End-Face Coupler with MIM Waveguides for Compact Optical Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical transceiver modules face challenges in integrating multiple laser emitting units due to the need for multiple convex lenses, leading to insufficient integration and increased space occupation.

Innovation Solution

An end-face coupler is integrated into the laser receiving unit, utilizing an M-layer MIM waveguide structure to converge and couple laser light waves, comprising a grating antenna and periodic material layers to adjust light wave direction and phase, facilitating efficient transmission and reducing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple convex lenses are arranged in an array to focus laser light from multiple laser emitting units, then each laser beam can be properly focused, but the integration level becomes insufficient and more space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam focusing capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple convex lenses into a single integrated coupler structure that can focus multiple laser beams simultaneously. The coupler integrates the focusing function of what would otherwise require multiple separate lenses, thereby reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining the ability to properly focus laser light from multiple emitting units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is designed as a multi-functional component that performs the focusing function for multiple laser beams at once, rather than requiring individual dedicated lenses for each beam. This universal focusing capability allows the system to maintain reliable laser beam focusing while significantly reducing the total number of optical components and the space they occupy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple convex lenses are arranged in an array to focus laser light from multiple laser emitting units, then each laser beam can be properly focused, but the integration level becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam focusing capabilityVSAvoidintegration level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple convex lenses into a single integrated coupler structure that can focus multiple laser beams simultaneously. The coupler integrates the focusing function of what would otherwise require multiple separate lenses, thereby reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining the ability to properly focus laser light from multiple emitting units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is designed as a multi-functional component that performs the focusing function for multiple laser beams at once, rather than requiring individual dedicated lenses for each beam. This universal focusing capability allows the system to maintain reliable laser beam focusing while significantly reducing the total number of optical components and the space they occupy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances integration and reduces space occupation by efficiently coupling and guiding laser light waves, improving transmission efficiency and maintaining coherence through controlled phase and energy alignment.

Implementation Method 1

an M-layer MIM waveguide structure arranged on the substrate, the M-layer MIM waveguide structure comprises a grating antenna composed of a single-layer MIM waveguide structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

the M-layer MIM waveguide structure is configured to receive a light spot emitted by the laser emitting unit and layer the light spot being received into N layers of light waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

the MIM waveguide structure has a periodic material arranged, the periodic material is composed of a material having the plurality of metal layers and the plurality of insulation layers arranged alternately, so that the light waves in the MIM waveguide structure are disturbed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction Grating: Diffraction Grating

Data Source

PatentUS20250337496A1End face coupler and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 SILITH TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD

AI summary

Present application relates to field of optical communication, coupler is configured to couple laser emitting unit and laser receiving unit, coupler is arranged between laser emitting unit and laser receiving unit and is attached to receiving end-face of laser receiving unit, and coupler includes substrate; MIM waveguide structures are arranged on M layers of substrate and are composed of grating antennas formed by single-layer MIM waveguide structures, and M is positive integer; thin film deposition layer is arranged on one side of M layers of MIM waveguide structures; laser emitting unit is used for emitting laser. Beneficial effects lie in that laser emission unit, through M-layer MIM waveguide structure, is convenient to integrate and reduces occupied space compared with existing convex lens structure.