Curved Electro-Optic Modulator for Compact Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-optic modulators face challenges in achieving high modulation efficiency and compact size due to their large size and low integration capabilities, which are inadequate for high-speed and large-capacity communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optic modulator employs a curved and folded design with multiple straight and curved sections, featuring a traveling wave electrode with differential signal electrodes to enhance phase difference and modulation efficiency, allowing for reduced size and improved manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional electro-optic modulator design is used, then the modulation effect is achieved, but the device size is large and integration capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear extension of the electro-optic modulator into a curved folded structure with multiple extension sections (first extension section, second extension section, third extension section) connected at different angles. This dimensional transformation allows the device to achieve compact integration while maintaining the required optical path length and modulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first optical waveguide and second optical waveguide are positioned between the first signal electrode and second signal electrode, with the curved folded structure allowing successive extension sections to be arranged in a compact manner, effectively nesting the optical paths within a reduced volume
2Volume of moving object
If the optical signal propagation distance is reduced to decrease device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the phase difference and modulation efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies differential voltage signals to the first signal electrode and second signal electrode, creating different electric field distributions in different regions. The first and second optical waveguides experience different phase modulations locally, achieving coherent differential phase modulation that enhances modulation efficiency within a compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
By transforming the linear structure into a curved folded configuration with multiple extension sections at different angles, the patent maintains an effective optical path length sufficient for phase modulation while reducing the overall device footprint in the propagation direction
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 design significantly reduces the device size while maintaining high modulation efficiency, achieving nearly double the phase difference of conventional modulators with reduced optical signal propagation distance, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Electro-optic modulators are modulators made by using the electro-optic effect of some electro-optic crystals, such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystals, gallium arsenide (GaAs) crystals, or lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) crystals. When a voltage is applied to electro-optic crystals, a refractive index of the electro-optic crystals will change, thereby implementing modulation of the phase, amplitude, intensity, polarization state, and other characteristics of an optical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic modulator and an electro-optic device are provided. The electro-optic modulator includes: a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a traveling wave electrode, where the traveling wave electrode includes a first grounding electrode, a first signal electrode, a second signal electrode, and a second grounding electrode that are spaced apart from each other; and the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide are both arranged between the first signal electrode and the second signal electrode. The electro-optic modulator has a plurality of extension sections along a extension direction thereof. The plurality of extension sections include a plurality of straight sections and at least one curved section. Each curved section is provided between two adjacent straight sections.