Optical Directional Coupler Resonance Control for Waveguide Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical directional couplers face challenges in accurately moving movable waveguides between coupled and decoupled states due to lack of precise positional control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic component with a first and second insulating portion, capacitors, and an inductor forming a resonance circuit, along with a drive control unit, allows for accurate movement of the movable waveguide by controlling the inter-electrode distance and applying voltages to achieve precise coupling and decoupling states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrostatic actuator is used to move the movable waveguide, then the waveguide can be switched between coupled and decoupled states, but the positional accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrostatic actuator with a magnetic actuator system consisting of permanent magnets and magnetic coils. This substitution enables precise positional control of the movable waveguide through magnetic field interactions, achieving accurate switching between coupled and decoupled states while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated magnetic circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system using optical sensors to detect the position of the movable waveguide and a control unit to adjust the magnetic field accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high positional accuracy by continuously monitoring and correcting the waveguide position, enabling precise switching between operational states
2Measurement precision
If the movable waveguide is moved to achieve coupling, then optical signal transmission is enabled, but the control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed magnetic fields instead of continuous power application. The magnetic coils are activated in controlled pulses to achieve the necessary waveguide positioning and coupling, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining precise control during the active switching periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamic magnetic field adjustment with variable current control to optimize the balancing act between control precision and power consumption. The system adapts the magnetic field strength and duration based on the specific coupling requirements, applying power only when and where needed to achieve precise waveguide positioning
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 enables high-accuracy switching of the movable waveguide between coupled and decoupled states, enhancing the positional accuracy and operational efficiency of the optical directional coupler.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled to the second capacitor to constitute a resonance circuit
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor that includes a first electrode provided in the first insulating portion and a second electrode provided in the second insulating portion; a second capacitor that includes a third electrode provided in the first insulating portion and a fourth electrode provided in the second insulating portion
Implementation Method 3
An electrostatic actuator is used to move the movable waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component an optical directional coupler, and a method for controlling the optical directional coupler that are capable of accurately moving a movable waveguide are provided. An electronic component includes: a first insulating portion; a second insulating portion that faces the first insulating portion and is movable relative to the first insulating portion such that a distance from the first insulating portion changes; a first capacitor that includes a first electrode provided in the first insulating portion and a second electrode provided in the second insulating portion; a second capacitor that includes a third electrode provided in the first insulating portion and a fourth electrode provided in the second insulating portion; and an inductor coupled to the second capacitor to constitute a resonance circuit.