Electrically Controlled Optical Fuse for Signal Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical semiconductor circuits lack a reliable method for permanently interrupting optical signal propagation, which is essential for device protection and reconfiguration without relying on the intensity of light passing through the circuit.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled optical fuse is implemented using a phase changing material region, a gettering region, and metal contacts, where the phase changing material is disposed in the optical path between a light source and a light sensor, allowing the fuse to be activated electronically by applying a voltage, thereby transforming the material from a transparent to an opaque state without requiring excessive light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light intensity is used to trigger optical fuse interruption, then optical signal propagation can be interrupted, but the circuit cannot be protected without excessive light intensity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical triggering mechanism with an electrical control mechanism. Instead of using light intensity to trigger the fuse interruption, an electrical signal is applied to a phase-changing material (such as GST - germanium antimony telluride) that is positioned in the optical path. When electrical voltage is applied, the phase-changing material transitions from a transparent crystalline state to an opaque amorphous state, thereby interrupting the optical signal propagation. This substitution eliminates the need for excessive light intensity while maintaining reliable optical fuse protection capability.
2Illumination intensity
If phase changing material is used for electrical control, then optical signal interruption is achieved without excessive light intensity, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The phase-changing material is deposited directly onto the light sensor substrate within the existing optical circuit architecture. The electrical contacts are integrated with the existing metal layers and interconnect structures of the semiconductor device. This merging approach allows the optical fuse functionality to be added without requiring separate discrete components, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the electrical control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-changing material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the triggering element for optical signal interruption, provides the phase transition mechanism for electrical control, and integrates with the existing metal contact structures. The electrical contacts serve dual purposes as both electrical signal pathways and heating elements for inducing the phase change. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 electrically controlled optical fuse enables permanent interruption of optical signal propagation, providing enhanced protection and reconfiguration capabilities by allowing circuit protection through electrical signaling rather than light intensity, ensuring reliable operation under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the phase changing material from a transparent to an opaque state
Implementation Method 2
allowing the fuse to be activated electronically by applying a voltage
Implementation Method 3
A gettering region is disposed adjacent to the phase changing material region
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrically controlled optical fuse. The optical fuse is activated electronically instead of by the light source itself. An applied voltage causes the fuse temperature to rise, which induces a transformation of a phase changing material from transparent to opaque. A gettering layer absorbs excess atoms released during the transformation.