide output channel.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an optical signal is input from the P1 port and output from the P2 port; an optical signal input from the P2 port can only be output from the P3 port.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cover plate is provided on the silicon photonic chip.

[0013] The utility model also discloses an optical module, which comprises a silicon optical integrated Bragg grating component.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it comprises a first base plate on which a single-fiber optical fiber array, a silicon optical integrated Bragg grating component and an arrayed hyperbolic silicon lens are arranged in sequence.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the single-fiber optical fiber array includes a second bottom with an optical fiber positioning groove, a flat cover plate arranged on the second bottom plate, and tail end protection glue.

[0017] The beneficial effects produced by the present invention are as follows: the present invention discloses a silicon-based integrated wavelength division component, which separates the signal into independent wavelengths by etching a Bragg grating directly on the silicon substrate, and then etches a circulator optical path through the thermo-optical effect of the silicon chip, which is linked with the Bragg grating to form a silicon-based chip component. The fiber Bragg grating of the present invention is produced by depositing and etching refractive index materials of different periods on a path. When the light signal passes through the Bragg grating, the light wavelengths that meet the Bragg conditions are reflected after passing through the grating surface, and the wavelengths that do not meet the conditions continue to be transmitted, thereby separating the wavelengths. The optical components manufactured using silicon photonic chip integration technology are smaller in size, and optical signals are coupled with the transmitting and receiving components at the input and output ends, making optical signal coupling more convenient. The integrated components can be used on a large scale for optical module data transmission and long-distance backbone communication network transmission through flexible spatial layout;

[0018] This utility model achieves significant breakthroughs in integration and miniaturization. By integrating a planar waveguide grating, a Bragg grating, and a microcirculator on a single silicon photonic chip, the device's size is significantly reduced, overcoming the complex and bulky shortcomings of traditional circulators. This highly integrated design not only makes the device more compact, but also significantly enhances its flexibility and applicability in a variety of application scenarios.

[0019] The silicon photonic chip used in this utility model integrates an all-optical microcirculator to ensure that light can only be transmitted in a directional direction. The input optical signal can be directly coupled with the silicon photonic integrated chip through the optical fiber array, eliminating the traditional Faraday isolator. Traditional optical path signal transmission needs to be coupled with the isolator through the optical fiber array and then coupled with the wavelength division component. This integrated design improves the coupling efficiency in the production process, greatly improves the large-scale production capacity, and reduces material and manufacturing costs.

[0020] This utility model achieves a qualitative leap in functionality and performance. The integration of multifunctional components overcomes the single-function limitations of existing wavelength division systems, achieving multifunctional integration. In particular, the separate loop design of the Bragg grating enables flexible modulation of different wavelengths, significantly improving isolation between channels and enhancing the system's anti-interference capabilities. The microcirculator's specialized port design (P1, P2, and P3) enables directional transmission of optical signals, further enhancing signal transmission efficiency and controllability.

[0021] This utility model uses femtosecond laser etching technology to fabricate individual components on a silicon photonic chip, ensuring high precision and excellent consistency. The design of the silicon photonic integrated chip facilitates coupling of the device with other optical components, significantly simplifying the system integration process. Furthermore, the cover plate provided on the silicon photonic chip enhances the device's durability and stability.

[0022] The multi-output design (e.g., 1 input, 4 outputs) of the planar waveguide grating disclosed in this utility model allows system expansion as needed. As a standalone optical module, it can be easily integrated with other components (such as single-fiber optical arrays and arrayed hyperbolic silicon lenses), further enhancing the system's adaptability. Of particular note is the sophisticated design of the single-fiber optical array (including fiber positioning grooves, flat cover, and end-cap protective adhesive) that ensures precise alignment between the optical fiber and the chip, improving optical signal transmission efficiency.

[0023] The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly disclosed in this utility model not only overcomes many shortcomings of traditional optical components but also offers innovations in integration, functionality, performance, manufacturing process, and ease of use. It provides a novel solution for miniaturization and high-performance development of optical communication systems and is expected to play a significant role in future optical communication technologies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the optical module of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 A top view of the optical module of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of two plane wave superposition models of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the working principle of the Bragg grating structure of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] The utility model discloses a silicon photonics integrated Bragg grating component and an optical module. Specifically, the component utilizes the characteristics of parallel waveguide grating light splitting and Bragg grating wave splitting to integrate a planar waveguide grating and a Bragg grating on a silicon-based chip. Furthermore, through the thermo-optical effect of silicon, an all-optical passive circulator is integrated on the silicon-based chip. The planar waveguide grating and the Bragg grating are connected through the circulator to form a new silicon photonics integrated Bragg grating optical component, thereby achieving the purpose of wavelength division. The new wavelength division component is small in size, has high isolation, strong anti-interference ability, and flexible bandwidth layout.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This embodiment provides a silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly, the core of which is a silicon photonic chip 4. The silicon photonic chip 4 not only integrates multiple key optical components, but also achieves efficient optical signal processing and transmission through structural design.

[0034] The silicon photonic chip 4 integrates three main optical functional units: a planar waveguide grating 4-1, a microcirculator 4-2, and a Bragg grating 4-3. This highly integrated design significantly reduces the size of the entire component while improving the efficiency of optical signal processing.

[0035] Planar waveguide grating 4-1 is the entry point for the entire system. It comprises one optical waveguide input channel and four first optical waveguide output channels. This one-input, four-output design provides the system with great flexibility, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple optical signals. Each first optical waveguide output channel is connected to a microcirculator 4-2, forming four independent signal processing units.

[0036] Microcirculator 4-2 is a key component in this design. Each microcirculator contains three ports: P1, P2, and P3. Port P1 is connected to the first optical waveguide output channel and serves as the signal input port. Port P2 is connected to the second optical waveguide output channel and the Bragg grating 4-3, serving as both an output port and receiving feedback signals from the Bragg grating. Port P3 is connected to another second optical waveguide output channel and is primarily used to output signals input from port P2. This design enables directional transmission of optical signals: signals input from port P1 can be output from port P2, while signals input from port P2 can only be output from port P3.

[0037] Another important functional unit is the Bragg grating 4-3, which is placed on at least one of the second optical waveguide output channels. The Bragg grating reflects light signals of specific wavelengths, allowing precise control and regulation of optical signals of different wavelengths. By placing Bragg gratings with different parameters on different output channels, complex wavelength selection and signal processing functions can be implemented.

[0038] It is worth noting that all the second optical waveguide output channels are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. This layout not only simplifies the chip design and manufacturing process, but also helps reduce crosstalk between channels and improve signal quality.

[0039] Advanced femtosecond laser etching technology is used in the manufacturing process. Planar waveguide grating 4-1, Bragg grating 4-3, and microcirculator 4-2 are all etched directly onto silicon photonic chip 4 using this technology. Femtosecond laser etching technology offers exceptional precision, enabling precise control of etching depth and shape at the nanometer level, ensuring consistent performance across all optical components.

[0040] The planar waveguide grating of this utility model utilizes the diffraction, interference, and total reflection technologies of the grating. Photolithography is used to etch an optical waveguide on a silicon-based plane. The optical signal is diffracted by the grating and split into multiple beams. When two plane waves arrive at the same location, under the condition of meeting the same phase, the two beams of light are superimposed and reinforce each other, allowing the light waves to maintain propagation in the waveguide to form a guided wave. Due to the refractive index of the material, the guided wave beam is confined to the waveguide for transmission, ultimately achieving the optical signal splitting function. Only when the guided wave is formed and the total reflection condition is met can the optical signal be transmitted in the waveguide. For a given waveguide structure and the frequency of the incident light, different values ​​of m will result in different solutions for θ1 or β in the equation. , where K = k0*(n12-N 2)1 / 2, where N = β / k0 is called the modal refractive index or effective refractive index.

[0041] The Bragg grating of this utility model is a grating with a periodic refractive index change within a certain length range. When the Bragg condition is met, the light signal reflected back from each grating plane gradually accumulates, and finally forms a reflection peak in the reverse channel of light transmission. Its central wavelength λ is determined by the grating parameters, where ηeff is the refractive index of the medium of light signal transmission to the central wavelength, and ∧ is the grating period.

[0042]

[0043] Can get

[0044] *∧

[0045] The utility model utilizes this characteristic of the Bragg grating. By setting Bragg gratings with different parameters, each optical signal output by the planar waveguide grating is reflectively filtered, and finally multiple optical signals with independent wavelengths are obtained. The optical signal is coupled to the silicon photonic integrated chip through a single-core optical fiber array. After entering the input waveguide of the planar grating waveguide of the silicon photonic chip, the optical signal is divided into four parts through the output waveguide. Each optical signal then passes through the Pn-1 port of the silicon photonic microcirculator, is output through the Pn-2 port of the microcirculator, enters different Bragg gratings and is output. The optical signal of a specific wavelength is reflected by the Bragg grating and output through the Pn-3 port of the microcirculator.

[0046] To protect these delicate optical structures, the surface of the silicon photonic chip 4 is covered with a cover plate 5. This cover plate not only protects the chip surface from the external environment, but also improves the mechanical strength and stability of the entire assembly.

[0047] A significant advantage of this structural design is its versatility and flexibility. By adjusting the parameters of the Bragg grating and the operating mode of the microcirculator, a variety of complex optical signal processing functions, such as wavelength selection, signal splitting, and wavelength conversion, can be implemented. Furthermore, because all functions are integrated on a miniaturized silicon photonic chip, the overall assembly size is significantly reduced, making it ideal for space-constrained applications.

[0048] This innovative silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly represents a significant development in optical communication technology. Through high integration and precision design, it implements complex optical signal processing capabilities on a miniaturized platform, paving the way for more efficient and flexible optical communication systems in the future.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] This embodiment is based on the Figure 3 Taking the four-channel Bragg grating integrated silicon photonic chip as an example, the utility model etches a planar waveguide grating structure 4-1, a silicon photonic microcirculator structure 4-2 (a corresponding number of microcirculators are etched according to the number of waveguides output by the planar waveguide grating), a Bragg grating structure 4-3, a Bragg grating structure 4-4, a Bragg grating structure 4-5, and a Bragg grating structure 4-6 on a silicon-based substrate material. The optical signal is input from the planar waveguide grating in the propagation direction and output through the Bragg grating and the circulator. The planar waveguide grating is a 1×N structure, and the multi-wavelength optical signal λ is input. i After passing through the planar waveguide grating, it is divided into multiple optical signals λ i-1 ,λ i-2 ...λ i-N Each optical signal is input through the circulator Pn-1 port, and the optical signal is output to the Bragg grating through the circulator Pn-2 port, and then transmitted through the Bragg grating to λ i-1 ,λ i-2 ...λ i-N Optical signal. Each Bragg grating is set with different grating period parameters. The optical signal reflected by the Bragg grating will form an independent wavelength. This independent wavelength optical signal returns to the circulator and is output through the circulator's P3 port, ultimately obtaining different wavelengths of λ1, λ2...λ N light signal.

[0051] Attach Figure 3For example, the wavelength obtained by reflection by the Bragg grating 4-3 is output as λ1 through the circulator port Pn-3, the wavelength obtained by reflection by the Bragg grating 4-4 ​​is output as λ2 through the circulator port P3, the wavelength obtained by reflection by the Bragg grating 4-5 is output as λ3 through the circulator port P3, and the wavelength obtained by reflection by the Bragg grating 4-6 is output as λ4 through the circulator port P3, and so on, to obtain optical signals of separate wavelengths on different paths.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment discloses an optical module that utilizes the silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly disclosed in Example 1. The module includes an LC optical interface 2 and a first base plate 1, on which a single-fiber optical fiber array 3, a silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly, and an arrayed hyperbolic silicon lens 6 are sequentially arranged. The single-fiber optical fiber array 3 includes a second base plate 3-1 with fiber positioning grooves, a flat cover plate 3-2 disposed on the base plate 3-1, and end-end protective adhesive 3-3.

[0054] The utility model integrates different types of gratings together through silicon photonics integration technology, making them more compact. Each optical signal is transmitted separately, and the transmission between the optical fiber signals with separated wavelengths is less affected by interference. Different Bragg grating lengths and periods can be flexibly set according to the layout of the channel to obtain different reflection wavelengths, which is more flexible in communication network applications.

[0055] It should be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the steps in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0056] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to this utility model.

Claims

1. A silicon optical integrated Bragg grating component, characterized in that: The invention comprises a silicon photonic chip (4), wherein a planar waveguide grating (4-1), a Bragg grating (4-3) and a microcirculator (4-2) are arranged on the silicon photonic chip (4), wherein the planar waveguide grating (4-1) comprises at least one optical waveguide input channel and a plurality of first optical waveguide output channels, each first optical waveguide output channel is correspondingly connected to a microcirculator (4-2), and each microcirculator (4-2) comprises two second optical waveguide output channels, and at least one of the second optical waveguide output channels is provided with the Bragg grating (4-3).

2. The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planar waveguide grating (4-1) comprises one optical waveguide input channel and four first optical waveguide output channels.

3. The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second optical waveguide output channels are arranged in parallel and spaced apart.

4. The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The planar waveguide grating (4-1), the Bragg grating (4-3) and the microcirculator (4-2) are etched on the silicon photonic chip (4) by femtosecond laser.

5. The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microcirculator (4-2) comprises a P1 port, a P2 port and a P3 port, the P1 port is connected to the first optical waveguide output channel, the P2 port is connected to the second optical waveguide output channel and the Bragg grating (4-3), and the P3 port is connected to the second optical waveguide output channel.

6. The silicon optical integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: Optical signals are input from the P1 port and output from the P2 port; optical signals input from the P2 port can only be output from the P3 port.

7. The silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cover plate (5) is provided on the silicon photonic chip (4).

8. An optical module, characterized in that: The method comprises the silicon photonic integrated Bragg grating component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The optical module according to claim 8, wherein: It comprises a first base plate (1), on which a single-fiber optical fiber array (3), a silicon optical integrated Bragg grating component, and an arrayed hyperbolic silicon lens (6) are arranged in sequence.

10. The optical module according to claim 9, wherein: The single-fiber optical fiber array (3) comprises a second base plate (3-1) with an optical fiber positioning groove, a flat cover plate (3-2) arranged on the second base plate (3-1), and a tail end protective glue (3-3).

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