Multi-Waveguide Optical Edge Coupler with Sub-Wavelength Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices face inefficiencies in coupling light due to loss and mode mismatch, which can lead to device failure in high-performance applications like optical networking and quantum optics.

Innovation Solution

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with a multi-waveguide edge coupler is developed, featuring planar waveguides and intermediate waveguides that aid in shaping and transmitting optical modes, reducing mode mismatch and loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional waveguide coupling is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but coupling efficiency deteriorates due to loss and mode mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoidoptical loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into multiple waveguides (first waveguide, second waveguide, and intermediate waveguide) that work together to transition optical modes between different devices, reducing mode mismatch and coupling loss through distributed mode conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate waveguide is introduced between the first and second waveguides to serve as a mediator that facilitates smooth optical mode transition, reducing direct mode mismatch between non-matching waveguide structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If single waveguide coupling is used, then device complexity is low, but mode matching capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode matching capabilityVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is segmented into multiple functional waveguide sections with different modes, allowing independent optimization of each section's contribution to overall mode matching while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-waveguide structure provides universal mode matching capability that can accommodate different optical device configurations and port modes, making the coupling system adaptable to various applications without requiring custom designs for each scenario

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 multi-waveguide coupler enables efficient, low-loss coupling of light into and out of the PIC, suitable for high-efficiency optical communication and photonic processing applications.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-waveguide coupler to couple light to the photonic integrated circuit at an edge coupling interface, the multi-waveguide coupler comprising one or more middle waveguides between a plurality of outer waveguides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide mode transmission: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS20250116817A1Multi-waveguide optical edge coupler having sub-wavelength structures

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 PSIQUANTUM CORP

AI summary

A photonic circuit can include a multi-waveguide edge coupler to receive light from an external light source. The edge coupler can include planar waveguides and one or more middle waveguides that separate the planar waveguides. The middle waveguides can couple light and have a tapered shape. The planar waveguides can include multiple thin plates that have sub-wavelength thickness, and can be implemented to shape a mode coupled between an external light source and the photonic circuit.