Optical Edge Coupler Facet Curvature for Lens-Free Beam Pointing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical edge couplers in integrated optical circuits face challenges in achieving optimal beam pointing and coupling efficiency, often requiring additional lenses which increase costs and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The profile of the outer sidewall of the optical core is modified to be concave or convex, eliminating the need for lenses by enhancing beam pointing or coupling efficiency, with optional anti-reflective coating layers to improve performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenses are added to improve beam pointing and coupling efficiency, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the outer sidewall of the optical core by forming either convex or concave surfaces. This curved geometry modifies the optical path and beam propagation characteristics, enabling improved beam pointing and coupling efficiency without requiring additional lens components. The curvature radius is specifically controlled to optimize the optical performance while maintaining a lens-free structure.
2Reliability
If lenses are added to improve beam pointing and coupling efficiency, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex or concave outer sidewall structure is formed using standard semiconductor fabrication processes such as etching, which can create curved surfaces through controlled chemical or plasma etching. This approach eliminates the need for separate lens components and their associated alignment and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while achieving improved beam pointing.
3Reliability
If the outer sidewall profile is modified to concave or convex, then beam pointing and coupling efficiency improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the curved sidewall structure, including the curvature radius and the extent of the convex or concave portion, to achieve the desired optical performance. By carefully selecting these parameters within specific ranges, the design achieves robust performance that is tolerant to normal manufacturing variations, balancing optical efficiency with manufacturability.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by improving beam pointing and coupling efficiency without lenses, promoting focused or diffuse light propagation as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The profile of the outer sidewall of the optical core is modified to be concave or convex, eliminating the need for lenses by enhancing beam pointing or coupling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a substrate having an upper face and a lower face. The upper face includes a central region and an outer sidewall that laterally surrounds the central region and that extends from the upper face to the lower face. An optical edge coupler is disposed over the upper face of the substrate and extends in a first direction from the central region toward the outer sidewall. An outer sidewall of the optical edge coupler corresponds to the outer sidewall of the substrate and has a concave surface or a convex surface.