Optical Phased Array Fiber Coupler 3D Waveguide Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical phased array (OPA) devices, particularly those with single-waveguide-layer configurations, suffer from low emitting efficiency and limited beam convergence, which restricts their application in lidar systems requiring high detection ranges and 2D beam steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a 3D optical phased array device with a multi-waveguide-layer configuration, featuring an on-chip edge coupler for efficient fiber-to-chip coupling and a design that enables 2D beam convergence and steering, addresses the limitations of single-waveguide-layer OPAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-waveguide-layer configuration is used in OPA devices, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the emitting efficiency is low and beam convergence is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-waveguide-layer (2D) configuration to a multi-waveguide-layer (3D) configuration. This dimensional change enables 2D beam convergence at the emitter edge, significantly improving emitting efficiency and beam quality while maintaining compatibility with standard CMOS fabrication processes
2Device complexity
If a single-waveguide-layer configuration is used in OPA devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection range and beam steering capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking multiple waveguide layers vertically to form a 3D structure, the patent achieves 2D beam convergence at the emitter edge. This enhances the main lobe intensity and detection range for lidar applications while maintaining a relatively simple fabrication process based on standard CMOS technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple waveguide layers into a single integrated 3D OPA device. The multi-layer waveguides are vertically stacked and coupled to a common optical fiber, merging their optical paths to achieve constructive interference and improved beam quality without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms
3Loss of energy
If an on-chip edge coupler is implemented for fiber-to-chip coupling, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligned fabrication techniques where the multi-waveguide-layer structure and the edge coupler are fabricated simultaneously in a single lithography step. The waveguides automatically align to the fiber coupling interface without requiring separate alignment steps, achieving high coupling efficiency while reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances
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-layer configuration enhances mode matching between the optical fiber and the waveguides, achieving high fiber-to-chip coupling efficiency and 2D beam convergence, thereby improving the detection range and beam steering capabilities of OPA devices.
Implementation Method 1
waveguides, using their waveguide paths within the optical phased array, guide light appropriately between a collector side (at which the light source/light sensor are located) to an emitter side
Implementation Method 2
An optical phased array (OPA) has drawn much research attention due to its potential in lidar applications... beam steering based on the integrated OPA... 2D beam convergence and steering
Data Source
AI summary
An optical phased array device, and method of fabricating an optical phased array device, where the optical phased array device has a plurality of self-aligned waveguides having an on-chip edge coupler at which a single mode optical fiber is coupled to each of the plurality of self-aligned waveguides; and/or has a fiber coupling interface and a plurality of waveguide layers sharing a common edge at the fiber coupling interface, wherein the fiber coupling interface is configured to couple a single mode optical fiber to each of the plurality of waveguide layers at the common edge. The method includes fabricating an optical phased array according to a layer thickness for one or more waveguide layers, wherein the layer thickness is determined based on mode matching data derived from a mode profile at an input coupling interface.