Gas-Filled Isolation Structure for Thermal Efficiency in Optical Modulators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In optical modulator devices, the heat generated by the heater structure can undesirably disseminate to adjacent waveguides, leading to reduced thermal efficiency, decreased control over modulation, and increased power consumption, due to lack of effective thermal isolation.

Innovation Solution

A gas-filled isolation structure is arranged proximate to the heater structure to confine heat generated by the heater, thereby improving thermal efficiency, control, and reducing power consumption by isolating the heater from adjacent waveguides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the heater structure is placed close to the waveguide to improve thermal coupling, then heating efficiency is improved, but heat dissipates to adjacent waveguides causing thermal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidthermal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gas-filled isolation structure (filled with air or other gases) as an intermediary between the heater structure and adjacent waveguides. This intermediary layer has low thermal conductivity that blocks heat transfer to neighboring waveguides while allowing the heater to efficiently couple with the target waveguide, thus resolving the thermal interference problem without sacrificing heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different thermal isolation properties to different regions: the region between the heater and target waveguide maintains direct thermal coupling for efficient heating, while the regions between adjacent waveguides are filled with low-conductivity gas to prevent thermal interference. This localized differentiation of thermal properties allows simultaneous achievement of heating efficiency and thermal isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If thermal isolation structures are added between waveguides, then thermal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses gas-filled isolation structures (air or other gases) instead of solid thermal isolation materials. The gas is introduced into pre-formed trenches or cavities between waveguides and sealed, creating thermal barriers without requiring complex solid-state isolation structures. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining effective thermal isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the isolation medium by using gas-filled structures with inherently low thermal conductivity. This parameter change provides effective thermal isolation without requiring thick or complex isolation layers, thereby reducing structural complexity while improving thermal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the heater structure heats the target waveguide effectively, then modulation control is improved, but power consumption increases due to heat loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat that would otherwise dissipate to adjacent waveguides into a beneficial contained thermal field. By introducing gas-filled isolation structures, the heat that would be wasted is instead confined to the target waveguide region, improving modulation control precision while reducing the power needed to achieve the desired thermal effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 gas-filled isolation structure effectively confines heat to the intended waveguide, enhancing thermal efficiency, improving modulation control, and lowering power consumption in optical modulator devices.

Implementation Method 1

a gas-filled isolation structure embedded in a substrate and configured to thermally isolate a second waveguide from heat generated by the heater structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11226506B2Heater structure with a gas-filled isolation structure to improve thermal efficiency in a modulator device

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a modulator device that includes an input terminal configured to receive impingent light. A first waveguide has a first output region and a first input region that is coupled to the input terminal. A second waveguide is optically coupled to the first waveguide and has second input region and a second output region that is coupled to the input terminal. An output terminal coupled to the first output region of the first waveguide and the second output region of the second waveguide is configured to provide outgoing light that is modulated. A heater structure is configured to provide heat to the first waveguide to induce a temperature difference between the first and second waveguides. A gas-filled isolation structure is proximate to the heater structure and is configured to thermally isolate the second waveguide from the heat provided to the first waveguide.