Electro-optical Device With Recessed Buffer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulators, such as Mach-Zehnder optical modulators, face challenges with high light propagation loss due to the size and structure of their optical waveguides, which affects their efficiency in high-speed and long-distance applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a substrate with ridge-shaped optical waveguides made of electro-optic material, a buffer layer covering the waveguides, and electrodes positioned above the waveguides through the buffer layer, with recesses in the buffer layer to enhance the application of the electric field and reduce light propagation loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a ridge-shaped optical waveguide is used to reduce light propagation loss, then light confinement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise buffer layer recesses and electrode positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is given different local properties: it has recesses (reduced thickness) specifically above the optical waveguides to enhance electric field concentration, while maintaining adequate thickness in other areas for insulation. This localized modification optimizes light confinement and electric field application without unnecessarily complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension consideration by creating recesses in the buffer layer above the waveguides. This vertical structuring allows the electrode to be positioned at optimal distances from the waveguide in different regions, improving electric field application and light confinement without increasing horizontal device footprint.
2Reliability
If the buffer layer is made thick to provide adequate insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but the electric field application to the optical waveguide becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer thickness is optimized locally: thicker regions provide adequate electrical insulation where needed, while recesses above the optical waveguides reduce the thickness to enhance electric field concentration and effectiveness. This spatially varying thickness resolves the contradiction between insulation and field application.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer acts as an intermediary with controlled varying thickness. It mediates between the electrode and the optical waveguide, providing insulation where thick and enhancing field application where thin (in recesses), thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
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 effectively applies an electric field to the optical waveguides, reducing light propagation loss and improving the performance of the optical modulators, especially in high-speed applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide composed of an electro-optic material film formed in a ridge shape on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical device, including: a substrate; an optical waveguide composed of an electro-optic material film formed in a ridge shape on the substrate; a buffer layer configured to cover the optical waveguide; and an upper electrode provided on the optical waveguide through the buffer layer, and the buffer layer has a recess on the upper electrode side above the optical waveguide. Accordingly, the propagation loss of light can be suppressed.