Composite substrate for photonic crystal element and photonic crystal element
The composite substrate for photonic crystal elements addresses issues of peeling and optical losses by integrating an electro-optic crystal substrate with a support substrate through an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer, resulting in enhanced optical properties and structural integrity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021562904
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-05-28
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional composite substrates for photonic crystal elements face issues such as peeling due to adhesive deterioration, damage to the electro-optic crystal substrate, and the formation of amorphous layers that cause optical losses and degrade the electro-optic effect.
A composite substrate is developed that includes an electro-optic crystal substrate with an electro-optic effect, an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer on one surface of the electro-optic crystal substrate, and a support substrate integrated with the electro-optic crystal substrate through the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer, thereby avoiding the use of adhesives and minimizing optical losses.
This configuration enhances the optical properties and structural integrity of the photonic crystal elements by preventing peeling, reducing optical losses, and maintaining the electro-optic effect, ultimately enabling the achievement of low driving voltage and high-performance photonic crystal elements.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a composite substrate for a photonic crystal device and a photonic crystal device. [Background technology]
[0002] Various electro-optical elements are known. The electro-optical element can convert an electric signal into an optical signal by utilizing the electro-optical effect. The electro-optical element is adopted, for example, in radio-on-optical communications, and is being developed to realize high-speed and large-capacity communication, low power consumption (low driving voltage), and small footprint. The electro-optical element is configured, for example, using a composite substrate. The composite substrate typically includes an electro-optical crystal substrate having an electro-optical effect, and a support substrate bonded to the electro-optical crystal substrate. This allows the electro-optical crystal substrate to be made thin, and application development to realize the above-mentioned functions is becoming active. In the conventional composite substrate, the electro-optical crystal substrate and the support substrate are bonded by an adhesive. With such a configuration, peeling may occur in the composite substrate due to deterioration of the adhesive over time, and further, damage (e.g., cracks) may occur in the electro-optical crystal substrate due to such peeling.
[0003] In order to solve the above problems, a technology has been developed for directly bonding an electro-optic crystal substrate and a support substrate without using an adhesive. However, when the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate are directly bonded, an amorphous layer composed of elements of the electro-optic crystal substrate and elements of the support substrate is formed between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate. This amorphous layer has no crystallinity, its optical properties are different from those of the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate, and the interface between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the amorphous layer is not flat. Such an uneven interface may scatter (e.g., diffuse reflection, leakage) and / or absorb the light traveling through the electro-optic crystal substrate. Furthermore, this amorphization may deteriorate the electro-optic effect of the electro-optic crystal, and the desired low driving voltage may not be achieved. To address such problems, a technology has been proposed, for example, in which a low refractive index layer is interposed between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate.
[0004] Meanwhile, photonic crystal elements are being developed as one type of electro-optical element. Photonic crystal elements are expected to be applied and developed in a wide range of fields, such as optical waveguides, next-generation high-speed communications, sensors, laser processing, and solar power generation. With the development of such photonic crystal elements, composite substrates suitable for photonic crystal elements are desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6650551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a composite substrate capable of realizing a photonic crystal element having excellent characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] A composite substrate for a photonic crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an electro-optic crystal substrate having an electro-optic effect, an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer provided on one surface of the electro-optic crystal substrate, and a support substrate integrated with the electro-optic crystal substrate via the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer. In one embodiment, the optical loss suppression and cavitation layer is a single layer. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may further include a peeling prevention layer between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may further include a bonding layer between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer and the support substrate. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may have a patterned sacrificial layer formed on the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may further include an overcoat layer between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer and the supporting substrate. In another embodiment, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer has an optical loss suppression layer provided on the electro-optic crystal substrate and a cavity processing layer provided on the support substrate, and the optical loss suppression layer and the cavity processing layer are directly bonded to each other. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may further include a bonding layer between the optical loss suppression layer and the supporting substrate. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may have a patterned sacrificial layer formed on the optical loss suppression layer or the cavity processed layer. In this embodiment, the photonic crystal device composite substrate may further have an overcoat layer between the optical loss suppression layer and the cavity processed layer. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photonic crystal element using the above-mentioned composite substrate for photonic crystal elements, the photonic element comprising: a photonic crystal layer formed by periodically forming holes in the electro-optic crystal substrate; a junction provided below the photonic crystal layer and integrating the photonic crystal layer with a support substrate; and a cavity defined by the lower surface of the photonic crystal layer, the upper surface of the support substrate, and the junction. In one embodiment, the photonic crystal element is constructed using the composite substrate for photonic crystal elements. In one embodiment, an etching through-hole is formed in the photonic crystal layer, in which case the size of the etching through-hole may be larger than the size of the hole. Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a composite substrate for a photonic crystal element having an electro-optic crystal substrate and a supporting substrate, an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer is provided on one side of the electro-optic crystal substrate, and the electro-optic crystal substrate and supporting substrate are integrated via the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer, thereby realizing a photonic crystal element with excellent characteristics. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photonic crystal device composite substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photonic crystal device composite substrate of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6A to 6C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a method for producing the photonic crystal device composite substrate of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photonic crystal element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11(a) to 11(c) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating one example of a method for manufacturing a photonic crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12(a) to 12(d) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating another example of a method for manufacturing a photonic crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13(a) to 13(d) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating still another example of the method for manufacturing a photonic crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0011] A. Composite substrate for photonic crystal devices A-1. Overall configuration and modifications FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a composite substrate for photonic crystal devices (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as a composite substrate) according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the composite substrate of FIG. 1. The composite substrate according to the embodiment of the present invention may be typically manufactured in the form of a so-called wafer, as shown in FIG. 1. The composite substrate may be provided to a manufacturer of photonic crystal devices in the form of a wafer as shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided to a manufacturer in the form of a wafer (photonic crystal wafer) on which a photonic crystal layer is formed, as described below. In this specification, a photonic crystal wafer may be referred to as a photonic crystal device. That is, in this specification, the term "photonic crystal device" encompasses both a photonic crystal wafer and a chip obtained by cutting the photonic crystal wafer.
[0012] The composite substrate 100 in the illustrated example includes an electro-optic crystal substrate 10 having an electro-optic effect, an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 provided on one surface of the electro-optic crystal substrate, and a support substrate 30 integrated with the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 via the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and the support substrate 30 are directly bonded to each other, thereby integrating the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the support substrate 30. An amorphous layer (not shown) is typically formed at the bonding interface of the direct bonding. In the illustrated embodiment, the amorphous layer is a layer formed at the bonding interface by direct bonding between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and the support substrate 30. As the name suggests, the amorphous layer has an amorphous structure, and is composed of elements constituting the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and elements constituting the support substrate 30. In the embodiment of the present invention, not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an amorphous layer may typically be formed at the bonding interface of direct bonding. The amorphous layer is composed of the constituent elements of the layers or substrates that are directly bonded to each other.
[0013] As described later, holes are formed in a predetermined pattern in the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 to form a photonic crystal layer in the photonic crystal element. The optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 prevents an amorphous layer from being formed in the electro-optic crystal substrate during direct bonding, thereby suppressing the optical loss of the electro-optic crystal substrate; after fulfilling the optical loss suppression function during direct bonding, it is removed by etching to form cavities in the photonic crystal element. Furthermore, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 can stop etching (typically dry etching) at an appropriate level by adjusting the constituent material, thickness, etc.
[0014] By directly bonding the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the support substrate 30 together, it is possible to effectively suppress peeling of the composite substrate, and as a result, it is possible to effectively suppress damage (e.g., cracks) to the electro-optic crystal substrate caused by such peeling. Furthermore, by directly bonding the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and the support substrate 30, it is possible to avoid direct bonding between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate, and therefore it is possible to prevent the formation of an amorphous layer in the electro-optic crystal substrate. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the optical properties or the optical loss of the electro-optic crystal substrate.
[0015] In this specification, "direct bonding" means that the components of the composite substrate (optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and supporting substrate 30 in the examples of Figs. 1 and 2) are bonded together without the use of adhesive. The form of direct bonding can be appropriately set depending on the configuration of the layers or substrates to be bonded together. For example, direct bonding can be achieved by the following procedure. In a high vacuum chamber (e.g., 1×10 -6A neutralizing beam is irradiated to each of the bonding surfaces of the components (layers or substrates) to be bonded at a pressure of about 100 Pa. This activates each bonding surface. Next, the activated bonding surfaces are brought into contact with each other in a vacuum atmosphere and bonded at room temperature. The load during this bonding can be, for example, 100 N to 20,000 N. In one embodiment, when performing surface activation using the neutralizing beam, an inert gas is introduced into the chamber, and a high voltage is applied from a DC power source to an electrode placed in the chamber. With this configuration, electrons are moved by an electric field generated between the electrode (positive electrode) and the chamber (negative electrode), and a beam of atoms and ions is generated by the inert gas. Of the beams that reach the grid, the ion beam is neutralized by the grid, and a beam of neutral atoms is emitted from the high-speed atom beam source. The atomic species that constitute the beam is preferably an inert gas element (for example, argon (Ar), nitrogen (N)). The voltage during activation by beam irradiation is, for example, 0.5 kV to 2.0 kV, and the current is, for example, 50 mA to 200 mA. The direct bonding method is not limited to this, and surface activation using an ion gun, atomic diffusion, plasma bonding, etc. can also be used.
[0016] The optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer may be a single layer as described above, or may have an optical loss suppression layer and a cavity processing layer as described below. That is, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer may have both an optical loss suppression function and a cavity forming function as a single layer, or may be separated into two layers, an optical loss suppression layer and a cavity processing layer, and share the functions.
[0017] Modified examples of the composite substrate will be described below. Specific configurations of the components (layers or substrates) of the composite substrate will be described later in Sections A-2 to A-8.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100a of the illustrated example, a peeling prevention layer 40 is provided between the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20, and an overcoat layer 50 and a bonding layer 60 are provided between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and the support substrate 30. The bonding layer 60 can be directly bonded to the support substrate 30 and / or the adjacent layer on the opposite side of the support substrate 30 (the overcoat layer 50 or the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 in the illustrated example). A bonding layer may be provided on each of the support substrate 30 and the overcoat layer 50 or the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20, and each bonding layer may be directly bonded. By providing the peeling prevention layer 40, peeling between the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the adjacent layer (the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 in the illustrated example) can be suppressed. The overcoat layer 50 can be provided as a layer for flattening the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 when it has unevenness. Specifically, when the sacrificial layer 70 is formed as shown in FIG. 4 described later, the sacrificial layer 70 and the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 are formed in separate steps, so that the lower surface of the illustrated example may have unevenness. In this case, by forming the overcoat layer 50, the surface can be formed as a single layer, so that the flattening process can be easily performed. In addition, by providing the bonding layer 60, it is possible to realize a strong integration between the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the support substrate 30. The peeling prevention layer 40, the overcoat layer 50, and the bonding layer 60 are optional layers that are provided as necessary, and at least one of them may be omitted. In the illustrated example, for example, the overcoat layer 50, the peeling prevention layer 40 and the overcoat layer 50, or the overcoat layer 50 and the bonding layer 60 may be omitted. When a bonding layer is present, an amorphous layer may be formed at the interface of the direct bonding between the bonding layer and the adjacent layer (including the interface of the direct bonding between the bonding layers). When the overcoat layer and the bonding layer are omitted, similarly to FIG. 2, optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 and supporting substrate 30 may be directly bonded to each other, and an amorphous layer may be formed at the bonding interface.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100b of the illustrated example, a sacrificial layer 70 is formed on the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20. By providing the sacrificial layer 70, a cavity for effectively expressing the function of the photonic crystal can be easily formed in a desired shape. It is preferable that the cavity has a sufficient thickness over the entire area directly below the hole of the photonic crystal. For this reason, the sacrificial layer 70 is formed in a predetermined pattern according to the purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the sacrificial layer 70 is typically formed in a pattern and shape corresponding to the cavity in the photonic crystal element. In the illustrated embodiment, an overcoat layer 50 and / or a bonding layer 60 may be further provided between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 (sacrificial layer 70) and the support substrate 30 as necessary. When the bonding layer 60 is provided alone, the bonding layer 60 can be directly bonded to the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 (sacrificial layer 70) and / or the support substrate 30. When the overcoat layer 50 and the bonding layer 60 are provided, typically the overcoat layer 50 is provided on the sacrificial layer 70 side. The bonding layer 60 can be directly bonded to the overcoat layer 50 and / or the supporting substrate 30. As in the above embodiment, a bonding layer may be provided on each of the layers or substrates to be bonded, and the bonding layers may be directly bonded to each other.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100c of the illustrated example, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer has an optical loss suppression layer 21 and a cavity processing layer 22. Typically, the optical loss suppression layer 21 is formed on the electro-optic crystal substrate 10, and the cavity processing layer 22 is formed on the support substrate 30. Typically, as shown in FIG. 6, the optical loss suppression layer 21 of the laminate of the optical loss suppression layer 21 / electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and the cavity processing layer 22 of the laminate of the cavity processing layer 22 / support substrate 30 are directly bonded to form a laminated structure of the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22. By adopting the laminated structure of the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22, damage to the electro-optic crystal layer due to etching of the cavity processing layer can be suppressed, and / or holes can be prevented from penetrating the cavity processing layer to reach the support substrate during the manufacture of the photonic crystal structure. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent foreign elements from diffusing into the electro-optic crystal substrate during processes such as bonding and etching.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100d of the illustrated example, an overcoat layer 50 and a bonding layer 60 are provided between the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22. The overcoat layer 50 and the bonding layer 60 are optional layers that are provided as necessary, and at least one of them may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, in many cases, only the bonding layer 60 may be provided. The bonding layer 60 may be directly bonded to the cavity processing layer 22 and / or the adjacent layer on the opposite side of the cavity processing layer 22 (in the illustrated example, the overcoat layer 50 or the optical loss suppression layer 21). As in the above embodiment, a bonding layer may be provided in each of the layers to be bonded (in the illustrated example, the cavity processing layer 22, and the overcoat layer 50 or the optical loss suppression layer 21) and each bonding layer may be directly bonded.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100e of the illustrated example, a sacrificial layer 70 is formed on the cavity processing layer 22. By adopting a laminated structure of the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22 and forming the sacrificial layer 70 on the cavity processing layer 22, there is an advantage that a cavity can be formed in a designed position and shape as designed. In the illustrated embodiment, a bonding layer 60 may be further provided between the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22 (sacrificial layer 70) or between the cavity processing layer 22 (sacrificial layer 70) and the support substrate 30 as necessary. The bonding layer 60 may be directly bonded to at least one adjacent layer as in the above embodiment, or a bonding layer may be provided on each of the layers to be bonded and each bonding layer may be directly bonded.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a composite substrate according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the composite substrate 100f of the illustrated example, a sacrificial layer 70 is formed on the optical loss suppression layer 21. In the composite substrate 100f, the cavity processing layer 22 and the support substrate 30 may be directly bonded to each other. By adopting a laminated structure of the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22 and forming the sacrificial layer 70 on the optical loss suppression layer 21, there is an advantage that a cavity can be formed in a designed position and in a designed shape. This structure is effective when it is difficult to pattern the cavity processing layer 22. In the illustrated embodiment, an overcoat layer 50 and / or a bonding layer 60 may be further provided between the optical loss suppression layer 21 (sacrificial layer 70) and the cavity processing layer 22, or between the cavity processing layer 22 and the support substrate 30, as necessary.
[0024] The above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined depending on the purpose, and / or the above-described embodiments may be modified in a manner well known in the art.
[0025] A-2. Electro-optic crystal substrate The electro-optic crystal substrate 10 has an upper surface exposed to the outside and a lower surface located within the composite substrate. In an embodiment of the present invention, a part or all of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 becomes an optical waveguide that transmits light in a photonic crystal element manufactured from the composite substrate. The electro-optic crystal substrate 10 is composed of a crystal of a material having an electro-optic effect. Specifically, the optical constant (e.g., refractive index) of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can change when an electric field is applied. In one embodiment, the c-axis of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can be parallel to the electro-optic crystal substrate 10. That is, the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can be an X-cut substrate or a Y-cut substrate. In another embodiment, the c-axis of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can be perpendicular to the electro-optic crystal substrate 10. That is, the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can be a Z-cut substrate. The thickness of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 can be set to any appropriate thickness depending on the frequency and wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The thickness of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 may be, for example, 0.1 μm to 10 μm, or, for example, 0.1 μm to 3 μm. As will be described later, since the composite substrate is reinforced by the support substrate, the thickness of the electro-optic crystal substrate can be made thin.
[0026] Any appropriate material may be used as the material for forming the electro-optic crystal substrate 10, so long as the effects of the embodiments of the present invention can be obtained. Representative examples of such materials include dielectric materials (e.g., ceramics). Specific examples include lithium niobate (LiNbO3:LN), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3:LT), potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO4:KTP), potassium lithium niobate (KTiOPO4:KTP), and potassium tantalate (KTiOPO4:KTP). x Li (1-x) NbO2:KLM), potassium niobate (KNbO3:KN), potassium tantalate-niobate (KNb x Ta (1-x) O3:KTN), and a solid solution of lithium niobate and lithium tantalate.
[0027] A-3.Support board The support substrate 30 has an upper surface located inside the composite substrate and a lower surface exposed to the outside. The support substrate 30 is provided to increase the strength of the composite substrate, and thus the thickness of the electro-optic crystal substrate can be reduced. Any suitable configuration can be adopted for the support substrate 30. Specific examples of materials constituting the support substrate 30 include silicon (Si), glass, sialon (Si3N4-Al2O3), mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2, 2Al2O3·3SiO2), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon nitride (Si3N4), magnesium oxide (MgO), sapphire, quartz, crystal, gallium nitride (GaN), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium oxide (Ga2O3). The linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the support substrate 30 is preferably as close as possible to the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the electro-optic crystal substrate 10. With such a configuration, thermal deformation (typically, warpage) of the composite substrate can be suppressed. Preferably, the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the support substrate 30 is within a range of 50% to 150% of the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the electro-optic crystal substrate 10. From this perspective, the support substrate may be made of the same material as the electro-optic crystal substrate 10.
[0028] A-4. Optical loss suppression and cavity processing layers A-4-1. Single layer The optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer (single layer) 20 has an optical loss suppression function, a cavity processing function, and an etching stop function as described above. Any suitable configuration may be adopted as the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer as long as it has such functions. Examples of materials constituting the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer (single layer) include silicon oxide (SiO2), amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (i.e., excluding single crystal silicon), molybdenum, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), compounds of these materials, and mixtures of these materials. The thickness of the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer (single layer) is, for example, 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm, and also, for example, 0.5 μm to 1.0 μm.
[0029] A-4-2.Laminated structure of optical loss suppression layer and cavity processing layer When the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer has the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22, the optical loss suppression layer may have any suitable configuration as long as it has an optical loss suppression function. Examples of materials constituting the optical loss suppression layer include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon (i.e., excluding single crystal silicon), molybdenum, aluminum oxide, compounds of these materials, and mixtures of these materials. The thickness of the optical loss suppression layer is, for example, 0.01 μm (10 nm) to 0.1 μm (100 nm), and, for example, 0.01 μm (10 nm) to 0.05 μm (50 nm).
[0030] The cavity processing layer may have any suitable configuration as long as it has a cavity processing function and an etching stop function. Examples of materials constituting the cavity processing layer include silicon oxide, amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, molybdenum, aluminum oxide, compounds of these materials, and mixtures of these materials. The thickness of the cavity processing layer is, for example, 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm, or, for example, 0.3 μm to 0.7 μm.
[0031] A-5. Anti-peeling layer As described above, the peeling prevention layer 40 is provided to prevent or suppress peeling between the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 and an adjacent layer (typically, the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20). Any appropriate configuration may be adopted as the peeling prevention layer depending on the configuration of the electro-optic crystal substrate and the adjacent layer. Examples of materials constituting the peeling prevention layer include amorphous silicon, tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), niobium oxide (Nb2O5), titanium oxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide, and hafnium oxide (HfO2). The thickness of the peeling prevention layer is, for example, 0.01 μm to 0.1 μm.
[0032] A-6. Overcoat layer As described above, the overcoat layer 50 is provided to suppress optical loss and to flatten the cavity processing layer 20 when it has unevenness. Any appropriate configuration may be adopted as the overcoat layer depending on the purpose and the configuration of the adjacent layer (e.g., sacrificial layer). Examples of materials constituting the overcoat layer include amorphous silicon, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, and hafnium oxide. The thickness of the overcoat layer is, for example, 0.01 μm to 1 μm.
[0033] A-7.Joining layer As described above, the bonding layer 60 is provided to increase the bonding strength and realize a strong integration between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate. Any suitable configuration may be adopted as the bonding layer depending on the configuration of the substrate or layer to be bonded. Examples of materials constituting the bonding layer include silicon oxide, amorphous silicon, tantalum oxide, alumina (Al2O3), hafnia (HfO2), Cr / Au, and Cr / Cu. The thickness of the bonding layer is, for example, 0.01 μm to 0.1 μm, and, for example, 0.01 μm to 0.05 μm.
[0034] A-8. Sacrificial layer As described above, the sacrificial layer 70 is provided to form a cavity in a designed position and shape. Any appropriate configuration may be adopted as the sacrificial layer depending on the purpose. Examples of materials constituting the sacrificial layer include amorphous silicon, silicon, molybdenum, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, compounds of these materials, and mixtures of these materials. The thickness of the sacrificial layer is, for example, 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm, or, for example, 0.2 μm to 0.7 μm.
[0035] B. Photonic Crystal Elements B-1. Configuration of photonic crystal element 10 is a schematic perspective view of a photonic crystal element according to one embodiment of the present invention. The photonic crystal element 200 of the illustrated example has a photonic crystal layer 10a formed by periodically forming holes 12 in an electro-optic crystal substrate 10; a junction 20a provided below the photonic crystal layer 10a and integrating the photonic crystal layer 10a with a support substrate 30; and a cavity 80 defined by the lower surface of the photonic crystal layer 10a, the upper surface 30 of the support substrate, and the inner surface of the junction 20a. The cavity 80 is formed by removing the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer of the composite substrate described in the above section A by etching, and the junction 20a is formed by the remaining optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer.
[0036] The photonic crystal constituting the photonic crystal layer 10a is a multidimensional periodic structure in which a medium with a large refractive index and a medium with a small refractive index are arranged in a period approximately equal to the wavelength of light, and has an optical band structure similar to the band structure of electrons. Therefore, by appropriately designing the periodic structure, it is possible to realize a predetermined optical forbidden band (photonic band gap). A photonic crystal having a forbidden band functions as an object that does not reflect or transmit light of a predetermined wavelength. When a line defect that disrupts the periodicity is introduced into a photonic crystal having a photonic band gap, a guided mode is formed within the frequency region of the band gap, and an optical waveguide that propagates light with low loss can be realized.
[0037] The photonic crystal in the illustrated example is a so-called slab-type two-dimensional photonic crystal. The slab-type two-dimensional photonic crystal is a photonic crystal in which cylindrical or polygonal low-refractive index columns having a refractive index lower than that of the material constituting the thin plate slab are provided in a thin plate slab of a dielectric or semiconductor at appropriate two-dimensional periodic intervals according to the intended and desired photonic band gap, and the thin plate slab is sandwiched between an upper clad and a lower clad having a refractive index lower than that of the thin plate slab. In the illustrated example, the holes 12 function as low-refractive index columns, the portion 14 between the holes 12, 12 of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 functions as a high-refractive index portion, the cavity 80 functions as a lower clad, and the external environment (air portion) above the photonic crystal element 200 functions as an upper clad. The portion of the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 where the periodic pattern of the holes 12 is not formed becomes a line defect, and the line defect portion constitutes the optical waveguide 16.
[0038] The holes 12 may be formed in a periodic pattern as described above. The holes 12 are typically arranged to form a regular lattice. Any suitable lattice shape may be adopted as long as a predetermined photonic band gap can be realized. Representative examples include a triangular lattice and a square lattice. In one embodiment, the holes 12 may be through-holes. Through-holes are easy to form, and as a result, the refractive index can be easily adjusted. Any suitable shape may be adopted as the shape of the holes (through-holes) in plan view. Specific examples include equilateral polygons (e.g., equilateral triangles, squares, regular pentagons, regular hexagons, and regular octagons), approximate circles, and ellipses. An approximate circle is preferable. The approximate circle has a preferable major axis / minor axis ratio. The refractive index is preferably 0.90 to 1.10, and more preferably 0.95 to 1.05. As described above, the through holes 12 may be low refractive index columns (columnar portions made of a low refractive index material). However, since the through holes are easier to form and are made of air, which has the lowest refractive index, the refractive index difference with the optical waveguide can be made large. Also, the diameter of the holes may be partially different from the diameter of other holes.
[0039] The lattice pattern of the holes can be appropriately set depending on the purpose and the desired photonic band gap. In the illustrated example, holes with a diameter d1 form a square lattice with a period P. The square lattice pattern is formed on both sides of the photonic crystal element, and the optical waveguide 16 is formed in the center where the lattice pattern is not formed. The width of the optical waveguide 16 can be, for example, 1.01P to 3P (2P in the illustrated example) with respect to the hole period P. The number of rows of holes in the optical waveguide direction (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as lattice rows) can be 3 rows to 10 rows (5 rows in the illustrated example) on each side of the optical waveguide. The hole period P can satisfy, for example, the following relationship. (1 / 7)×(λ / n)≦P≦1.4×(λ / n) Here, λ is the wavelength (nm) of light introduced into the optical waveguide, and n is the refractive index of the electro-optic crystal substrate. The hole period P may be specifically 0.1 μm to 1 μm. In one embodiment, the hole period P may be equal to the thickness of the photonic crystal layer (electro-optic crystal substrate). The hole diameter d1 may be, for example, 0.1P to 0.9P with respect to the hole period P. A desired photonic band gap can be obtained by appropriately combining and adjusting the hole diameter d1, the hole period P, the number of lattice rows, the number of holes in one lattice row, the thickness of the photonic crystal layer, the constituent material of the electro-optic crystal substrate (effectively, the refractive index), the width of the line defect portion, and the width and height of the cavity described later. Furthermore, the same effect can be obtained with respect to electromagnetic waves other than light waves. Specific examples of electromagnetic waves include millimeter waves, microwaves, and terahertz waves.
[0040] The cavity 80 is formed by removing the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 of the composite substrate by etching as described above, and can function as a lower cladding. The width of the cavity is preferably larger than the width of the optical waveguide. For example, the cavity 80 may extend from the optical waveguide 16 to the third lattice row. In the illustrated example, the cavity 80 extends from the optical waveguide 16 to the third lattice row. Since light not only propagates within the optical waveguide section, but also a part of the light energy may diffuse to the lattice row near the optical waveguide section, by providing a cavity directly below such a lattice row, it is possible to suppress the propagation loss due to light leakage. From this viewpoint, the cavity may be formed over the entire area of the hole formation section. The height of the cavity is preferably 0.1 μm or more, and more preferably 1 / 5 or more of the wavelength of the propagating light. With such a height, the thin plate slab functions as a photonic crystal, and an optical waveguide with higher wavelength selectivity and lower loss can be realized. The height of the cavity can be controlled by adjusting the thickness of the components (layers) in the composite substrate other than the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate.
[0041] In one embodiment, etching through-holes 90 may be formed in the photonic crystal layer 10a. By forming the etching through-holes 90, the etching solution can be well spread over the entire area to be etched. As a result, the desired cavities can be formed more precisely. In the illustrated example, a single etching through-hole is formed, but a plurality of etching through-holes (e.g., two, three, or four) may be formed. The etching through-hole is formed, for example, at a position three or more lattice rows away from the optical waveguide. With this configuration, the etching solution can be well spread over the entire area to be etched without adversely affecting the photonic band gap. The etching through-hole may also be formed, for example, on the input section side and / or output section side (i.e., the corners of the photonic crystal layer) of the end opposite the optical waveguide of the lattice pattern. With this configuration, adverse effects on the photonic band gap can be further effectively prevented. For example, when four etching through-holes are formed, they may be formed at the four corners of the photonic crystal layer. The size of the etching through-hole 90 is typically larger than the size of the holes 12. For example, the diameter d2 of the etching through hole is preferably 5 times or more, more preferably 50 times or more, and even more preferably 100 times or more, the diameter d1 of the hole. On the other hand, d2 is preferably 1000 times or less than d1. If d2 is too small, the etching solution may not be well distributed over the entire area to be etched. If d2 is too large, it may have an adverse effect on the photonic band gap.
[0042] B-2. Manufacturing method of photonic crystal element A representative example of a method for manufacturing a photonic crystal element will be briefly described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. Figs. 11(a) to 11(c) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining an example of a process for manufacturing a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate. This example is a process for manufacturing a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate similar to the composite substrate of Fig. 4 as shown in Fig. 11(a). This composite substrate further includes a bonding layer 60 between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 20 (sacrificial layer 70) and the support substrate 30, as compared with the composite substrate of Fig. 4. First, as shown in Fig. 11(b), holes 12 are formed in the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 by etching through a predetermined mask. The etching is typically dry etching (e.g., reactive ion etching). The holes 12 can be formed in a pattern as shown in Fig. 10, for example. Note that the formation of etching through holes is omitted in the drawings. Next, the composite substrate in which holes are formed in the electro-optic crystal substrate is brought into contact with (e.g., immersed in) a predetermined etching solution, thereby etching the sacrificial layer 70. As a result, cavities 80 are formed as shown in Fig. 11(c), and a photonic crystal element is obtained. If the etching mask used in forming the cavities and the sacrificial layer are made of the same material, the remainder of the mask and the sacrificial layer can be removed simultaneously by a single contact (e.g., immersion).
[0043] 12(a) to 12(d) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining another example of a process for fabricating a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate. This example is a process for fabricating a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate similar to the composite substrate of FIG. 5 as shown in FIG. 12(a). This composite substrate further includes a bonding layer 60 between the optical loss suppression layer 21 and the cavity processing layer 22, as compared with the composite substrate of FIG. 5. First, as shown in FIG. 12(b), holes 12 are formed in the electro-optic crystal substrate 10, the optical loss suppression layer 21, and the bonding layer 60 by dry etching (e.g., reactive ion etching) through a predetermined mask. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(c), a predetermined portion of the cavity processing layer 22 is removed by wet etching (e.g., immersion in an etching solution). Finally, as shown in FIG. 12(d), the remaining optical loss suppression layer 21 and the bonding layer 60 are removed by wet etching (e.g., immersion in an etching solution). As a result, a cavity 80 is formed, and a photonic crystal element is obtained.
[0044] 13(a) to 13(d) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining yet another example of a process for fabricating a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate. This example is a process for fabricating a photonic crystal element from a composite substrate similar to the composite substrate of FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. 13(a). In this composite substrate, a bonding layer 60 is further provided between the cavity processing layer 22 and the support substrate 30, as compared with the composite substrate of FIG. 9. First, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a hole 12 is formed in the electro-optic crystal substrate 10 by dry etching (e.g., reactive ion etching) through a predetermined mask. Next, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the sacrificial layer 70 is removed by wet etching (e.g., immersion in an etching solution), and then, as shown in FIG. 13(d), the cavity processing layer 22 is removed by wet etching (e.g., immersion in an etching solution). As a result, a cavity 80 is formed, and a photonic crystal element is obtained. If the sacrificial layer and the cavity processing layer are made of the same material, the remainder of the sacrificial layer and the cavity processing layer can be removed simultaneously by a single contact (for example, immersion).
[0045] It goes without saying that processes other than those shown in the drawings can be used to fabricate photonic crystal elements. By appropriately combining the overall structure of the composite substrate, the materials constituting each layer of the composite substrate, masks, etching methods, etc., holes and cavities can be formed in an efficient manner with high precision, and photonic crystal elements can be fabricated. EXAMPLES
[0046] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
[0047] <Example 1> 1. Preparation of composite substrate for photonic crystal devices An X-cut lithium niobate substrate with a diameter of 4 inches was prepared as the electro-optic crystal substrate, and a silicon substrate with a diameter of 4 inches was prepared as the support substrate. First, amorphous silicon (a-Si) was sputtered onto the electro-optic crystal substrate to form an optical loss suppression layer with a thickness of 20 nm. Meanwhile, silicon oxide was sputtered onto the support substrate to form a cavity processing layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm, and a-Si was sputtered onto the cavity processing layer to form a bonding layer with a thickness of 20 nm. Next, the surfaces of the optical loss suppression layer and the bonding layer were polished by CMP, respectively, so that the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surfaces of the optical loss suppression layer and the bonding layer was 0.3 nm or less. Next, the surfaces of the optical loss suppression layer and the bonding layer were cleaned, and then the optical loss suppression layer and the bonding layer were directly bonded to integrate the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate. The direct bonding was performed as follows. 10 -6In a vacuum of the Pa range, the bonding surfaces (surfaces of the optical loss suppression layer and bonding layer) of the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate were irradiated with a high-speed Ar neutral atom beam (accelerating voltage 1 kV, Ar flow rate 60 sccm) for 70 seconds. After irradiation, the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate were left to cool for 10 minutes, and then the bonding surfaces of the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate were brought into contact and pressed at 4.90 kN for 2 minutes to bond the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate. After bonding, the electro-optic crystal substrate was polished until the thickness was 0.5 μm, and a composite substrate for photonic crystal elements similar to that shown in Figure 5 (but with a bonding layer between the optical loss suppression layer and the cavity processing layer) was obtained. No defects such as peeling were observed at the bonding interface in the obtained composite substrate for photonic crystal elements.
[0048] 2. Fabrication of photonic crystal devices A photonic crystal element was produced from the composite substrate for photonic crystal element obtained above by a method corresponding to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, the photonic crystal element was produced by the following procedure. First, a molybdenum (Mo) film was formed as a metal mask on the electro-optic crystal substrate. Next, a resin pattern having holes in a predetermined arrangement was formed on the metal mask by nanoimprinting. Specifically, as a hole pattern corresponding to the holes of the photonic crystal, 10 lattice rows having holes with a diameter of 444 nm and a period (pitch) of 550 nm in the optical waveguide direction and in the direction perpendicular to the optical waveguide direction were formed on the left and right sides when viewed from above. The holes were not formed in the center when viewed from above (this part will eventually become the optical waveguide). Furthermore, four holes (patterns of through holes for etching) with a diameter of 200 μm were formed in the corners when viewed from above (the input and output sides of the ends opposite to the parts that become the optical waveguides of the left and right lattice rows). Next, holes corresponding to the above pattern were formed in the Mo mask by etching with a Mo etching solution (a mixture of nitric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid in a mixing ratio of 10:15:1). Next, a hole pattern and an etching through-hole were formed in the composite substrate by fluorine-based reactive ion etching through the patterned Mo mask. Next, the composite substrate was immersed in a BHF (buffered hydrofluoric acid) etching solution to remove the cavity processing layer and form a cavity. Furthermore, the remainder of the Mo mask was removed with the Mo etching solution. Finally, the composite substrate was immersed in tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) diluted to about 10% to etch the optical loss suppression layer and the bonding layer, and a photonic crystal wafer was produced. The obtained photonic crystal wafer was cut into chips by dicing to obtain a photonic crystal element. The optical waveguide length of the photonic crystal element was set to 10 mm. After cutting into chips, the input side end face and the output side end face of the optical waveguide were polished.
[0049] The obtained photonic crystal element (chip) was cut in the thickness direction, and the cross section was observed under a microscope, revealing that a cavity was formed well just below the photonic crystal layer. The yield of chips in which the cavity was formed as designed was 100%. Furthermore, the optical insertion loss of the obtained chip was measured. Specifically, light with a wavelength of 1.55 μm was introduced into the chip (effectively the optical waveguide of the photonic crystal layer) through the input-side bulb-tipped fiber coupled to the optical fiber, and the amount of light output through the output-side bulb-tipped fiber was measured with a photodetector to calculate the propagation loss. The propagation loss of the optical waveguide was 0.5 dB / cm.
[0050] <Example 2> 1. Fabrication of composite substrates for photonic crystal devices The same electro-optic crystal substrate and supporting substrate as those in Example 1 were prepared. Next, a Mo film (thickness 0.5 μm) was formed as a sacrificial layer on the electro-optic crystal substrate by sputtering. It is said that Mo does not diffuse into the electro-optic crystal substrate (lithium niobate substrate) and therefore does not cause optical deterioration of the electro-optic crystal substrate. Furthermore, the sacrificial layer was patterned by photolithography. Specifically, the portion of the Mo film that becomes the sacrificial layer was covered with a resist mask pattern, and the exposed portion was removed with a Mo etching solution. Next, silicon oxide was sputtered on the surface on which the Mo pattern was formed to form an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer with a thickness of 1 μm, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface of the layer was set to 0.3 nm or less by CMP polishing. Furthermore, a-Si was sputtered on the surface of the polished layer to form a bonding layer with a thickness of 20 nm, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the bonding layer surface was set to 0.3 nm or less by CMP polishing. Next, the surfaces of the bonding layer and the supporting substrate were cleaned, and then the bonding layer and the supporting substrate were directly bonded to each other to integrate the electro-optic crystal substrate and the supporting substrate. The conditions for direct bonding were the same as in Example 1. After bonding, the electro-optic crystal substrate was polished until its thickness was 0.5 μm, yielding a composite substrate for photonic crystal elements similar to that shown in Fig. 4 (but with a bonding layer between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate). No defects such as peeling were observed at the bonding interface in the resulting composite substrate for photonic crystal elements.
[0051] 2. Fabrication of photonic crystal devices A photonic crystal element was produced from the composite substrate for photonic crystal element obtained above by a method corresponding to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, the photonic crystal element was produced by the following procedure. First, a hole pattern and an etching through hole were formed in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the composite substrate was immersed in a Mo etching solution to etch the remaining Mo mask and the sacrificial layer, and a photonic crystal wafer was produced. The obtained photonic crystal wafer was cut into chips in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain photonic crystal elements. The optical waveguide length of the photonic crystal element was 10 mm, the same as in Example 1. After cutting into chips, the end faces were polished in the same manner as in Example 1.
[0052] The obtained photonic crystal element (chip) was subjected to the same evaluation as in Example 1. As a result, the cavity was well formed directly below the photonic crystal layer, and the yield of the chips in which the cavity was formed as designed was 100%. Furthermore, the propagation loss of the optical waveguide of the obtained chip was 0.5 dB / cm.
[0053] <Example 3> 1. Fabrication of composite substrates for photonic crystal devices An electro-optic crystal substrate and a support substrate similar to those in Example 1 were prepared. Next, a Mo film (thickness 0.215 μm) was formed as an optical loss suppression layer on the electro-optic crystal substrate by sputtering. Furthermore, the optical loss suppression layer was patterned by photolithography. Specifically, the portion of the Mo film that would become the optical loss suppression layer was covered with a resist mask pattern, and the exposed portion was removed with a Mo etching solution. Next, silicon oxide was sputtered on the surface on which the Mo pattern was formed to form a sacrificial layer with a thickness of 0.25 μm, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface of the sacrificial layer was set to 0.3 nm or less by CMP polishing. Next, silicon oxide was sputtered on the polished surface of the sacrificial layer to form a cavity processing layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface of the cavity processing layer was set to 0.3 nm or less by CMP polishing. Furthermore, a-Si was sputtered to form a bonding layer with a thickness of 20 nm, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the bonding layer surface was set to 0.3 nm or less by CMP polishing. The following procedure was the same as in Example 1 to obtain a composite substrate for photonic crystal elements similar to that shown in Fig. 9 (however, there was a bonding layer between the electro-optic crystal substrate and the support substrate). In the obtained composite substrate for photonic crystal elements, no defects such as peeling were observed at the bonding interface.
[0054] 2. Fabrication of photonic crystal devices A photonic crystal element was produced from the composite substrate for photonic crystal element obtained above by a method corresponding to the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the photonic crystal element was produced by the following procedure. First, a hole pattern and an etching through hole were formed in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the composite substrate was immersed in a Mo etching solution to etch the remaining Mo mask. Furthermore, the composite substrate was immersed in a BHF etching solution to remove the sacrificial layer and the cavity processing layer to form a cavity, and a photonic crystal wafer was produced. The obtained photonic crystal wafer was cut into chips in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a photonic crystal element. The optical waveguide length of the photonic crystal element was 10 mm, the same as in Example 1. After cutting into chips, the end faces were polished in the same manner as in Example 1.
[0055] The obtained photonic crystal element (chip) was subjected to the same evaluation as in Example 1. As a result, the cavity was well formed directly below the photonic crystal layer, and the yield of the chips in which the cavity was formed as designed was 100%. Furthermore, the propagation loss of the optical waveguide of the obtained chip was 0.5 dB / cm.
[0056] <Example 4> A composite substrate for photonic crystal elements was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no through holes for etching were formed, and a photonic crystal wafer and a photonic crystal element (chip) were produced from the composite substrate. The obtained photonic crystal element (chip) was subjected to the same evaluation as in Example 1. As a result, chips in which no cavity was formed directly below the photonic crystal layer were found. The yield of chips in which the cavity was formed as designed was about 50%. Furthermore, the propagation loss of the optical waveguide of the chip in which the cavity was formed was 0.5 dB / cm, while the propagation loss of the optical waveguide of the chip in which the cavity was not formed was 2 dB / cm or more. [Industrial Applicability]
[0057] The composite substrate according to the embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used in a photonic crystal element. The photonic crystal element according to the embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used in a wide range of fields such as optical waveguides, next-generation high-speed communications, sensors, laser processing, and solar power generation. [Explanation of symbols]
[0058] 10 Electro-optic crystal substrate 12 Vacancies 14 Thin plate slab 16 Optical waveguide 20 Optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer 21 Optical loss suppression layer 22 Hollow processing layer 30 Support substrate 40 Anti-peeling layer 50 Overcoat layer 60 Bonding layer 70 Sacrificial Layer 80 hollow 90 Etching through hole 100 Composite substrate for photonic crystal elements 100a Composite substrate for photonic crystal element 100b Composite substrate for photonic crystal element 100c Composite substrate for photonic crystal device 100d Composite substrate for photonic crystal devices 100e Composite substrate for photonic crystal devices 100f Composite substrate for photonic crystal elements 200 Photonic Crystal Device
Claims
1. an electro-optic crystal substrate having an electro-optic effect; an optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer provided on one surface of the electro-optic crystal substrate; a support substrate that is integrated with the electro-optic crystal substrate via the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer; the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer is directly bonded to the support substrate, and an amorphous layer is formed between the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer and the support substrate; A composite substrate for photonic crystal devices, wherein the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer is comprised of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, molybdenum, or a mixture of these materials.
2. 2. The composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to claim 1, wherein the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer is a single layer.
3. The composite substrate for photonic crystal devices according to claim 2 , wherein a patterned sacrificial layer is formed on the optical loss suppression and cavity processing layer.
4. 4. The composite substrate for a photonic crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optic crystal substrate is made of a ceramic having an electro-optic effect.
5. a photonic crystal layer formed by periodically forming holes in an electro-optic crystal substrate; a joint provided under the photonic crystal layer and integrating the photonic crystal layer with a support substrate; a cavity defined by a lower surface of the photonic crystal layer, an upper surface of the support substrate, and the junction; the bonding portion and the support substrate are directly bonded to each other, and an amorphous layer is formed between the bonding portion and the support substrate; A photonic crystal element, wherein the junction is made of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, molybdenum, or a mixture of these materials.
6. 6. The photonic crystal element according to claim 5, wherein the electro-optic crystal substrate is made of a ceramic having an electro-optic effect.
7. A photonic crystal element using the composite substrate for photonic crystal elements according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a photonic crystal layer formed by periodically forming holes in the electro-optic crystal substrate; a joint provided under the photonic crystal layer and integrating the photonic crystal layer with the support substrate; a cavity defined by a lower surface of the photonic crystal layer, an upper surface of the support substrate, and the junction; A photonic crystal element having the following structure:
8. The photonic crystal element according to claim 5 , wherein a through hole for etching is formed in the photonic crystal layer.
9. The photonic crystal element according to claim 8 , wherein the size of the etching through hole is larger than the size of the hole.
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