Optical Modulator Module Asymmetric Layout and Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical modulator modules face challenges in mounting and operation due to the symmetrical configuration of integrated circuits relative to the optical signal input direction, leading to increased circuit size and manufacturing costs, and difficulties in achieving high-speed modulation with low driving voltage.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulator module with a linear accelerator-type column electrode structure and integrated circuits that can operate regardless of the optical signal input direction, featuring a transmission line and synchronization signal terminators to synchronize and drive multiple waveguide-type optical phase modulators efficiently, allowing for high-speed modulation with reduced driving voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If integrated circuits are disposed on and under the optical modulator along the light propagation direction with a symmetrical configuration, then the optical modulator can be mounted regardless of input direction, but the circuit size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the integrated circuits and optical modulator in an asymmetric layout rather than a symmetrical one. Specifically, the optical modulator is disposed adjacent to one end of the first integrated circuit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light propagation direction, breaking the symmetry. This asymmetric arrangement reduces circuit size while still enabling mounting flexibility through the asymmetric design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional arrangement (along the light propagation direction) to a two-dimensional arrangement by disposing the optical modulator adjacent to the end of the integrated circuit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light propagation direction. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization, reduces circuit size, and maintains mounting flexibility.
2Power
If the length of optical phase modulator region is increased to reduce driving voltage amplitude, then optical modulation efficiency improves, but capacitance increases which hinders improvement in modulation bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical phase modulator into multiple discrete regions (first optical phase modulator region and second optical phase modulator region) rather than using a single long modulator. This segmentation allows the total modulation function to be distributed across multiple shorter segments, reducing the capacitance of each segment while maintaining the overall optical modulation efficiency through the combined effect of multiple segments.
3Speed
If travelling-wave electrode structure is used to increase modulation bandwidth, then modulation bandwidth improves, but the structure becomes more complex and requires precise phase velocity matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation to divide the optical phase modulator into multiple regions, each driven by separate electrode structures. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for a complex travelling-wave electrode structure that requires precise phase velocity matching across a single long modulator. The segmented approach simplifies the electrode structure while maintaining high modulation bandwidth.
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
Enables high-speed optical modulation with low driving voltage and flexible mounting configurations, reducing circuit size and manufacturing costs by allowing operation regardless of the optical signal input direction and improving modulation bandwidth through segmented waveguide-type optical phase modulators.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide-type optical phase modulator that changes a refractive index of the optical waveguide by application of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
a transmission line that is connected between outputs of the two buffer circuits and receives a synchronization signal through one of the two buffer circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Waveguide-type optical phase modulator regions of a linear accelerator-type column electrode structure MZ optical modulator are arranged on a semiconductor optical waveguide. A transmission line of an integrated circuit receives a clock signal through a buffer circuit disposed on an input side. Clock terminators are connected between an end of the transmission line and clock terminator power supply electrodes (VCa, VCb). Individual driving circuits receive the clock signal from different positions of the transmission line. An i (1≦i≦m, i is an integer)-th individual driving circuit counted from the input side outputs a signal obtained by amplifying a digital input signal in synchronization with the clock signal to an i-th waveguide-type optical phase modulator region.