Light Propagation Device With Substrate Recess And Filler
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photonic devices, efficient coupling of light between semiconductor materials and optical fibers is hindered by absorption losses due to the substrate, leading to reduced light transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a substrate having a semiconductor material, an insulating layer, and a recess filled with a non-absorbing filler material, where a waveguide is arranged on the filler material, minimizing light interaction with the substrate and reducing absorption losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is transmitted through the semiconductor substrate, then light coupling between photonic devices and optical fibers is achieved, but absorption losses occur due to the substrate material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful interaction between light and the semiconductor substrate by creating a recess that removes substrate material from the light propagation path. The recess is filled with a low-refractive-index material that does not absorb light, effectively taking out the absorbing substrate portion while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary material (low-refractive-index filler material such as air, vacuum, or low-index dielectric) between the waveguide and the semiconductor substrate. This intermediary prevents direct interaction between the light-carrying waveguide and the light-absorbing substrate, mediating the optical transmission while eliminating absorption losses.
2Productivity
If a recess is created in the substrate to reduce absorption losses, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recess only in the specific region where light propagation occurs, rather than modifying the entire substrate. The recess is localized to the waveguide area, and the filler material is applied only where needed, maintaining simple substrate structure elsewhere while achieving the optical performance improvement locally.
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 solution effectively confines light within the waveguide, reducing absorption losses and maintaining light intensity by using a non-absorbing filler material with a lower refractive index than the substrate, thereby enhancing light transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a non-absorbing filler material with a lower refractive index than the substrate, thereby enhancing light transmission efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A device for propagating light is described, comprising: a substrate having a semiconductor material, an insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer is arranged on the substrate, a recess reaching through the insulating layer and into the substrate, wherein the recess is at least partially filled with a filler material, and a waveguide arranged in or on the filler material.