Dynamic Photonic Waveguide Splitter Using Movable Reflective Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical splitters/couplers are bulky and have high losses, making them unsuitable for small footprint applications like photonic chips and PCBs, and they operate with fixed split ratios, requiring multiple devices for different ratios.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic, small footprint photonic waveguide splitter/coupler module that can be embedded in chips or PCBs, using a movable reflective wedge with an actuation device to adjust optical signal ratios, allowing for flexible split ratios and integration with various waveguide technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional optical splitters/couplers are used, then optical signal splitting function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the splitter/coupler functionality directly into the waveguide structure by integrating a movable reflective wedge element within the waveguide channel. This integration eliminates the need for separate, bulky splitter devices and reduces optical loss by removing interfaces between discrete components. The wedge is positioned within the waveguide core to split signals while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable reflective wedge that can be dynamically positioned along the waveguide using an actuation device. This dynamic positioning allows the same physical structure to achieve different split ratios by changing the wedge's location, eliminating the need for multiple fixed splitter devices and reducing overall device footprint while maintaining low loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed ratio splitters are used, then specific split ratio function is achieved, but device versatility decreases requiring multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic splitter/coupler where the reflective wedge can be moved to different positions along the waveguide to achieve various split ratios. The actuation device enables real-time adjustment of the wedge position, allowing a single device to replace multiple fixed-ratio splitters and providing versatile adaptability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal splitter/coupler device that can perform multiple functions by adjusting the wedge position. A single physical device can achieve different optical split ratios (e.g., 50/50, 75/25, 90/10) by moving the wedge to different locations, making it a multi-functional replacement for multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed ratio splitters are used, then different split ratios are achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple fixed-ratio splitters into a single dynamic device by integrating the adjustable reflective wedge within one waveguide structure. This merging approach allows the system to achieve various split ratios using one compact unit rather than requiring separate devices for each ratio, significantly reducing the total device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic positioning of the reflective wedge to enable a single device to cover the same split ratio range as multiple fixed devices. By moving the wedge along the waveguide, the device can transition between different split ratios dynamically, providing the versatility of multiple devices with the footprint of one compact unit.
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
Enables flexible and efficient splitting and combining of optical signals with minimal loss, eliminating the need for multiple devices and accommodating different split ratios within the same dimensions as the waveguide, suitable for both single mode and multimode operations.
Implementation Method 1
a movable reflective wedge with an actuation device to adjust optical signal ratios
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first channel core in communication with a second channel core and a third channel core of a photonic waveguide, a splitter/coupler module movable relative to the channel cores to dynamically adjust a ratio of optical signals at two of the channel cores of the photonic waveguide, and an actuation device operable to move the splitter/coupler module based on input received during operation of the photonic waveguide.