Micro-Ring Tunable Laser for Low-Power Single-Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
DBR-LDs require long DBR lengths to maintain single-mode characteristics, leading to high power consumption due to increased refractive index modulation power, which is a bottleneck in short-distance communication applications where low power consumption is essential.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-tunable laser design incorporating a micro-ring resonator (MRR) with coupled waveguides and refractive index modulation, allowing for compact resonator structures and reduced power consumption by modulating the refractive index of the MRR to achieve wavelength tunability without phase adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DBR length is increased to maintain single-mode characteristics, then the single-mode characteristics are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the DBR structure into two separate DBRs (first DBR and second DBR) that are coupled to a micro-ring resonator. This segmentation allows each DBR to be shorter while collectively providing the necessary single-mode characteristics through their combined reflectivity and the resonator's wavelength selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-ring resonator acts as an intermediary between the two DBRs, enabling wavelength selection and enhancing the overall reflectivity without requiring long DBR lengths. The resonator couples the two DBRs and provides the necessary feedback for single-mode operation while reducing the individual DBR length requirements.
2Reliability
If the DBR length is increased to maintain single-mode characteristics, then the single-mode characteristics are improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the DBR structure into two separate DBRs (first DBR and second DBR) that are coupled to a micro-ring resonator. This segmentation allows each DBR to be shorter while collectively providing the necessary single-mode characteristics through their combined reflectivity and the resonator's wavelength selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear DBR structure to a ring-shaped micro-ring resonator configuration. This dimensional change allows the optical path to be folded back on itself, effectively reducing the linear footprint while maintaining the necessary optical interaction length for single-mode operation.
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 design achieves low power consumption and easy control of wavelength tunability with a compact MRR, reducing the need for phase adjustment and minimizing power consumption in DBR-TLDs.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-ring resonator (MRR) with coupled waveguides and refractive index modulation, allowing for compact resonator structures and reduced power consumption by modulating the refractive index of the MRR to achieve wavelength tunability
Implementation Method 2
a three-electrode DBR-TLD including an electrode for phase adjustment is also widely known. In these DBR-TLDs, the refractive index of the DBR region is modulated by carrier injection, resistive heating, or the like, and the Bragg wavelength of the DBR is changed
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength-tunable laser a circling waveguide having a circling structure; a first coupled waveguide coupled to the circling waveguide in one region; and a second coupled waveguide coupled to the circling waveguide in another region, wherein a first reflection region is connected in the light guiding direction of the first coupled waveguide, an active region and a second reflection region are sequentially connected in the light guiding direction of the second coupled waveguide, and the refractive index of at least part of the circling waveguide is modulated.