Electro-Optic Modulator Connecting Dielectric Field Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional integrated electro-optic modulators face limitations in optical modulation due to reduced electric field penetration through the side walls of the ridge waveguide, leading to decreased microwave and optical performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electro-optic modulator with high microwave dielectric constant regions, specifically using a connecting dielectric with a microwave dielectric constant not less than the waveguide's, to enhance electric field concentration and improve optical modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a ridge waveguide structure is used to confine the optical mode, then optical confinement is improved, but electric field penetration through the side walls is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical mode confinementVSAvoidelectric field penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing a connecting dielectric layer with high microwave dielectric constant specifically at the side wall region of the ridge waveguide. This localized modification enhances electric field penetration where needed (at the side walls) without compromising the overall optical confinement provided by the ridge structure. The connecting dielectric is positioned only where electric field enhancement is required, leaving the core optical waveguide structure intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the electro-optic waveguide material with a connecting dielectric layer that has different electromagnetic properties (higher microwave dielectric constant). This composite structure allows the device to simultaneously achieve good optical confinement (from the waveguide material) and enhanced electric field penetration (from the connecting dielectric with higher microwave dielectric constant), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If the ridge height is increased to improve optical modulation, then optical modulation is enhanced, but microwave losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical modulationVSAvoidmicrowave losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the microwave dielectric constant parameter of the connecting dielectric layer. By selecting a material with higher microwave dielectric constant than the waveguide material, the electric field is better confined and guided along the side walls, enhancing optical modulation efficiency without requiring increased ridge height. This parameter change allows achieving better modulation while avoiding the microwave losses that would result from taller ridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If electrodes are placed closer to the waveguide to enhance electric field interaction, then optical modulation efficiency is improved, but optical absorption losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical modulation efficiencyVSAvoidoptical absorption losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connecting dielectric layer as an intermediary between the electrode and the waveguide core. This intermediary layer with high microwave dielectric constant enhances the electric field interaction with the waveguide side walls, improving optical modulation efficiency. At the same time, it acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the electrode and the electro-optic material, thereby reducing optical absorption losses that would occur if electrodes were placed too close to or in direct contact with the waveguide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach increases the electric field strength within the waveguide, leading to enhanced optical modulation efficiency and improved microwave performance, while maintaining low optical losses.

Implementation Method 1

connecting dielectric with a microwave dielectric constant not less than the waveguide's

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

The electric field changes the index of refraction of the electro-optic material, modulating the optical signal carried by the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20250093689A1High performance optical modulator

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 HYPERLIGHT CORP

AI summary

An optical device including a waveguide, electrodes, and a connecting dielectric is described. The waveguide includes an electro-optic material having a waveguide optical refractive index and a waveguide microwave dielectric constant. The electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode. The waveguide is between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least a portion of the connecting dielectric is between the waveguide and electrodes. The connecting dielectric has a microwave dielectric constant greater than the waveguide microwave dielectric constant.