Dual Optical Coupling Structures for PIC Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chips face challenges in efficiently coupling optical signals during different stages of their life cycle, such as production and packaging, due to limitations in existing optical coupling methods and structures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an optical structure with two distinct optical coupling structures: a first optical coupling structure with a first and second coupling port connected to a first optical transmission structure, and a second optical coupling structure with a third coupling port and a photoelectric conversion structure connected to a second optical transmission structure, allowing for flexible input and detection of optical signals using various methods like optical fiber arrays and laser light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical coupling structure is used for PIC chips, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different optical signal input methods (optical fiber array vs. laser light source) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling structure is divided into two independent coupling structures: a first optical coupling structure for optical fiber array input and a second optical coupling structure for laser light source input. Each structure is optimized for its specific input method, allowing the system to handle different optical signal sources effectively without requiring a single complex universal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple coupling structures that can handle different optical signal input methods (optical fiber array and laser light source). This universal design allows the same device to be used across different stages of the PIC chip life cycle with various input methods.
2Ease of operation
If optical fiber array is used for optical signal input during production stage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first optical coupling structure is specifically designed with local optimizations for optical fiber array input, including tailored coupling port configurations and transmission path characteristics that match the properties of optical fiber arrays. This localized design achieves high coupling accuracy specifically for fiber array inputs without compromising overall device performance.
3Productivity
If laser light source is used for optical signal input in packaging or application stage, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second optical coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the laser light source and the optical transmission path. It includes optimized coupling ports and transmission structures that efficiently couple laser light while maintaining signal integrity, and is paired with photoelectric conversion structures that provide accurate signal intensity detection, thus enabling both high productivity and measurement precision.
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 approach enables effective optical signal coupling and accurate alignment, ensuring high optical coupling accuracy across different stages of the PIC chip's life cycle, whether using optical fibers or laser light sources, thereby enhancing the reliability and flexibility of PIC chip applications.
Implementation Method 1
a third coupling port and a photoelectric conversion structure both connected to the second optical transmission structure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical structure, an optical coupling method, and a photonic integrated circuit chip. The optical structure includes: two optical coupling structures with different structures, that is, a first optical coupling structure and a second optical coupling structure. The first optical coupling structure includes a first optical transmission structure, and a first coupling port and a second coupling port both connected to the first optical transmission structure. The second optical coupling structure includes a second optical transmission structure, and a third coupling port and a photoelectric conversion structure both connected to the second optical transmission structure. When optical signals are provided in different methods or optical coupling is performed in different scenarios, optical signal coupling can be realized by using optical coupling structures of different structures in the abovementioned optical structure.