Graphene Waveguide Contact Layout for Low-Absorption G-S-G Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical devices, such as photodetectors and modulators, face challenges with metallic contact elements above the waveguide leading to light absorption and reduced performance due to the ground-signal-ground (G-S-G) configuration, which affects high-frequency signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two interaction regions with spaced-apart longitudinal waveguide sections, allowing for a central signal contact and lateral ground contacts without the need for metallic elements above the waveguide, using inner and outer contact elements arranged in a G-S-G configuration to facilitate interference-free high-frequency signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic contact element is arranged above the waveguide to achieve G-S-G configuration, then high-frequency signal transmission is improved, but light absorption increases and device performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar contact arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by spacing the waveguide sections apart in the longitudinal direction. This allows the inner contact element to be positioned between the waveguide sections without requiring metallic elements directly above the waveguide, thus achieving G-S-G configuration while avoiding light absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is divided into two or more spaced-apart longitudinal sections, creating distinct interaction regions. This segmentation allows the insertion of contact elements between the sections without interfering with the optical path, resolving the conflict between electrical contact requirements and optical performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If contact elements are arranged laterally on the waveguide, then electrical connection is achieved, but unwanted interactions between signal contacts and waveguides occur
Solution Approach 1:
The signal contact is extracted from the lateral position next to the waveguide and repositioned to the space between separated waveguide sections. This removes the source of unwanted electromagnetic interactions while maintaining the electrical connection function through the inner contact element.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two interaction regions with spaced-apart waveguide sections are created, then G-S-G configuration is achieved without metallic elements above waveguide, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spaced-apart waveguide sections serve multiple functions: they create distinct interaction regions for optimal optical coupling, provide physical space for contact element arrangement, and enable the G-S-G configuration. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits simultaneously.
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
This configuration enhances the transmission of high-frequency signals to coplanar or coaxial interfaces by eliminating unwanted interactions between signal contacts and waveguides, improving the performance and reducing light absorption, thereby maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an interaction between electromagnetic radiation guided by the waveguide and the graphene film(s) can take place
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electro-optical device (1) having two interaction regions (2), which each comprise a longitudinal waveguide section (3) and one or two active elements (5), which active element or the respective active element comprises or consists of at least one electro-optical active material, more particularly graphene, wherein the longitudinal waveguide sections (3) of the two interaction regions (2) are arranged spaced apart from one another, and the active element or the respective active element (5) extends at least in some sections above and/or below and/or within the waveguide longitudinal section (3) of the respective interaction region (2), and wherein two or more contact elements (6) are provided which are each in contact with at least one of the active elements (5).