Bidirectional Optical Circuit for Compact Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices face limitations in reducing size and power consumption due to the integration of optical circuit functions in a limited space, which restricts the reduction of driving voltage and increases power consumption, especially in optical modulators and variable optical attenuators.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a first and second waveguide, a first and second conversion unit, and an optical circuit that performs optical processing twice, allowing for doubled functions, reduced size, and decreased power consumption by converting signal light between different optical characteristics and processing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the working length of the optical modulator is increased to reduce driving voltage, then the driving voltage is reduced, but the device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two optical modulators into a single integrated optical circuit that processes light in both forward and backward directions. The optical circuit performs optical processing on light traveling in the forward direction from the first waveguide and on light traveling in the backward direction from the second waveguide, effectively merging two separate modulator functions into one compact device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circuit is designed to perform optical processing functions for both forward-traveling and backward-traveling light signals simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single optical circuit to replace what would traditionally require two separate optical modulators, reducing the overall device size while maintaining the required optical processing capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If the electrode length of the variable optical attenuator is increased to increase light attenuation, then the light attenuation is increased, but the device size and power consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates variable optical attenuator functions into the same optical circuit that performs optical processing. By combining the attenuation function with the optical processing function in a single optical circuit, the patent achieves light attenuation without requiring a separate, longer attenuator structure, thus reducing device size while maintaining attenuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circuit is designed to simultaneously perform optical processing and variable optical attenuation functions. This multi-functionality allows the same optical circuit to provide both signal processing and attenuation control, eliminating the need for separate attenuator components and reducing overall device size and power consumption.
3Length of moving object
If the optical circuit functions are integrated in a limited space, then the device size is reduced, but the performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (optical processing in forward and backward directions, variable optical attenuation) into a single integrated optical circuit. This consolidation achieves compact device size while maintaining full functionality by utilizing the bidirectional light processing capability of the optical circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circuit continuously processes light in both forward and backward directions simultaneously, ensuring that the full optical processing capability is utilized throughout the device. This continuous bidirectional processing maximizes the utility of the integrated optical circuit, maintaining high performance despite the compact size.
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
This configuration effectively doubles the functions of the optical circuit, reduces the size of the optical device, and minimizes power consumption while preventing the influence of reflected return light, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing the size and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first convertor is connected to the first waveguide and converts the first signal light that travels from the first waveguide into second signal light with a second optical characteristic
Implementation Method 2
The second convertor is connected to the optical circuit and converts the second signal light that travels from the optical circuit and that is subjected to the first optical processing into third signal light with the first optical characteristic
Implementation Method 3
The optical circuit 203 converts the signal light that is input from the first waveguide 201 to signal light in a different state in accordance with an external electric signal, and outputs the converted signal light. The optical circuit 203 has functions, such as optical modulation (intensity modulation or phase modulation) function
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first waveguide that inputs first signal light with a first optical characteristic, and a first convertor that converts the first signal light that travels from the first waveguide into second signal light with a second optical characteristic. The device includes an optical circuit, when the converted second signal light passes through the circuit, performs first optical processing on the second signal light. The device includes a second convertor that converts the second signal light that travels from the circuit and that is subjected to the first processing into third signal light with the first characteristic. The optical device includes the circuit that, when the converted third signal light passes through the circuit, performs second optical processing on the third signal light, and a second waveguide that outputs the third signal light that travels from the circuit and that is subjected to the second processing.