Compact Waveguide Illumination Circuit for Uniform 2D Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-source-based displays require a large overhead area for optical dispatching circuits, increasing fabrication costs and limiting the compactness and efficiency of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical dispatching circuit that splits and spreads incoming light sources into a plurality of emitters across a 2D area with low insertion loss and high uniformity, using waveguides and couplers to distribute light from multiple sources in a uniform manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional optical dispatching circuits are used in laser-source-based displays, then light distribution functionality is achieved, but the overhead area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional planar optical dispatching circuit into a three-dimensional waveguide structure. Light is distributed through waveguides that extend in the vertical dimension, allowing compact integration while maintaining full light distribution functionality across the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical dispatching functionality is nested within the waveguide structure itself. Multiple light paths and distribution channels are integrated within the waveguide layers, eliminating the need for separate overhead optical components and reducing the overall footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional optical dispatching circuits are used, then light distribution is achieved, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical waveguide layers to achieve light distribution in the third dimension, enabling compact two-dimensional integration while maintaining efficient light routing capabilities. This dimensional transition dramatically reduces the horizontal footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical dispatching function directly into the waveguide structure, combining light transmission and distribution pathways into a single integrated component. This consolidation eliminates separate optical elements and reduces overall device area.
3Area of stationary object
If larger overhead area is allocated for optical dispatching circuits, then light distribution coverage is improved, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple optical distribution channels within the waveguide structure, allowing comprehensive light coverage to be achieved through vertical integration rather than horizontal expansion. This nesting approach maintains full distribution coverage while minimizing the required overhead area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of light distribution by utilizing vertical waveguide propagation instead of horizontal optical circuit routing. This parameter transformation enables the same distribution coverage to be achieved in a significantly reduced area, lowering fabrication costs.
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
Reduces the footprint of the illumination system while maintaining uniform light distribution, enhancing the compactness and reducing fabrication costs of PIC devices.
Implementation Method 1
evanescent waveguide splitter
Implementation Method 2
waveguides and couplers to distribute light
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to optical dispatching circuits that may reduce the footprint of an illumination system. In particular, embodiments of the present application provide an illumination system that splits and spreads incoming light sources (e.g., RGB laser light sources) into a plurality of emitters that cover a two-dimensional (2D) area. The present application describes various implementations of an optical dispatching circuit, which receives light as input and is configured to spread this light across a number of waveguides that each emit light from a plurality of locations. The optical dispatching circuits described herein may be configured to receive light from multiple sources emitting at different wavelengths (such as, but not limited to, red, green and blue light) and effectively deliver the light from the multiple sources in a substantially uniform manner to a plurality of emitters that cover a 2D area.