Optical Filter Ring Resonator Heater Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling coefficient of directional couplers varies significantly with temperature, leading to unintended changes in characteristics, necessitating an optical filter that suppresses temperature dependence.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter design incorporating a ring resonator with a heater positioned above a directional coupler formed by curved portions of the ring resonator and optical waveguide, allowing for controlled temperature changes to stabilize the coupling coefficient while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heater is provided to change the temperature of the ring resonator to change the wavelength of light, then the wavelength can be tuned, but the coupling coefficient of the directional coupler varies significantly with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is positioned to heat only the ring resonator portion excluding the directional coupler region. This localized heating approach allows wavelength tuning of the ring resonator while keeping the directional coupler temperature stable, thus maintaining coupling coefficient stability while achieving wavelength adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The ring resonator is divided into two functional regions: a heated region for wavelength tuning and a non-heated directional coupler region for stable light coupling. This segmentation allows independent control of wavelength tuning and coupling stability
2Productivity
If the heater covers a large area of the ring resonator to effectively change temperature, then wavelength tuning becomes more effective, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is designed with a localized heating region that covers only the necessary portion of the ring resonator for effective wavelength tuning. By concentrating heating power on a specific area rather than distributing it across the entire ring resonator, the patent achieves effective wavelength tuning with reduced power consumption
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 solution effectively reduces temperature dependence of the coupling coefficient, maintaining the coupling coefficient within a desired range and reducing power consumption by optimizing the heater coverage area on the ring resonator.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength of light can be changed by changing the temperature of a ring resonator with a heater
Implementation Method 2
The ring resonator and the optical waveguide form the directional coupler, and thus light is transferred
Data Source
AI summary
An optical filter includes a ring resonator, an optical waveguide configured to be optically coupled to the ring resonator, and a heater provided at the ring resonator. The ring resonator includes a first curved portion. The optical waveguide includes a second curved portion. The first curved portion and the second curved portion are configured to form a directional coupler. The heater is disposed above the directional coupler.