Non-linear Waveguide Taper for Compact Optical Power Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical power splitters in photonics chips have a large footprint and high insertion loss, which are undesirable for compact and efficient optical power management in data communication and computation systems.
Innovation Solution
A structure for an optical power splitter is designed with a non-linear waveguide taper that includes a longitudinal axis with a first curved section and a second curved section, where the width dimensions increase along the axis, allowing for a compact footprint and efficient power splitting with low insertion loss, cross-talk, and wavelength dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical power splitter structures are used, then the device can perform power splitting function, but the footprint area is larger than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide taper employs curved transitions instead of straight or angular connections. The first and second curved sections with continuously varying width create smooth optical mode transitions, reducing reflections and scattering while achieving compact routing. This curvature principle enables the splitter to maintain low insertion loss and cross-talk in a reduced footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is routed in a multi-dimensional curved configuration rather than simple linear or planar arrangements. By utilizing curved sections that bend in multiple directions and vary width along the longitudinal axis, the design achieves compact spatial occupation while maintaining optimal optical coupling between waveguides, effectively reducing footprint without sacrificing performance.
2Loss of energy
If conventional optical power splitter structures are used, then the device can perform power splitting function, but the insertion loss is higher than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide taper features locally optimized width variations at different positions along its length. The first and second curved sections have different width progression profiles tailored to their specific coupling requirements. This localized optimization of waveguide dimensions at each section minimizes mode mismatch and reduces insertion loss while maintaining manageable overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide width parameter is continuously varied along the longitudinal axis of the taper, creating a gradual transition from the input waveguide width to the output waveguide widths. This parameter change approach, implemented through curved sections with controlled width profiles, reduces abrupt impedance mismatches and minimizes optical power loss during mode coupling.
3Reliability
If conventional optical power splitter structures are used, then the device can perform power splitting function, but the cross-talk and wavelength dependence are higher than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The curved waveguide sections provide smooth transitions that reduce mode coupling to unwanted modes, thereby minimizing cross-talk between adjacent waveguides. The continuous curvature also helps maintain consistent optical path lengths and phase relationships across different wavelengths, reducing wavelength dependence while achieving compact footprint through efficient spatial routing.
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 non-linear waveguide taper structure achieves a compact footprint, low insertion loss, low cross-talk, and reduced wavelength dependence, enhancing the performance of optical power splitters in photonics chips.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide core providing an input port to the optical power splitter, a second waveguide core providing a first output port from the optical power splitter, a third waveguide core providing a second output port from the optical power splitter, and a non-linear waveguide taper that is coupled to the first waveguide core
Data Source
AI summary
Structures for an optical power splitter and methods of forming a structure for an optical power splitter. A first waveguide core provides an input port, and second and third waveguide cores provide respective output ports. A non-linear waveguide taper is coupled to the first waveguide core at a first interface and is coupled to the second and third waveguide cores at a second interface. The non-linear waveguide taper includes a first curved section having a first width dimension that increases with increasing longitudinal distance from the first interface. The non-linear waveguide taper includes a second curved section having a second width dimension that increases with increasing longitudinal distance from the second interface. The first and second curved sections join at a longitudinal location at which the first and second width dimensions are each equal to a maximum width of the non-linear waveguide taper.