Optical Device Wavelength Variable Ring Resonator Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical devices integrated with wavelength variable light sources and light intensity modulators for wavelength division multiplexing systems face challenges in maintaining constant light modulation characteristics, particularly in next-generation passive optical networks and mobile front-haul networks.

Innovation Solution

The optical device incorporates a waveguide path with a light generation region, a wavelength variable region, and a light modulation region, featuring a first and second light waveguide layer, a ring-shaped third light waveguide layer, and light modulation electrodes, where the second wavelength difference satisfies a specific mathematical equation, allowing for wavelength conversion and modulation to achieve constant light modulation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an intensity modulator is integrated with a wavelength variable light source for WDM systems, then the device can function as a light source in next-generation optical networks, but the light modulation characteristic becomes non-constant due to wavelength variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength variable capabilityVSAvoidlight modulation characteristic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable ring resonator structure where the resonant wavelength can be tuned by changing the refractive index through applied voltage. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different wavelength requirements while maintaining optimal modulation characteristics at each wavelength setting, thus resolving the contradiction between wavelength variability and modulation stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the ring resonator material through electro-optic effects to tune the resonant wavelength. By controlling the refractive index parameter, the system can maintain constant modulation characteristics across different operating wavelengths, addressing the technical contradiction between wavelength adaptability and modulation stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the peak wavelength is converted from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, then the wavelength division multiplexing capability is enhanced, but the free spectral range changes causing non-constant modulation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength conversion capabilityVSAvoidfree spectral range consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the actual free spectral range after wavelength conversion and adjusts the ring resonator parameters accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the free spectral range is maintained at a constant value despite wavelength changes, resolving the contradiction between wavelength conversion capability and FSR consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a dynamically controllable ring resonator that can adjust its resonant conditions in real-time during wavelength conversion. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain a constant free spectral range across different wavelength operations, addressing the technical contradiction between wavelength adaptability and FSR stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration ensures consistent light modulation characteristics by varying the peak wavelength and refractive index, maintaining a constant free spectral range and extinction ratio, thereby enhancing the performance in wavelength division multiplexing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first light waveguide layer provided in the light generation region to generate light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

converting a peak wavelength of the light in a wavelength variable region of the waveguide path, wherein the peak wavelength of the light is converted from a first wavelength to a second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal effect on refractive index: Heating

Implementation Method 3

modulating the light in a light modulation region of the waveguide path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11454831B2Optical device and driving method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

An optical device according to the embodiment of the inventive concept includes a waveguide path including a light generation region, a wavelength variable region, and a light modulation region, a first light waveguide layer provided in the light generation region to generate light, a second light waveguide layer provided in the wavelength variable region and connected to the first light waveguide layer, a ring-shaped third light waveguide layer provided in the light modulation region and connected to the second light waveguide layer, and first and second light modulation electrodes spaced apart from each other with the light modulation region therebetween. Here, the first light modulation electrode, the third light waveguide layer, and the second light modulation electrode vertically overlap each other.