Integrated Optical Waveguide Module for Wavelength Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical transmitters with wavelength lockers require multiple discrete optical components, leading to increased time for optical axis adjustment, higher costs, and difficulty in reducing size and mounting area.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a wavelength controller and wavelength locker as a semiconductor optical waveguide on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing the number of optical axis adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wavelength locker and tunable unit are provided as discrete optical components, then the wavelength monitoring function is achieved, but the optical axis adjustment time increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength monitoring accuracyVSAvoidoptical axis adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wavelength locker and tunable unit into a single integrated optical waveguide module on the same semiconductor substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical components and their associated optical axis adjustments, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining wavelength monitoring functionality while dramatically reducing assembly time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple discrete optical components are used for wavelength locking, then the wavelength control function is achieved, but the device size and mounting area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength control precisionVSAvoidmounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical components (wavelength locker, tunable unit, and associated optical paths) into a single semiconductor waveguide structure on one substrate. This consolidation maintains the precise wavelength control function while significantly reducing the overall device footprint and mounting area compared to discrete component arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple optical components are separately mounted, then the wavelength locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs integrated semiconductor waveguide technology to combine multiple optical components into a single monolithic structure. This approach leverages standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for separate component procurement, mounting, and alignment operations, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining wavelength stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical component mounting and alignment systems with an integrated semiconductor waveguide structure. This substitution eliminates mechanical assembly steps, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers costs while preserving the essential wavelength locking functionality through optical waveguide-based implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12449594B2Optical waveguide module and manufacturing method of optical waveguide module

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 NEC CORP

AI summary

In order to achieve an optical transmitter that is reduced in size and price, an optical waveguide module includes a wavelength controller that controls a wavelength of output light output from a light source, and a wavelength locker that receives an input of the output light and outputs an electric signal indicating a relation between a wavelength of the output light and a target wavelength, wherein the wavelength controller and the wavelength locker are formed as a semiconductor optical waveguide on the same semiconductor substrate.