Laser-Written Waveguides for Compact Optical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently integrating optical fibers with optical engines for signal transmission and processing, particularly in achieving compact and flexible designs for optical coupling.

Innovation Solution

A photonic system is developed that includes a waveguide structure formed by laser writing within a transparent material, allowing for efficient optical coupling between optical fibers and photonic components, such as optical engines, with flexible design options and smaller pitch sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional optical coupling methods are used, then integration is achieved, but the design flexibility and compactness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and coupling methods with laser-written waveguides that provide fixed, precise optical paths. The waveguides are directly inscribed into the substrate, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mounting and alignment mechanisms, thereby improving design flexibility while reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes laser writing to directly modify the refractive index of the substrate material, creating waveguides with precise optical parameters. This allows for flexible design of optical paths, coupling angles, and waveguide geometries by controlling laser parameters such as power, speed, and pattern, enabling adaptable optical coupling without complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If optical fibers are integrated with optical engines, then signal transmission is enabled, but the form factor size is reduced which complicates alignment and coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform factorVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces laser-written waveguides as intermediary structures that bridge the optical fibers and optical engines. These waveguides are inscribed directly into the substrate and provide fixed, precise optical coupling paths, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining compact form factors. The waveguides act as mediators that ensure precise optical coupling through their inherently stable geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If compact waveguide structures are implemented, then smaller pitch sizes are achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fabrication methods (such as precision machining or assembly of small components) with laser writing technology. The laser writing process directly inscribes waveguides into the substrate with precise control over pitch size and geometry, enabling compact structures to be manufactured efficiently without complex mechanical tooling or assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 use of laser-written waveguides enables efficient optical coupling, facilitating flexible design and smaller form factors, thereby improving the integration of optical fibers with optical engines for enhanced signal transmission and processing.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide structure formed by laser writing within a transparent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser writing: Laser

Implementation Method 2

efficient optical coupling between optical fibers and photonic components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS20250044517A1Optical coupling structure for semiconductor device

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A package includes an optical engine attached to a package substrate, wherein the optical engine includes a first waveguide; and a waveguide structure attached to the package substrate adjacent the optical engine, wherein the waveguide structure includes a second waveguide within a transparent block, wherein a first end of the second waveguide is optically coupled to the first waveguide, wherein the waveguide structure is configured to be connected to an optical fiber component such that a second end of the second waveguide is optically coupled to an optical fiber of the optical fiber component.