Graphene Electro-Optic Modulator for Reconfigurable Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic modulators are fixed to nano-material based integrated optical devices or optical waveguides, limiting the ability to control the number and position of optical data channels, which is necessary for efficient dynamic optical networks.
Innovation Solution
A graphene electro-optic modulator that can be physically contacted and detached from optical waveguides, using a method involving metal electrodes, graphene films, and polymer membranes to modulate light signals, allowing for adaptive control of optical data channels and reconfiguration of optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If electro-optic modulators are fixed to optical waveguides, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and reconfigurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the graphene electro-optic modulator can be physically contacted to or detached from the optical waveguide. This dynamic attachment mechanism allows the system to switch between stable fixed operation and adaptable reconfigurable operation, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulator is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently positioned and attached to the optical waveguide. This segmentation allows the modulator to be strategically placed at different locations along the waveguide, enabling both stable operation when attached and flexible reconfiguration when detached or repositioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed modulators are used to control multiple optical channels, then channel control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single graphene electro-optic modulator is designed to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different locations along the optical waveguide. The modulator can control different optical channels sequentially or simultaneously depending on its position, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated modulators and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining channel control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic repositioning of a single modulator to achieve multi-channel control. Instead of having multiple fixed modulators, one modulator can be moved to different positions along the waveguide to control different channels, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to control multiple channels.
3Device complexity
If a small number of modulators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but modulation coverage and channel capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic repositioning mechanisms that allow a single modulator to serve multiple channels by being moved to different locations along the optical waveguide. This dynamic approach enables one modulator to achieve the modulation coverage that would traditionally require multiple fixed modulators, thus maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spatial arrangement where each modulator is fixed to a specific channel, to a dynamic arrangement where a single modulator can occupy different positions along the waveguide. This adds a temporal dimension to the spatial configuration, allowing one modulator to effectively cover multiple channels over time, thereby maintaining modulation coverage with fewer components.
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
Enables efficient modulation of light signals with a small number of modulators, allowing for multi-channel modulation and reconfiguration of optical systems, with a light extinction ratio of up to 20 dB and operating speed in MHz, while minimizing damage from light intensity and facilitating easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
by controlling the voltage applied to the graphene, electrons may transfer between the bands of the graphene by shifting the Fermi level of the graphene. This transition control may achieve an electro-optic absorption characteristic
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide having a core and a cladding layer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a method for manufacturing a graphene electro-optic modulator, which is freely attachable to and detachable from an optical waveguide and modulates a light according to an electric signal. The method includes: forming two metal electrodes on an oxide film formed on a substrate, the two metal electrodes being spaced apart from each other; synthesizing a first graphene film at a metal foil; coating the first graphene film with a polymer membrane; removing the metal foil at which the first graphene film is synthesized; and transferring the first graphene film coated with the polymer membrane onto the oxide film, wherein the first graphene film is electrically connected to any one of the two metal electrodes. There is also provided a graphene electro-optic modulator manufactured by the method.