Integrated Waveguide–Magnetic Element for Low-Reflection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices face inefficiencies in light utilization due to reflection at the interface between waveguides and magnetic elements, requiring separate components and complex optical axis adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An integrated optical device with a waveguide and magnetic element, where the waveguide includes a core and clad with a diffraction grating, and the magnetic element is positioned above the core, allowing for efficient light propagation and conversion to electrical signals without separate components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a waveguide and magnetic element are manufactured as separate components, then adjustment of optical axis is needed, but this increases device complexity and reduces light use efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the waveguide and magnetic element into a single integrated device structure. The magnetic element is positioned within the waveguide assembly, eliminating the need for separate component manufacturing and subsequent optical axis adjustment. This merging resolves the contradiction by improving ease of manufacture while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If light is emitted from waveguide to space and detected using magnetic element, then light use efficiency decreases due to reflection at interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight use efficiencyVSAvoidloss of energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the harmful reflection at the waveguide-magnetic element interface by integrating the magnetic element directly into the waveguide structure. This eliminates the reflective interface that causes energy loss, converting the potential harm of reflection into a benefit by ensuring efficient light transmission and detection.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Ease of operation

If waveguide and magnetic element are separate components, then optical axis adjustment is needed, but this increases time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the waveguide and magnetic element into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates the operational step of optical axis adjustment. The aligned structure is built-in, improving ease of operation while reducing the time required for setup and calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated design enhances light use efficiency by minimizing reflections and eliminating the need for optical axis adjustments, reducing device size and improving signal conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The core includes a diffraction grating on a first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic state of a magnetic element changes and a resistance value thereof changes when the magnetic element is irradiated with light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250291106A1Optical device, receiver device, transceiver device, communication system, terminal device, and optical system

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 TDK CORP

AI summary

An optical device which is packaged, a receiver device, a transceiver device, a communication system, a terminal device, and an optical system are provided. The optical device includes a waveguide and a magnetic element. The waveguide includes a core in which light propagates and a clad which covers the core. The core includes a diffraction grating on a first surface. The magnetic element is located above the first surface in the clad. The magnetic element includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a spacer layer which is located between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer.