Multilevel Back-Propagation Device for Compact Photonic Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated photonic architectures for projectors, such as retinal projectors, face challenges in reducing bulk to increase component density and integrate more components due to significant surface area occupation by addressing and projection parts.
Innovation Solution
A multilevel feedback device is introduced, allowing for the superimposition of waveguides on different levels with a coupling portion and reflector to change the direction of light radiation, effectively 'folding' the architecture and reducing bulk, enabling compactness and efficient light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional photonic architecture with separate addressing and projection parts is used, then functional requirements are met, but chip area is significantly large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture by introducing vertical coupling between addressing waveguides and projection waveguides through evanescent coupling regions. This allows the addressing part and projection part to occupy different vertical levels (z-dimension) while maintaining horizontal integration, thereby significantly reducing the chip area footprint while preserving full functional capability.
2Quantity of substance
If waveguides are brought closer together to increase component density, then component density increases, but parasitic coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested waveguide structures where addressing waveguides and projection waveguides are vertically stacked within the same horizontal footprint. The evanescent coupling regions are precisely positioned between adjacent waveguide levels, allowing strong coupling for signal transfer while maintaining spatial separation that prevents unwanted parasitic coupling between waveguides on the same level.
3Volume of moving object
If multi-level superimposition is implemented, then compactness is achieved, but coupling precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces evanescent coupling regions as intermediary structures that mediate the interaction between addressing waveguides and projection waveguides. These coupling regions act as transition zones that gradually transfer optical energy between waveguide levels, providing a controlled and predictable coupling mechanism that is less sensitive to manufacturing variations compared to direct waveguide contacts, thereby reducing precision requirements while maintaining compact multi-level integration.
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 significantly reduces the bulk of photonic architectures, allowing for increased component density and efficient light extraction with reduced optical losses, while maintaining energy efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling portion in which the first and second waveguides are coupled by proximity such that the electromagnetic radiation propagates from the first level to the second level
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflector at one end of the coupling portion, configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a multilevel backcoupling device for electromagnetic radiation, comprising at least a first level (n1) and a second level (n2) at least partially superimposed, the first level comprising a first waveguide (11) intended to guide the propagation of the light radiation in a first direction (s1) and the second level comprising a second waveguide (21) intended to guide the propagation of the light radiation in a second direction (s2) opposite to the first direction, the device comprising: • a coupling portion (3) in which the first and second waveguides are coupled by approaching each other so that the electromagnetic radiation propagates from the first level (n1) to the second level (n2), and • at least one reflector (4) at one end (30) of the coupling portion (3), configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation.