Integrated Mode Transformers for Optical Taper Fabrication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The difference in mode size between waveguides on optical devices and external optical fibers leads to optical loss, complicating the fabrication process when tapers are used to address this issue, as they can interfere with other components on the device.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming an optical device with a platform taper on an optical chip, where a light-transmitting medium is attached, and a waveguide taper is aligned with the platform taper to create an optical taper, allowing efficient light signal transfer without the need for facets and simplifying the fabrication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a taper is added to the waveguide to match mode sizes, then optical loss is reduced, but fabrication complexity increases and interferes with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the taper structure into two separate segments: a platform taper formed on the optical chip and a waveguide taper formed in the overlying light-transmitting medium. This segmentation allows each taper to be fabricated independently in separate processing steps, eliminating interference between taper fabrication and other device components while still achieving the combined mode-matching function of the integrated optical taper.
2Loss of energy
If a vertical and horizontal taper is used to match mode sizes, then optical loss is reduced, but fabrication difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex vertical and horizontal taper is segmented into two simpler components: the platform taper on the chip substrate and the waveguide taper in the light-transmitting medium. Each segment can be fabricated using standard, simpler processes without requiring complex simultaneous vertical and horizontal tapering, thus reducing fabrication difficulty while maintaining the adiabatic mode transformation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking the waveguide taper in the light-transmitting medium above the platform taper on the chip. This vertical stacking in the third dimension allows both tapers to coexist without lateral interference, enabling the combined optical taper function while simplifying the fabrication of each individual taper component.
3Manufacturing precision
If deposition or epitaxial growth is used to form tapers, then mode matching is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the taper formation process from complex material deposition or epitaxial growth techniques and implements it through simpler geometric structuring of existing materials. The platform taper and waveguide taper are formed by patterning and etching processes that shape the physical geometry of the chip and light-transmitting medium, rather than requiring complex in-situ material growth, thus achieving mode matching with reduced process complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform taper is formed in an optical chip. A light-transmitting medium is attached to the optical chip after forming the platform taper in the optical chip. An waveguide taper is formed in the light-transmitting medium such that the waveguide taper and the platform taper are aligned so as to form an optical taper on the optical device.