Fabry-Perot Cavity Phase Modulator with Tunable Semiconductor Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulating devices have slower response times and lower optical efficiency due to their driving methods, limiting their applications in high-speed light modulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulating device with a Fabry-Perot cavity structure, featuring a tunable core made of semiconductor material that modulates light phase by electrical control of refractive index, integrated with distributed Bragg reflectors and a common electrode, enabling faster and more efficient light modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional optical modulating devices (liquid crystals, MEMS) are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the response time is slow (several μs or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement of light blocking/reflecting elements (MEMS) and liquid crystal molecular reorientation with direct electro-optic modulation in a semiconductor Fabry-Perot cavity. The electro-optic effect allows direct electrical control of refractive index without mechanical motion, achieving response times in the nanosecond range rather than microseconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using electro-optic materials with high refractive index modulation capability in a Fabry-Perot cavity configuration. The cavity enhances the light-matter interaction, allowing small changes in refractive index to produce large phase modulation depths, thereby achieving fast response with lower driving voltages.
2Loss of energy
If conventional optical modulating devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the optical efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structures combining electro-optic semiconductor materials with high refractive index contrast in a Fabry-Perot cavity configuration. This composite design enhances optical confinement and interaction, improving modulation efficiency and reducing energy losses compared to conventional single-material approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar modulation to three-dimensional cavity-based modulation, utilizing the vertical dimension of the Fabry-Perot cavity to enhance light-matter interaction. The cavity resonances provide multiple passes of light through the electro-optic material, effectively increasing the interaction length and improving optical efficiency without increasing device footprint.
3Volume of moving object
If meta structure is applied to optical modulating devices, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically tunable resonant frequencies of the Fabry-Perot cavity to achieve wavelength-selective modulation. The cavity can be electrically tuned to resonate at different wavelengths, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex static meta-structure patterns for each wavelength, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining compact size.
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 device achieves higher speed and optical efficiency in light modulation, suitable for applications like laser beam steering, LIDARs, and spatial light modulators, with the ability to modulate light phase by 0 to 360 degrees.
Implementation Method 1
phase modulator formed on the substrate and including a Fabry-Perot cavity, wherein the Fabry-Perot cavity of the phase modulator includes a first reflective layer, a second reflective layer, and a tunable core formed between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, wherein the tunable core is formed of a semiconductor material and is configured to modulate a phase of light based on modulation of a refractive index of the tunable core by electrical control of the tunable core
Implementation Method 2
phase modulator formed on the substrate and including a Fabry-Perot cavity, wherein the Fabry-Perot cavity of the phase modulator includes a first reflective layer, a second reflective layer, and a tunable core formed between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer
Implementation Method 3
at least one from among the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer include a distributed Bragg reflector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical modulating device and a system including the optical modulating device. The optical modulating device includes a substrate, and a phase modulator formed on the substrate and including a Fabry-Perot cavity. The Fabry-Perot cavity of the phase modulator includes a first reflective layer, a second reflective layer, and a tunable core formed between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, wherein the tunable core is formed of a semiconductor material and is configured to modulate a phase of light corresponding to modulation of a refractive index of the tunable core according to electrical control.