Curved Waveguide Structure for Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical signaling and processing systems face challenges in efficiently integrating optical fibers with optical engines due to the complexity of converting optical signals to electrical signals and vice versa, particularly in maintaining consistent waveguide quality.
Innovation Solution
A photonic system is developed that includes a waveguide structure with laser-written waveguides formed on a curved surface, allowing for consistent shallow depth formation and improved waveguide quality, enabling efficient optical signal transmission between optical fibers and optical engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers are integrated with optical engines using conventional methods, then signal transmission can be achieved, but waveguide quality becomes inconsistent and complex conversion processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling structure is introduced as an intermediary component between optical fibers and optical engines. This coupling structure includes waveguides that are directly formed on a curved surface, eliminating the need for complex conversion processes while maintaining consistent waveguide quality through the curved surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the waveguide formation process by forming waveguides on a curved surface. This curved surface geometry allows for consistent shallow depth formation of waveguides, improving manufacturing precision and waveguide quality while simplifying the overall integration process.
2Manufacturing precision
If waveguides are formed on a curved surface, then waveguide quality and uniformity improve, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a curved surface as the substrate for waveguide formation. The curved surface geometry inherently provides consistent shallow depth formation, improving waveguide uniformity and manufacturing precision. The curvature allows waveguides to be formed at a controlled depth relative to the surface, ensuring uniformity across multiple waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the substrate from flat to curved. This parameter change enables consistent shallow depth formation of waveguides, improving manufacturing precision. The curved surface allows for controlled waveguide depth and uniformity while providing flexibility in waveguide routing and configuration.
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 enhances the quality and uniformity of waveguides, facilitating efficient optical signal transmission and processing, thereby improving the overall performance of optical signaling and processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
laser-written waveguides transmit optical signals and/or optical power between optical fibers and other optical features
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes an optical engine attached to a package substrate, wherein the optical engine includes a first waveguide; and a waveguide structure attached to the package substrate adjacent the optical engine, wherein the waveguide structure includes a second waveguide within a transparent block, wherein a bottom surface of the transparent block is nonplanar, wherein the second waveguide is a fixed distance from the bottom surface along its length, wherein the second waveguide is optically coupled to the first waveguide.