Non-volatile Optical Element Using F-Center Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical elements using semiconductor or ferromagnetic materials are volatile, limited to specific wavelength ranges, suffer from polarization dependency, and cannot be integrated into back-end-of-line metal interconnect structures, requiring high-temperature processing and lacking non-volatile modulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile programmable optical element utilizing doped transition metal oxide materials with F-centers, which can alter absorption characteristics electrostatically, allowing for low-power operation and integration into BEOL structures without birefringence, suitable for both visible and infrared wavelength spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If semiconductor materials are used for electro-optical elements, then absorption characteristics can be modified by electrical signal, but the device becomes volatile and requires continuous power to maintain state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from semiconductor to transition metal oxide with F-centers, which fundamentally alters the mechanism from electric-field-induced band gap modification to electrostatic F-center migration. This parameter change enables non-volatile operation because F-center positions are fixed by electrostatic fields rather than requiring continuous current
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the semiconductor electro-optical mechanism (franz-keldysh effect, quantum-confined stark effect) with a F-center migration mechanism in transition metal oxides. This substitution eliminates volatility while maintaining electrical control of absorption characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If ferromagnetic perovskite materials are used, then electro-optical modulation is achieved, but the device is limited to far-infrared wavelength region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from ferromagnetic perovskite to doped transition metal oxide with F-centers. This parameter change in material chemistry enables operation across visible and infrared wavelengths by eliminating the 0.5 eV band gap limitation of ferromagnetic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses doped transition metal oxide materials where doping creates F-centers with specific optical properties. This composite approach (base oxide + dopant) enables tailoring of absorption characteristics across different wavelength ranges including visible and infrared
3Ease of operation
If crystalline materials are used, then electro-optical effect is achieved, but polarization dependency (birefringence) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amorphous transition metal oxide materials which lack the crystalline structure that causes birefringence. This homogeneous amorphous structure eliminates polarization dependency while maintaining the F-center electro-optical effect, achieving polarization-independent operation
4Ease of manufacture
If quantum wells are used, then electro-optical modulation is achieved, but high temperature processing is required preventing BEOL integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material system from quantum wells requiring high-temperature processing to amorphous transition metal oxides that can be deposited at lower temperatures. This parameter change in material state (crystalline to amorphous) and composition enables compatibility with BEOL metal interconnect structures
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 provides a compact, non-volatile electro-optical element that maintains programmed absorption states without power, integrates well with BEOL structures, and operates across a broad spectral range, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
F-centers are electrostatically moved into or out of the regions containing a wavefunction of an optical beam
Implementation Method 2
applying a voltage bias across the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the voltage bias generates an electrostatic field that applies the electrostatic force to, and moves, the location of the F-centers
Implementation Method 3
an overlap of a wavefunction of the electromagnetic radiation with the F-centers changes with a movement of the location of the F-centers by the electrostatic force
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile programmable electro-optical element alters absorption characteristics of an optical medium that comprises a doped transition metal oxide material including F-centers. The F-centers are electrostatically moved into or out of the regions containing a wavefunction of an optical beam. A specific F-center profile in the transition metal oxide material may be programmed into the optical medium. The F-center profile alters an absorption profile within the optical medium. The spectral range for transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the optical medium may be tailored by the F-centers. Once the absorption profile is set by an electrical signal, the optical element maintains its state even when the electrical signal is turned off. Thus, the programming node may be disconnected from a power supply network, thereby enabling a low power operation of the electro-optical element. The inventive electro-optical element may be employed for both the visible and the infrared wavelength spectrum.