Optically Controlled Microwave Switch for High-Frequency Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically controlled microwave switches face challenges in achieving precise optical coupling and fast switching times due to the difficulty in positioning optical components without modifying the electromagnetic field, leading to insufficient optical energy delivery and poor ON/OFF contrast.
Innovation Solution
A switch design with a semiconductor substrate and a planar active zone connected by a separation zone that becomes conductive under optical illumination, along with a set of continuous lines and electrodes, allows for precise alignment and adjustment using electrical property measurements to optimize optical coupling and switching performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If optical components (lens, optical fiber) are attached to or positioned close to the active zone to optimize optical coupling, then optical energy delivery is improved, but the electromagnetic field is modified leading to changes in the transfer function of the microwave line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning system with adjustable optical components (lens and optical fiber) that can be precisely positioned relative to the active zone without physical attachment. The system uses translation stages and rotation stages as intermediaries to achieve optimal optical coupling while maintaining electromagnetic field integrity, resolving the contradiction between optical energy delivery and transfer function stability.
2Speed
If the active zone is miniaturized to reduce noise factor and improve performance, then switching speed is improved, but sufficient optical energy cannot be supplied to the active zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable optical components including a variable focal length lens and programmable positioning stages. These dynamic elements allow real-time optimization of optical coupling efficiency to deliver sufficient energy to miniaturized active zones, enabling fast switching speeds while maintaining adequate optical power supply through adaptive control rather than fixed geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (focal length, beam diameter, positioning coordinates) to optimize energy delivery to miniaturized active zones. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can concentrate sufficient optical energy onto small active areas without requiring physical attachment or compromising the miniaturization benefits for fast switching.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical components are positioned with high precision (0.1 micron accuracy) to focus the beam on the active zone, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but the complexity of positioning and alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled positioning system that uses sensors to detect the position of optical components and actively adjusts them to maintain optimal alignment with the active zone. This closed-loop control achieves high positioning accuracy (0.1 micron) while reducing the complexity of manual alignment procedures, as the system self-corrects for positioning errors through feedback from position sensors and active adjustment mechanisms.
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 enables high-precision alignment and efficient optical power delivery, achieving fast switching times and high ON/OFF contrast, suitable for high-frequency microwave applications with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the switch can be in an on state, or open, in which the electrical continuity of the transmission line is ensured, when the active zone is illuminated by an optical beam
Implementation Method 2
a photoconductive line interruption zone, called active zone, the conduction of which is controlled by photoelectric effect at the means of an optical beam illuminating this area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~3b
AI summary
A switch (COM) comprising a substrate and a microwave line (10) comprising two tracks (11, 12) formed on the substrate, an active zone (ZA) of the substrate being delimited by the two conductive tracks (11, 12) and connecting the two tracks (11, 12). The switch includes an assembly of at least one continuous line (15, 16, 17, 18), intended to carry a direct current, the continuous line comprising two electrodes spaced apart and connected by a separation zone (160) of the substrate, the separation zone being capable of being made conductive when illuminated by the optical control beam so as to establish an electrical contact between the two electrodes, the two electrodes being separated by a separation plane (P) of the continuous line, the separation plane (P) passing through the center O and being perpendicular to the plane of the active zone (ZA).