Optical Mode Converter With Inclined Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mode converters for integrated optical circuits face challenges in achieving effective optical coupling and reducing optical loss due to the heterogeneous integration of III-V semiconductor and silicon photonic waveguides, which requires complex and costly processes like tapered waveguide fabrication.
Innovation Solution
An optical mode converter with a substrate and a luminescent layer featuring an optical waveguide and an inclined mirror is developed, where the light signal is reflected by the inclined mirror to penetrate into the substrate, enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing transmission loss, while the manufacturing method involves forming the inclined mirror through lithography and etching, eliminating the need for precise cutting and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gradual tapered waveguide is used to achieve optical mode conversion, then optical coupling between III-V semiconductor and silicon waveguide is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical mode converter is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first waveguide region with larger cross-section for III-V semiconductor coupling and a second waveguide region with smaller cross-section for silicon waveguide coupling. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective optical coupling between heterogeneous materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise cutting, grinding, polishing and alignment steps are used to join end faces, then coupling accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cross-sectional dimensions are predetermined during the lithography and etching processes, establishing the coupling geometry in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent precise cutting, grinding, and polishing steps, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining coupling accuracy through design rather than post-processing.
3Reliability
If conventional tapered waveguide fabrication is used, then optical mode matching is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cross-sectional parameters are changed gradually along the propagation direction, transitioning from a larger cross-section in the first waveguide region to a smaller cross-section in the second waveguide region. This parameter change is achieved through standard lithography and etching processes, providing optical mode matching without requiring costly specialized fabrication techniques.
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 improves optical coupling, reduces light transmission loss, and lowers production costs by simplifying the manufacturing process, allowing for adjustable light wavelength and intensity selection and heat dissipation, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the optical mode converter.
Implementation Method 1
A light signal passes through the optical waveguide and is reflected by the inclined mirror to penetrate into the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mode converter is disclosed. The optical mode converter includes a substrate and a luminescent layer on the substrate. The luminescent layer includes an optical waveguide and an inclined mirror at an end of the optical waveguide. A light signal passes through the optical waveguide and is reflected by the inclined mirror to penetrate into the substrate. A method for manufacturing the optical mode converter is also disclosed.