Integrated Optical Waveguide Structure for On-Chip Phase Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical phased arrays face challenges in phase correction due to manufacturing errors and component variations, leading to irregular phase variations in guided lights, which necessitate separate phase measurement devices, increasing device size and limiting pitch and scanning range.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide structure integrates phase adjusters, optical antenna units, light emitting portions, and a photoelectric converter on a single substrate, allowing in-chip phase correction without additional elements, enabling narrow pitch and wide beam scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate phase measurement devices are used to correct phase variations, then phase correction capability is improved, but device size increases and pitch is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase measurement function with the optical waveguide structure by integrating light emitting portions and photoelectric converters directly onto the substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate phase measurement devices, thereby maintaining phase correction capability while reducing overall device size and enabling narrower pitch between waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it supports the waveguides, accommodates the light emitting portions for phase measurement, and houses the photoelectric converters for signal detection. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to perform both optical guidance and phase measurement, eliminating the need for additional dedicated measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If separate phase measurement devices are used, then phase correction is achieved, but scanning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the phase measurement components directly with the waveguide structure, the patent enables the system to maintain accurate phase correction while achieving wider beam scanning ranges. The compact integrated design removes spatial constraints that would otherwise limit the angular range of beam steering.
3Measurement precision
If additional elements are added for phase measurement, then phase correction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate and waveguide structure are designed to serve dual purposes: optical signal transmission and phase measurement. The light emitting portions and photoelectric converters are integrated into the existing waveguide architecture, allowing the same structural elements to perform multiple functions without requiring additional complex components.
4Area of stationary object
If pitch between waveguides is reduced, then device integration is improved, but phase measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase measurement function with the waveguide structure by placing light emitting portions and photoelectric converters directly on the substrate adjacent to the waveguides. This integration allows for narrow pitch between waveguides while maintaining adequate light paths for phase measurement, as the measurement components share the same substrate space rather than requiring separate dedicated areas.
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 structure facilitates phase correction within the chip, maintaining a narrow pitch and enhancing beam scanning range by aligning emitted lights for efficient phase adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of waveguides (22) which are disposed on the substrate (12), extend in a first direction (D1), and are arranged at a uniform pitch in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1), and propagate respective lights
Implementation Method 2
light emitting portions (34) which are respectively disposed on the waveguides (22) on the substrate (12), and emit a part of respective lights (22a) that have passed through the phase adjusters (24) and propagate through the waveguides (22) as emitted lights in a direction different from a direction in which the optical antenna units (26) emit the respective lights from the waveguides
Implementation Method 3
a photoelectric converter (16) which is disposed on the substrate (12), and is disposed on one side, the other side, or both sides in the second direction (D2) with respect to all of the light emitting portions (34), and is configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of a light incident on the photoelectric converter (16)
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical waveguide structure, light emitting portions are respectively disposed on waveguides extending in a first direction on a substrate. The light emitting portions are configured to emit a part of lights that have passed through phase adjusters and propagate through the waveguides as emitted lights in a direction different from a direction in which optical antenna units emit the lights. A photoelectric converter is disposed on the substrate, and is disposed on one side, the other side, or both sides in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction with respect to all of the light emitting portions. A position of the photoelectric converter is set so that an emitted beam formed by the emitted lights from the light emitting portions is incident on the photoelectric converter when phases of the emitted lights are matched with each other.