Fabry-Perot Optical Filter with Integrated Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical filters based on Fabry-Perot resonators exhibit significant dispersion and temperature dependence, making them unsuitable for compact and stable applications in optical data transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical filter design featuring a Fabry-Perot cavity with free-beam configuration and integrated waveguides, where the cavity is partly filled with air or a substance to minimize dispersion and temperature dependence, and includes reflective structures with different coatings to adjust the filter properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an integrated Fabry-Perot resonator is used, then the filter can be made compact and integrated, but the resonator exhibits significant dispersion and temperature dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Fabry-Perot resonator into separate components: reflective structures are positioned in cutouts of the substrate while the cavity region remains free of guiding structures. This segmentation allows the cavity to function as a free-beam region with minimized dispersion and temperature dependence, while still achieving compact integration through the substrate-mounted configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waveguides as intermediary coupling structures that connect the free-beam cavity to the substrate integration platform. These waveguides enable light coupling into and out of the cavity without confining the light within the cavity itself, thus maintaining the free-beam characteristics while achieving integrated functionality
2Stability of the object's composition
If the Fabry-Perot cavity is formed as a free-beam cavity, then dispersion and temperature dependence are minimized, but coupling losses may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Waveguides are introduced as intermediary structures that bridge the free-beam cavity and the substrate integration platform. These waveguides provide controlled coupling paths that minimize insertion losses while preserving the free-beam cavity's stable optical properties. The waveguides enable efficient light coupling into and out of the cavity without confining the light within the cavity region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions: the cavity region maintains a free-beam configuration with no lateral guidance for stable filter properties, while the coupling regions incorporate waveguides with specific guidance properties to minimize coupling losses. This local differentiation optimizes both stability and coupling efficiency
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 reduces coupling losses and allows for precise control of filter properties, achieving minimal dispersion and temperature dependence, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of optical data transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second reflective structure, which are spaced apart from each other such that they form a Fabry-Perot cavity (etalon or resonator)
Implementation Method 2
the first and the second reflective structure are at least partly arranged in a cutout of the substrate or adjoin the cutout
Data Source
AI summary
An optical filter for an optical data transmission system, including a substrate; a first and a second reflective structure which are spaced apart from each other such that they form a Fabry-Perot cavity, and at least one optical waveguide formed on or in the substrate, via which light can be coupled into the Fabry-Perot cavity and/or out of the Fabry-Perot cavity. The Fabry-Perot cavity formed by the first and the second reflective structure at least partly is a free-beam cavity, and the waveguide is an integrated waveguide which is formed by one or more layers arranged on the substrate, and the first and the second reflective structure are at least partly arranged in a cutout of the substrate or adjoin the cutout.