High NA Waveguide Laser Transmitter Lens-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoelectronic module manufacturing processes are inefficient due to the need for precise alignment of light guide devices and optoelectronic devices, which is complicated by the use of lenses, leading to larger and more complex module sizes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a high numerical aperture (NA) waveguide with no lens between the laser source and the waveguide in optoelectronic transmitters and receivers, along with integration of beam splitters, light guides, and photodetectors on a semiconductor substrate, simplifies the structure and reduces size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenses are used to transmit light between the chip and the light guide device, then light transmission capability is improved, but the module size increases and alignment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component from the optical system. By using a high numerical aperture waveguide directly coupled to the laser source, the patent extracts the unnecessary lens element, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing alignment complexity while maintaining effective light transmission through the high NA waveguide's inherent light-gathering capability
2Reliability
If lenses are used to transmit light between the chip and the light guide device, then light transmission capability is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lens component from the optical system. By directly coupling the high numerical aperture waveguide to the laser source without an intermediate lens, the module size is reduced while light transmission capability is maintained through the waveguide's high NA design
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is performed under microscopes with specific fixtures, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function into the semiconductor fabrication process itself. By performing alignment and coupling during the standard semiconductor manufacturing process rather than requiring separate post-fabrication alignment steps under microscopes, the patent achieves both high precision and manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (microscopes with fixtures) with an integrated semiconductor process approach. The alignment is achieved through precise semiconductor fabrication techniques rather than mechanical positioning devices, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency
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 approach results in optoelectronic transmitters and transceivers with simplified structures and small sizes, facilitating easier alignment and production efficiency without the need for microscopes, while maintaining effective light transmission and reception capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a high numerical aperture (NA) waveguide having an NA greater than or equal to 0.5... At least a part of the laser beam from the laser source is transmitted into the high NA waveguide directly
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter is disposed or formed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to divide a mixed signal beam into a plurality of sub-beams
Implementation Method 3
The photodetectors are disposed on the paths of the sub-beams, respectively, and disposed on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the sub-beams from the beam splitter are transmitted into the photodetectors
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic transmitter including a semiconductor substrate, at least one laser source, and a high numerical aperture (NA) waveguide is provided. The laser source is disposed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to emit at least one laser beam. The high numerical aperture (NA) waveguide has an NA greater than or equal to 0.5 and is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. At least a part of the laser beam from the laser source enters the high NA waveguide, wherein no lens is disposed on the light path of the laser beam between the laser source and the high NA waveguide. An optoelectronic receiver and an optoelectronic transceiver are also provided.