Multifunctional Metamaterial Optical Device for Photonic Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photonics chips require multiple components for light coupling, propagation, and conversion to electrical current, leading to excessive space consumption and inefficiency in handling increased data transmission demands.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional metamaterial-based optical device with a semiconductor base layer and integrated photodetector-coupler elements, including diode structures, that perform light coupling, propagation, and conversion within a unified platform, reducing the need for multiple components and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for light coupling, propagation, and conversion, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the total device area and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines light coupling, propagation, and conversion functions into a single integrated photodetector-coupler device. The detector-coupler element integrates the photodetector and coupler functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The photodetector-coupler element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a photodetector for light-to-electrical current conversion and as a coupler for light propagation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while ensuring each component is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for light coupling, propagation, and conversion, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the plot space consumption on the photonics chip increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidplot space on photonics chip

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single compact photodetector-coupler device, significantly reducing the plot space required on the photonics chip. By integrating the photodetector and coupler into one element, the device footprint is minimized while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests multiple functions within a single detector-coupler element structure. The photodetector and coupler functions are nested within the same physical component, allowing one function to be contained within another, thereby optimizing space utilization on the chip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If a unified multifunctional device is used, then space consumption is reduced and integration is improved, but the device must perform multiple functions simultaneously which increases design complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplot space on photonics chipVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified photodetector-coupler device is segmented into distinct functional regions: the detector-coupler element for light coupling and propagation, and the diode structures for light-to-electrical current conversion. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall integration and reducing design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the device are assigned different local qualities and functions. The detector-coupler element has properties optimized for light coupling and propagation, while the diode structures have properties optimized for photodetection. This local quality differentiation enables the unified device to perform multiple functions efficiently without excessive design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device efficiently handles light coupling, propagation, and conversion to electrical current, enhancing bandwidth and system performance while minimizing space, thus addressing the need for improved fiber optic network infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

conversion of light to an electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11227960B2Multifunctional metamaterial-based optical device

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 GLOBALFOUNDRIES US INC

AI summary

One illustrative optical device disclosed herein includes a base layer comprising a semiconductor material and a photodetector-coupler that comprises a detector-coupler element. The device also includes a first diode structure that is positioned in the detector-coupler element and a second diode structure that is positioned in the base layer, wherein the second diode structure is positioned vertically below at least a portion of detector-coupler element.