Micro-Ring Resonator Self-Seeding for Laser Bandwidth Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance computing demands high dynamic data rates, which require large bandwidths that conventional laser sources, integrated in photonic interconnects on silicon, cannot efficiently provide due to their narrow bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor resonator-based multiplexer with a multi-resonator structure and self-seeding techniques that enhance bandwidth by coupling side modes with lasing modes, eliminating the need for external light sources and optimizing phase tuning to widen the bandwidth, integrated on silicon platforms for energy-efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser sources are used in photonic interconnects on silicon, then the system is simple and reliable, but the bandwidth is narrow and cannot meet high-performance computing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser cavity into multiple segments by introducing a micro-ring resonator coupled to the main laser cavity. This segmentation allows different portions of the laser to perform different functions: the main cavity provides lasing action while the micro-ring resonator provides bandwidth enhancement through resonance coupling, thereby increasing overall bandwidth without requiring a complete redesign of the laser system
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-ring resonator is nested within or coupled to the laser cavity structure, forming a compact integrated system. The resonator is positioned such that it couples evanescently with the laser mode, allowing the bandwidth enhancement functionality to be embedded within the existing laser architecture rather than requiring separate external components
2Adaptability or versatility
If external injection locking techniques are used to enhance laser bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but the device complexity increases and external light sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system performs self-injection locking by using a portion of its own output light that is reflected back through the micro-ring resonator to modulate the lasing mode. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external light sources or separate injection locking systems, as the laser autonomously generates and processes the feedback signal required for bandwidth enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-ring resonator acts as an intermediary element between the laser cavity and the external environment. It couples the lasing mode with reflected light from side modes, mediating the interaction and enabling bandwidth enhancement without requiring direct connection to external injection locking equipment or light sources
3Adaptability or versatility
If photon-photon resonance is used to enhance laser bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved by 2 to 3 times, but the system requires external injection locking and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lasing function and the resonance enhancement function into a single integrated structure. The micro-ring resonator is directly coupled to the laser cavity, combining the gain medium functionality with the resonance filtering functionality in one compact unit, thereby achieving bandwidth enhancement without requiring separate external injection locking systems
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 achieves a bandwidth enhancement of 2 to 3 times conventional approaches, enabling increased data transmission rates while maintaining low power consumption and temperature stability, suitable for dense wavelength-division multiplexing silicon photonics systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first ring resonator structure having a resonant frequency to evanescently couple light propagating in a first resonator structure into a bus waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The first ring resonator structure includes an optical amplification mechanism that generates light within the first resonator structure
Implementation Method 3
a phase-tuning mechanism configured to tune a resonant frequency of the second resonator structure by changing a refractive index
Implementation Method 4
a multi-resonator structure and self-seeding techniques that enhance bandwidth by coupling side modes with lasing modes
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations disclosed herein provide semiconductor resonator based optical multiplexers that achieve enhanced bandwidth range of light emitted therefrom. The present disclosure integrates silicon devices into resonator structures, such as micro-ring resonators, that couples a side mode with a lasing mode and resonantly amplifies coupled light to output light having an enhanced bandwidth with respect to the lasing mode. In some examples, the optical multiplexers disclosed herein include a bus waveguide; a first resonator structure optically coupled to the bus waveguide and comprising an optical amplification mechanism that generates light and a single mode filter to force the generated light into single-mode operation; and a second resonator structure optically coupled to the first resonator structure and comprising a phase-tuning mechanism. The phase-tuning mechanism can be controlled to detune phase of light in the second resonator relative to the light in the first resonator.