Folded Waveguide Tunable Laser Layout for Smaller Chips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength-tunable lasers face challenges in miniaturization due to the large size of the laser chip, which includes multiple components such as semiconductor optical amplifiers, making further reduction in module size difficult, especially when integrated with semiconductor optical amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide-based wavelength-tunable laser design on a semiconductor substrate incorporating a first and second reflector, a gain portion, at least two wavelength filters, a phase adjuster, and a semiconductor optical amplifier, with a folded waveguide configuration that reduces the optical path length by approximately 180 degrees between the reflectors and the amplifier, effectively miniaturizing the laser chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a semiconductor optical amplifier is integrated into the wavelength-tunable laser chip, then high optical power is achieved, but the laser chip size increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is folded back by approximately 180 degrees to change the spatial arrangement from a linear configuration to a bent configuration. This dimensional reorganization allows the optical path to be compacted within a smaller chip footprint while maintaining the necessary functional distances between components, thereby achieving miniaturization without sacrificing optical power capability
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are arranged linearly on the laser chip, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the laser chip length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging components linearly along a straight waveguide path, the waveguide is bent back by approximately 180 degrees. This creates a compact U-shaped or folded configuration that maintains the sequential arrangement of components for ease of manufacture while dramatically reducing the overall chip length in the primary direction
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 design significantly reduces the length of the laser chip by approximately half, achieving substantial miniaturization while maintaining tunable wavelength capabilities, and allows for efficient heat dissipation and reduced facet reflection, enhancing the laser's operational stability and power output.
Implementation Method 1
a folded portion configured by a waveguide that folds back an optical path by an angle of substantially 180 degrees is provided between the first reflector and the second reflector
Implementation Method 2
a semiconductor optical amplifier that is provided on a laser light output side of the first reflector
Implementation Method 3
at least two wavelength filters that can adjust wavelength characteristics and adjust a wavelength of the laser light
Implementation Method 4
a phase adjuster that adjusts an optical path length in the laser resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide based wavelength-tunable laser formed on a semiconductor substrate includes a first reflector from which laser light is output, a second reflector configuring a laser resonator together with the first reflector, a gain portion that is provided between the first reflector and the second reflector, at least two wavelength filters that can adjust wavelength characteristics and adjust a wavelength of the laser light, and a phase adjuster that adjusts an optical path length in the laser resonator, and a waveguide is formed to fold back an optical path by an angle of substantially 180 degrees between the first reflector and the second reflector.