Optical Power Splitter With Asymmetric Layers for TE/TM Splitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current silicon photonic devices are limited to either TE or TM mode due to sensitivity to polarization, leading to inefficiencies in light energy consumption and communication quality, and existing techniques fail to meet the growing demand for increased transmission speed and communication quality in internet networks.

Innovation Solution

A silicon nitride photonics vertical polarization power splitter is designed with asymmetric optical layers and a high k material between layers to split light into TE and TM modes, reducing insertion loss and enhancing polarization independence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional silicon photonic devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but polarization sensitivity causes inefficiency in light energy consumption and communication quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight energy consumptionVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple optical layers (first optical layer, second optical layer, third optical layer) with different orientations. The first and third optical layers are oriented at different angles relative to the substrate, enabling simultaneous support for both TE and TM modes while improving energy efficiency and communication quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar waveguides to a three-dimensional multilayer structure. By stacking optical layers at different orientations and introducing a vertical dimension, the device achieves polarization independence while maintaining compact footprint, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and communication quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If 3D silicon photonic devices are implemented to increase integration density, then integration density is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration densityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a nested multilayer structure where the second optical layer is positioned between the first and third optical layers. Each layer is strategically oriented and positioned to perform specific functions, achieving high integration density through vertical stacking while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic layer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The multilayer optical structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first optical layer handles TE modes, the third optical layer handles TM modes, and the combined structure enables polarization-independent operation. This multi-functionality increases integration density without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If optical layers are oriented at different angles to achieve polarization independence, then polarization extinction ratio is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization extinction ratioVSAvoidlayer orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs asymmetric orientation of optical layers relative to the substrate. The first optical layer is oriented at a first angle while the third optical layer is oriented at a second angle, creating an asymmetric multilayer structure that achieves polarization independence and high extinction ratio while providing clear manufacturing guidelines for layer orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves high polarization extinction ratio and reduced transmission loss, enabling broadband polarization-independent communication with increased integration density and stability.

Implementation Method 1

A silicon nitride photonics vertical polarization power splitter is designed with asymmetric optical layers and a high k material between layers to split light into TE and TM modes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

A silicon nitride photonics vertical polarization power splitter is designed with asymmetric optical layers and a high k material between layers to split light into TE and TM modes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12461302B2Optical power splitter and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

An optical device is provided. The optical device includes a substrate, a first optical layer; a high k layer, and a second optical layer. The first optical layer is disposed on the substrate. The first optical layer comprises a top surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite thereto. The high k layer is disposed on the top surface of the first optical layer. The second optical layer is disposed on the high k layer. The second optical layer includes a top surface, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall opposite thereto. The first sidewall of the first optical layer is misaligned with the third sidewall of the second optical layer. The second sidewall of the first optical layer is coplanar with the fourth sidewall of the second optical layer.