Optical Insulator Reflects Light Signals in Waveguide Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical device systems are complex and suffer from optical loss due to the need for additional features like lenses and reflecting surfaces, which increase cost and complexity, particularly when stacking devices to transfer light signals.
Innovation Solution
An optical device design that uses a waveguide on a base with a lens and optical insulator, where the insulator reflects and transmits light signals, simplifying the system by eliminating the need for separate optical components and allowing efficient signal transmission through the same material at different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lenses and reflecting surfaces are added to optical devices to enable successful port operation, then light signal transfer between devices is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens and reflecting surface functions into the substrate itself. The substrate is formed with a first surface that includes both the lens and the reflecting surface, eliminating the need for separate optical components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining light signal transfer capability between stacked optical devices.
2Ease of operation
If lenses and reflecting surfaces are added to optical devices, then light signal direction and shape are corrected, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lens and reflecting surface into a single substrate structure, the patent reduces the number of optical interfaces and component boundaries. This minimizes reflection losses and scattering at interfaces, thereby reducing overall optical loss while still achieving proper light signal direction and shape correction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are added to enable device stacking, then light signal transfer between devices is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions (lens, reflecting surface, waveguide coupling) into a single substrate structure that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components that need to be assembled and aligned, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while enabling device stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural base, contains the lens for light focusing, includes the reflecting surface for light direction control, and provides the interface for waveguide coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing cost while enabling versatile device stacking applications.
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 design reduces complexity and optical loss by using the same material for reflection and transmission, simplifying the device structure and improving signal transfer efficiency between stacked optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the insulator reflects the light signal back into the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a lens and optical insulator, where the insulator reflects and transmits light signals
Implementation Method 3
The thickness of the insulator can be adjusted to permit efficient transmission of the light signal through the insulator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device has a waveguide immobilized on a base. A lens is defined by the base. A reflecting side reflects a light signal that travels on an optical pathway that extends through the lens and into the waveguide. The reflecting side is positioned to reflect the light signal as the light signal travels along a portion of the optical pathway between the lens and the waveguide. An optical insulator that confines the light signal within the waveguide. The portion of the optical pathway between the lens and the waveguide extends through the optical insulator such that the light signal is transmitted through the optical insulator.