Optical Interconnect Structure Vertical Diffraction Grating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical interconnect structures face challenges in achieving high-density mounting due to difficulties in aligning and holding optical fibers, which are typically 250 microns in diameter, requiring dedicated space on the optical wiring LSI, and are prone to signal degradation and noise susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical interconnect structure featuring a first core with a diffraction grating facing a second core's diffraction grating, allowing for detachable connection via a fitting unit, enabling efficient optical-axis conversion and bi-directional propagation without the need for large alignment areas, thus facilitating higher density interconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical fiber is connected from above an optical waveguide by inclining it at a diffraction grating, then the amount of light propagating toward the opposite direction is reduced, but there is difficulty in alignment of the optical fiber angle and in holding the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal optical fiber connection to vertical connection from above. The optical fiber is positioned vertically above the optical waveguide, and the diffraction grating is formed on the upper surface of the waveguide to redirect light. This dimensional change eliminates the need for angular alignment and simplifies the holding structure, as the fiber can be vertically positioned using a simple support structure rather than requiring precise angular alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating acts as an intermediary element between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber. Instead of directly connecting the fiber to the waveguide at an angle, the diffraction grating mediates the light transfer by diffracting light from the waveguide into the fiber. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection geometry while maintaining effective light coupling.
2Reliability
If an optical fiber with 250 microns diameter is used for connection, then light propagation is achieved, but a dedicated area on the optical wiring LSI is required and space for holding the optical fiber is needed, making high-density mounting impossible
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the connection direction from horizontal to vertical, the patent reduces the lateral space required for optical fiber connection. The vertical connection allows the optical fiber to be positioned above the waveguide without requiring lateral clearance, enabling higher density mounting of multiple optical interconnects in a compact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical wiring LSI structure is designed to integrate multiple functions: the optical waveguide layer serves both as a signal transmission path and as a platform for vertical optical fiber connection. The diffraction grating structure simultaneously achieves light direction control and compact integration, allowing the same structure to support high-density mounting while maintaining reliable optical transmission.
3Speed
If electrical wiring is used for global wiring in semiconductor integrated circuits, then signal transmission is achieved, but wiring delay, signal quality degradation, and susceptibility to noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through metal interconnects with optical signal transmission through optical waveguides. This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitations of electrical wiring including resistive losses, capacitive effects, inductive effects, and electromagnetic interference. Optical signals propagate through the waveguide with minimal attenuation and without susceptibility to electromagnetic noise, thereby improving both signal quality and transmission speed for global wiring 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 configuration enhances coupling efficiency and allows for higher density optical interconnects by aligning and converting optical signals effectively between the optical wiring LSI and the connective optical waveguide, reducing signal loss and noise susceptibility.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber is inclined by 10 degrees at a diffraction grating fabricated on the optical waveguide side, so as to reduce the amount of light propagating toward the opposite direction to the desired one
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an optical interconnect structure characterized by that it comprises an optical waveguide comprising a first core and a connective optical waveguide which is formed on the optical waveguide and comprises a second core, and that a first diffraction grating formed in the first core and a second diffraction grating formed into the second core are arranged such that at least a part of the former faces a part of the latter.