Edge-Coupled Optical Splitter for Low-Loss Broadband Parallel Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical splitter devices have limitations in operating wavelength range and introduce excess loss due to the use of optical splitters in multi-path parallel systems.

Innovation Solution

An optical splitter device with edge coupling structures that match the optical fiber mode field to couple and split incident light simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate optical splitters and enhancing the high-intensity damage threshold of the optical chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an optical splitter is used to split light from a laser device into multiple paths, then the multi-path parallel system can be implemented, but the operating wavelength range is limited and excess loss is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating wavelength rangeVSAvoidexcess loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the optical splitter component from the system. By using edge coupling structures that directly couple the laser device to multiple waveguides, the invention eliminates the need for optical splitters, thereby avoiding their wavelength limitations and excess loss characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces edge coupling structures as intermediary elements between the laser device and the multi-path parallel system. These edge coupling structures enable direct coupling and light splitting without requiring optical splitters, thus resolving the wavelength and loss issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If an optical splitter is used to split light into multiple paths, then the light source can be distributed to multiple paths, but wavelength range limitations and excess loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution efficiencyVSAvoidexcess loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the optical splitter from the light distribution path. By implementing direct edge coupling between the laser device and multiple waveguides, the system achieves efficient light distribution without the excess loss associated with optical splitters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical splitter component with a direct edge coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations and losses of optical splitters while maintaining efficient light distribution to multiple paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional edge coupling structures are used, then light can be coupled to the optical chip, but the mode field does not match the optical fiber mode field, requiring additional optical splitters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling structure simplicityVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the edge coupling function with the light splitting function into a single integrated structure. The edge coupling structures simultaneously perform mode field matching and light distribution, eliminating the need for separate optical splitter components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge coupling structures are designed to perform multiple functions: they couple light from the optical fiber to the optical chip while simultaneously splitting the light into multiple paths. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 avoids wavelength range limitations and excess loss, while increasing the high-intensity damage threshold of the optical chip, thereby improving the performance and reliability of optical communication modules.

Implementation Method 1

a mode field formed by joint action of first ends of the edge coupling structures matching an optical fiber mode field, such that incident light transmitted by the optical fiber is split into a plurality of light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMode field matching: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS20250355184A1Optical splitter device, optical chip and optical communication module

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 INNOLIGHT TECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) LTD

AI summary

An optical splitter device, an optical chip, and an optical communication module. The optical splitter device is used to provide a multi-path light source for a multi-path parallel system, and comprises multiple edge coupling structures. A mode field formed by joint action of first ends of the edge coupling structures matches an optical fiber mode field, such that incident light transmitted by optical fiber is split into multiple light sources. A second end of each edge coupling structure is used to connect to the multi-path parallel system, thereby providing light sources for the multi-path parallel system. When light is split by the optical chip, limitations in operating wavelength range and excess loss caused by using a conventional optical splitter can be effectively avoided.