Electro-optic Modulator Shielding for Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traveling wave electrode modulators experience crosstalk and high electromagnetic radiation due to electromagnetic field radiation, leading to noise and symbol error issues in optical communication systems.

Innovation Solution

An electro-optic modulator with an electromagnetic shielding structure, comprising a top shielding member and side shielding members extending into the base plate, along with a dielectric material to match the transmission speeds of electromagnetic and optical waves, effectively isolating crosstalk and reducing radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple channels are integrated in the traveling wave electrode modulator, then channel integration density increases, but crosstalk between channels occurs due to electromagnetic field radiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel integration densityVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic shielding structures (metal shielding plates or conductive layers) as intermediary elements between adjacent channels. These shielding structures act as mediators that block electromagnetic field radiation from one channel from reaching adjacent channels, thereby eliminating crosstalk while maintaining high channel integration density. The shielding structures are positioned strategically within the waveguide structure to provide effective isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-installing electromagnetic shielding structures during the manufacturing process to prevent crosstalk before it occurs. The shielding structures are integrated into the waveguide fabrication process, ensuring that electromagnetic radiation is blocked from the outset rather than attempting to correct crosstalk after it has affected signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Speed

If traveling wave electrode modulator is used, then modulation bandwidth is improved, but electromagnetic radiation causes authentication failure and signal noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulation bandwidthVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic shielding structures as intermediary elements that block electromagnetic radiation from the traveling wave electrodes. These shielding structures (metal plates or conductive layers) are positioned adjacent to the electrode structures and serve as mediators that prevent harmful electromagnetic radiation from propagating outward while allowing the high-speed modulation function to continue operating at full bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial configuration by using the same electrode structures that generate radiation also as part of the shielding system. The electrode structures are designed to work in conjunction with the shielding, where the radiation pattern is controlled and directed, and the shielding structures are positioned to leverage the existing electromagnetic field distribution to achieve effective blocking with minimal impact on modulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 shielding structure significantly reduces crosstalk between channels and electromagnetic radiation, enhancing modulation bandwidth and performance by ensuring matched transmission speeds for electromagnetic and optical waves.

Implementation Method 1

A change of the electric field caused by the high-speed digital signal in the modulation electrodes 120 will cause a change in an effective refractive index of the optical waveguides 130. Therefore, when the high-speed digital signal is transmitted along the modulation electrodes 120, the electric field of the high-speed digital signal causes the refractive index of the optical waveguides 130 to change and thereby changes the phase of the optical wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

The electromagnetic shielding structure includes a top shielding member covering the at least one set of modulation electrodes from above, and a side shielding member disposed on two sides of the set of modulation electrodes. At least a portion of the side shielding member extends into the base plate to isolate the at least one set of modulation electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11425847B2Electro-optic modulator
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 PICMORE TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD
  • US11425847B2 patent drawing
  • US11425847B2 patent drawing
  • US11425847B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electro-optic modulator includes a base plate, an optical waveguide, at least one set of modulation electrodes, and an electromagnetic shielding structure. The electromagnetic shielding structure includes a top shielding member covering the set of modulation electrodes from above, and a side shielding member disposed on two sides of the set of modulation electrodes. At least a portion of the side shielding member extends into the base plate to isolate the set of modulation electrodes.