Electro-Optic Material Sandwich Phase Shifter for Low-Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-optic modulators and switches face challenges in fabrication and architecture, necessitating improved methods and systems for enhanced performance and reduced power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The use of high dielectric constant materials in optical modulators and switches, combined with electro-optic effects such as free carrier-induced refractive index variation and the Pockels effect, to implement modulation and switching, along with the integration of high-K electrodes to reduce power consumption and improve control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electro-optic modulators utilize free-carrier electro-refraction or electro-absorption, then optical phase modulation can be achieved, but power consumption is high and control precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from free-carrier effects to bound-carrier Pockels effect, transitioning the modulation mechanism to achieve lower power consumption while improving control precision through direct electro-optic phase modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional free-carrier based electro-optic mechanism with a bound-carrier Pockels effect mechanism, substituting one physical principle with another more efficient one for achieving phase modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If silicon-based waveguide structures are used, then integration with electronic systems is improved, but fabrication complexity increases and manufacturing precision challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication easeVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining silicon waveguide with separate electro-optic modulation layers, allowing each material to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall fabrication compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the device into distinct functional regions: silicon waveguide sections for light propagation and separate electro-optic modulation sections, allowing independent optimization and simplified fabrication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If electrode layers are deposited on electro-optic layers, then control over optical signals is enhanced, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol easeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the electrode structure to serve multiple functions: electrical control of the Pockels effect, mechanical support for the electro-optic layer, and integration interface with the silicon waveguide, thereby reducing overall device complexity through functional consolidation

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

This approach reduces power consumption and enhances control over optical signals, enabling efficient operation in integrated optical systems and quantum computing applications.

Implementation Method 1

Some EO modulators utilize free-carrier electro-refraction, free-carrier electro-absorption, the Pockel's effect, or the DC Kerr effect to modify optical properties during operation, for example, to change the phase of light propagating through the EO modulator or switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree carrier-induced refractive index variation: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

Some EO modulators utilize free-carrier electro-refraction, free-carrier electro-absorption, the Pockel's effect, or the DC Kerr effect to modify optical properties during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPockels effect: Pockels Effect

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS12461398B2Phase shifter employing electro-optic material sandwich

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 PSIQUANTUM CORP

AI summary

Electro-optical devices and methods for constructing electro-optical devices such as a switch or phase shifter. An electrode layer is deposited on a substrate layer, a waveguide structure is deposited on the electrode layer, a first cladding layer is deposited on the waveguide structure, and the first cladding layer is planarized and bonded to a wafer. The substrate layer is removed and the electrode layer is etched to split the electrode layer into a first electrode separated from a second electrode. A second cladding layer is deposited on the etched electrode layer. The first and second electrodes may be composed of a material with a large dielectric constant, or they may be composed of a material with a large electron mobility. The device may exhibit a sandwich waveguide architecture where an electro-optic layer is disposed between two strip waveguides.