Dual-Core Optical Connection Element for Semiconductor Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to apply the optical connection technique using self-written waveguides (SWW) to optical semiconductor devices, which is hindered by the difficulty in emitting resin curing light from the end face of a waveguide due to strong optical absorption of semiconductor materials in the visible light band.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection element is designed with a first waveguide core and a second waveguide core, where signal light and resin curing light propagate through both cores. The element includes an inter-core light coupling section for overlapping parts of the waveguide cores and a resin curing light coupling section to couple the resin curing light to the second waveguide core, enabling the formation of a self-written waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor materials are used for waveguide cores due to their high refractive index and integration advantages, then device integration and miniaturization are improved, but the ability to emit resin curing light from the waveguide end face deteriorates due to strong optical absorption in the visible light band
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is divided into two separate waveguide cores: a first waveguide core for signal light transmission and a second waveguide core for resin curing light transmission. This segmentation allows each waveguide to be optimized for its specific function, with the second waveguide capable of transmitting visible light for curing while the first waveguide uses semiconductor materials for high integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A light coupling section is introduced as an intermediary component to transfer signal light from the first waveguide core to the second waveguide core. This mediator enables the semiconductor-based first waveguide to indirectly achieve resin curing functionality through the second waveguide, which is transparent to curing light wavelengths.
2Reliability
If highly accurate positioning is used for optical connection between waveguides, then connection loss is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases due to strict tolerance requirements and multiple rate-determining steps
Solution Approach 1:
A self-written waveguide (SWW) is formed by irradiating photocurable resin with resin curing light from the second waveguide core. This SWW automatically compensates for positioning deviations and gaps between waveguides by creating a tapered connection path, enabling low-loss connection without requiring highly accurate positioning or strict tolerance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index distribution is dynamically changed during the connection process. By irradiating photocurable resin with resin curing light, a self-written waveguide with a gradient refractive index profile is formed, which adaptively compensates for alignment errors and reduces connection loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If self-written waveguide technique is applied to relax positioning accuracy, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but application to optical semiconductor devices is hindered due to inability to emit curing light from semiconductor waveguide end face
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional waveguides: the first waveguide core uses semiconductor materials optimized for signal transmission and integration, while the second waveguide core uses materials transparent to resin curing light. This segmentation enables both semiconductor integration advantages and SWW formation capabilities to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device is designed with multi-functionality: the first waveguide core handles signal light transmission with high integration, while the second waveguide core handles resin curing light transmission for SWW formation. This universal design allows a single device structure to achieve both high integration and easy optical connection.
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 solution allows for low-loss optical connections of optical elements made of various materials without requiring highly accurate positioning, thereby simplifying the optical connection process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
resin curing light, which is light for curing the photocurable resin, is applied from each waveguide. At this time, the SWW is first formed from the end face of each waveguide due to the property of the photocurable resin, which is the property of being cured sequentially from a position with high light intensity.
Implementation Method 2
even when there is an optical axis deviation or a gap between the waveguide cores, the SWW with a bend is formed to compensate for the deviation or gap, so that the waveguides are connected to each other with low loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection element includes a first waveguide core and a second waveguide core above a substrate or a cladding and in which signal light and resin curing light propagate through the first waveguide core and the second waveguide core, the optical connection element including: an inter-core light coupling section in which a part of the first waveguide core and a part of the second waveguide core overlap in a perpendicular direction; and a resin curing light coupling section that couples resin curing light to the second waveguide core.