Concave Mirror Optical Circuit for Wavelength-Independent Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical I/O technologies in the direction intersecting a substrate surface face challenges in achieving wavelength and polarized wave independence, and they often rely on semiconductor manufacturing technologies to reduce optical circuit size effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical circuit with a semiconductor material core and a mirror that reflects light emitted from the waveguide in a direction away from the substrate surface, allowing for efficient optical coupling independent of wavelength and polarized wave, using a semiconductor manufacturing technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grating is used to diffract light in the waveguide, then optical I/O in the direction intersecting the substrate surface is achieved, but the optical coupling efficiency becomes dependent on wavelength and polarized wave
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength and polarized wave dependence issue by removing the grating structure from the optical I/O mechanism. Instead of using a grating that inherently couples to specific wavelengths and polarizations, the invention uses a mirror that reflects light in a direction independent of these parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving optical I/O and maintaining efficiency across different wavelengths and polarizations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a mirror instead of a grating. The mirror reflects light at an angle determined by the law of reflection, which is independent of wavelength and polarized wave, thereby achieving optical I/O while maintaining coupling efficiency across different optical parameters
2Volume of moving object
If semiconductor manufacturing technology is used to reduce optical circuit size, then the optical circuit size is reduced, but achieving wavelength and polarized wave independence becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a mirror that provides the same reflective function across different wavelengths and polarized waves. This single mirror structure serves multiple functions: it enables optical I/O, maintains coupling efficiency for various wavelengths, and works for different polarized waves, thereby achieving compact size without sacrificing adaptability
3Quantity of substance
If optical I/O ports are arranged at high density in the direction intersecting the substrate surface, then the number of optical I/O ports is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a mirror that automatically reflects light at the correct angle without requiring complex wavelength or polarization control mechanisms. This simple reflective mechanism can be replicated for multiple ports, enabling high-density arrangement while keeping each port's manufacturing straightforward, thus increasing the number of ports without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
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 enables high optical coupling efficiency between the optical circuit and external elements, with the optical coupling efficiency being largely independent of wavelength and polarized wave, while maintaining a compact optical circuit size.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror reflecting light emitted from the waveguide in a direction away from the first surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical circuit includes a substrate, a waveguide, and a mirror. The substrate includes a first surface. The waveguide includes a first core. The first core is formed of a semiconductor material. The waveguide is over a first surface of the substrate. The mirror reflects light emitted from the waveguide in a direction away from the first surface of the substrate. The mirror is a concave mirror. The waveguide includes a region that functions as an SSC.