Multi-Injection Ring Resonator for Programmable FSR Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical circuits, such as ring resonators and Mach-Zehnder Interferometers, face challenges in achieving large Free Spectral Range (FSR) without increasing operating voltage, while also being sensitive to fabrication deviations that affect extinction ratio and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ring-type resonator with multiple injection ports or coupling regions allows for programmable response shaping in both frequency and time domains by varying coupling coefficients and electrode voltages, enabling multiple FSR states and reduced sensitivity to fabrication deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the resonator length is reduced to increase FSR, then the FSR is improved, but the electrode length is reduced and operating voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single resonator system into multiple injection ports, each with its own coupling region. This segmentation allows independent control of coupling coefficients at different ports, enabling FSR enhancement through multiple injection paths without proportionally reducing electrode lengths, thus managing operating voltage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension of control through multiple injection ports and coupling coefficients. By controlling the interference of optical fields from multiple injection paths, the system can achieve larger FSR states without simply scaling down the resonator geometry, thereby avoiding the direct trade-off between FSR and electrode length
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex optical circuits are used to achieve desired response shapes, then the response shaping capability is improved, but the device footprint and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ring resonator structure with multiple injection ports that can generate various response shapes (sinusoidal, triangular, square, interleaver) through programming coupling coefficients. This single multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized optical elements, reducing overall device footprint while maintaining response shaping versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different response shapes by changing the parameters (coupling coefficients) of the existing ring resonator structure rather than changing the physical structure itself. By programmatically adjusting coupling coefficients at different injection ports, the system can switch between various response shapes without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional complex optical elements
3Device complexity
If single injection ring resonators are used, then the device simplicity is improved, but the FSR and response shaping flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single injection point into multiple injection ports, each with independently controllable coupling coefficients. This segmentation maintains the fundamental ring resonator simplicity while enabling enhanced FSR through constructive interference of multiple injection paths and providing flexibility to program different response shapes
4Area of stationary object
If ring resonators are used instead of MZI, then the footprint is reduced, but the sensitivity to fabrication deviations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses programmable coupling coefficients at multiple injection ports to compensate for fabrication deviations. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize performance and maintain high extinction ratios even with variations in physical dimensions, effectively decoupling performance reliability from manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coupling coefficients are programmably adjusted based on measured or desired performance characteristics. This allows the system to compensate for fabrication deviations by tuning the coupling parameters, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing footprint
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 allows for the achievement of larger FSR states without increasing operational voltage, while also providing improved tolerance to fabrication deviations, resulting in enhanced transmission efficiency and extinction ratio.
Implementation Method 1
coupling regions providing optical coupling between the resonator and the injecting waveguides
Implementation Method 2
ring-type resonator with multiple injection ports or coupling regions allows for programmable response shaping
Implementation Method 3
programmable response shaping in both frequency and time domains by varying coupling coefficients and electrode voltages
Data Source
AI summary
Structures for response shaping in frequency and time domain, include an optical response shaper and/or a modulator device with multiple injection. The device comprises a resonator having an enclosed geometric structure, for example a ring or racetrack structure, at least two injecting optical waveguides approaching the resonator to define at least two coupling regions between the resonator and the injecting waveguides, and may define at least two Free Spectral Range states. One or both of the coupling regions has a coupling coefficient selected for a predetermined frequency or time response, and the coupling coefficient or other device parameters may be variable, in some case in real time to render the response programmably variable. In addition, the injection power at one of the optical waveguides serves to modify the response.