Dual Waveguide Optical Device with Electro-Optic Crystal Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silicon optical devices face challenges in expanding modulation bandwidth and maintaining optical coupling efficiency due to excessive distance between silicon photonics components and electro-optic crystal layers, leading to optical loss and deteriorated modulation performance.
Innovation Solution
The optical device design includes a first optical waveguide formed in a cladding layer on a silicon photonics substrate, an electro-optic crystal layer laminated on the cladding layer, and a second optical waveguide formed on the electro-optic crystal layer, with a second cladding layer on top, reducing the distance between the waveguides to enhance optical coupling and integration, and using a substrate with higher resistivity to stabilize modulation bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the intermediate layer and the electro-optic crystal layer is excessively increased, then the optical coupling characteristics deteriorate, but the integration of silicon optical elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar configuration to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The electro-optic crystal layer is positioned vertically above the silicon photonics component through a buffer layer, creating a layered structure that reduces lateral distance while maintaining functional separation. This vertical arrangement improves optical coupling efficiency without compromising integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer layer as an intermediary between the intermediate layer and the electro-optic crystal layer. This buffer layer serves as a coupling medium that facilitates efficient optical energy transfer between the silicon waveguide and the electro-optic crystal waveguide, thereby improving optical coupling characteristics while enabling stable integration of the hybrid structure.
2Speed
If an electro-optic crystal layer is laminated on a silicon photonics component, then modulation bandwidth is expanded, but optical loss occurs due to excessive distance between waveguides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vertical stacking configuration where the electro-optic crystal layer is positioned directly above the silicon photonics component. This three-dimensional arrangement minimizes the optical path distance between the silicon waveguide and the electro-optic crystal waveguide, reducing optical loss while preserving the high modulation bandwidth capability of the electro-optic crystal.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer acts as an optical intermediary that enables efficient coupling between the silicon waveguide and the electro-optic crystal waveguide. It facilitates the transfer of optical energy with minimal loss, allowing the system to achieve both high modulation bandwidth and low optical loss simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a conventional silicon optical modulator is used, then integration is easier, but modulation bandwidth cannot be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of silicon photonics (easy integration, strong light confinement) with the advantages of electro-optic crystals (high modulation bandwidth, low absorption loss). The hybrid structure combines a silicon photonics component with an electro-optic crystal layer, enabling both easy integration and expanded modulation bandwidth through the complementary strengths of the two materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hybrid optical device structure that integrates silicon photonics components with electro-optic crystal materials. This composite structure leverages the high refractive index contrast of silicon for strong light confinement and the electro-optic effect of the crystal for high-speed modulation, achieving both integration ease and expanded modulation bandwidth.
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 configuration improves optical coupling efficiency and prevents deterioration of modulation bandwidth, enabling high integration and efficient operation of silicon photonics components with electro-optic crystals, suitable for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
an optical modulator using an electro-optic crystal, such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3:LN), with an electro-optic effect is able to expand the modulation bandwidth
Implementation Method 2
A silicon photonics component is able to strongly confine light in a minute area due to a large refractive index difference between a core and a clad
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a substrate, a first cladding layer that is laminated on one surface of the substrate, and a first optical waveguide that is formed in the first cladding layer at a side opposite to the substrate in the first cladding layer. The optical device further includes an electro-optic crystal layer that is laminated on a surface of the first cladding layer at a side opposite to the substrate, and a second optical waveguide that is formed of the electro-optic crystal layer on a surface of the electro-optic crystal layer at a side opposite to the first cladding layer. The optical device further includes a second cladding layer that is laminated on a surface of the electro-optic crystal layer at a side opposite to the first cladding layer.