MOKE Optical Interconnects for Backscattered Light Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The photonics industry faces challenges in reducing distortion of optical signals due to optical interference caused by back-scattered light at optical fiber interfaces with microphotonic devices, leading to increased bit error rates.
Innovation Solution
The use of a magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) module in optical interconnects to suppress backscattered light by rotating the polarization plane of incoming light, allowing only forward-propagating light to pass through while attenuating backscattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical signals are transferred from fiber to microphotonic device through interfaces, then data transmission is enabled, but backscattered light couples back into the fiber and interferes with forward-propagating light, causing signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful backscattered light into a beneficial effect by utilizing the magneto-optical Kerr effect. The backscattered light, which would normally cause interference, is instead rotated in its polarization plane by the MOKE module and directed into a dark port, transforming it from a harmful signal into a non-interfering component that actually helps suppress the original backscatter.
Solution Approach 2:
The MOKE module serves as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the microphotonic device. It inserts itself into the optical path to selectively manipulate polarization states, acting as a mediator that allows forward-propagating light to pass through while blocking backscattered light from re-entering the fiber.
2Ease of operation
If backscattered light is allowed to pass through the interface, then optical coupling is maintained, but interference with incoming signals increases bit error rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of the backscattered light by introducing it through the MOKE module, which rotates the polarization plane by 45 degrees. This parameter change transforms the backscattered light from a state that can couple efficiently into the fiber to a state that is orthogonal to the fiber's acceptance cone, thereby eliminating interference while maintaining forward coupling efficiency.
3Device complexity
If conventional optical interfaces are used without additional components, then device complexity is minimized, but optical interference from back-scattered light cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical interface into distinct functional components: a MOKE module for polarization manipulation, a beam splitter for separating forward and backward light paths, and a dark port for disposing of blocked light. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, managing optical interference without requiring a complete redesign of the entire optical system.
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 solution effectively mitigates distortion and bit error rates in optical signals by preventing backscattered light from interfering with incoming signals, thereby enhancing signal integrity and bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) module to enable one-way transfer of light at optical interfaces between sources of incoming optical signals, such as optical fibers and coupling optics on optical dies within multi-chip optical packages (MCPs)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical package comprising an optical die that is electrically coupled to a package substrate, and an optical interconnect adjacent the optical die. The optical interconnect comprises a first polarizing filter adjacent to a first lens, a second polarizing filter adjacent to a second lens; and a film comprising a magnetic material between the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter. The second polarizing filter is rotated with respect to the first polarizing filter and the magnetic material is to rotate a polarization vector of light incoming to the optical interconnect. An optical fiber interface port is immediately adjacent to the first lens. The second lens is immediately adjacent to an optical interface of the optical die.