Multi-Mode Spiral Delay Waveguide for Compact Low-Loss Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical delay devices are bulky due to the need for long optical waveguides to provide sufficient delay, which increases their size and hinders compactness in applications like time-resolved spectroscopy and optical communications.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical delay device design featuring a multi-mode waveguide spiraling inward, coupled with single-mode waveguides and couplers that spiral outward, allowing for efficient light propagation through a spiral path with interleaved spiral rounds to prevent evanescent coupling, thereby reducing size and optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If long optical waveguides are used to provide sufficient delay, then the delay time is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spiral-shaped waveguides with varying curvature radii to achieve compact delay. The light propagates along a spiral path that fits within a small footprint while maintaining sufficient propagation length for the required delay time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear waveguide layouts to two-dimensional spiral configurations. This dimensional change allows the waveguide to pack more length into a smaller area by utilizing radial and angular space rather than only linear extension
2Device complexity
If multi-mode waveguides are used to reduce device size, then the device complexity is reduced, but evanescent coupling between adjacent waveguides occurs causing optical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different curvature radii to different portions of the spiral waveguides. The inner portions have smaller curvature radii while outer portions have larger radii, creating local variations that control the evanescent coupling strength and reduce optical loss between adjacent waveguides
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetric spacing and curvature variations between adjacent spiral waveguides. This asymmetry disrupts the conditions for evanescent coupling, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining the compact multi-mode structure
3Area of stationary object
If spiral configuration is used to compact the device, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spiral waveguide into multiple discrete spiral rounds or segments. Each segment can be manufactured and positioned independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating a single continuous spiral of precise dimensions
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 design achieves a compact optical delay device with reduced optical loss, enabling efficient light transmission and maintaining a small footprint, suitable for applications requiring compactness and high performance.
Implementation Method 1
optical waveguides are widely used for transmitting light
Implementation Method 2
interleaved spiral rounds to prevent evanescent coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first multi-mode waveguide, a first optical coupler coupled to the first multi-mode waveguide, the first coupler being tapered and curved, and a first single-mode waveguide having a first end coupled to the first optical coupler. The optical device maybe used in an optical delay device. A method of propagating light in a first multi-mode waveguide toward a first optical coupler, propagating the light in the first optical coupler toward a first single-mode waveguide, the first optical coupler being tapered and curved, and propagating the light along the first single-mode waveguide is also disclosed.