Integrated Optical Modulator Polarization Orthogonalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modulators using orthogonal polarization synthesis are complex, unreliable, and costly due to the need for multiple optical components and precise alignment, making them unsuitable for high-channel multiplex wavelength transmission.

Innovation Solution

An optical modulator configured as a single element with a substrate having electro-optic effects, featuring an optical waveguide with branch waveguides, modulation electrodes, and integrated polarization plane selection and adjustment means to control and orthogonalize polarization planes, reducing component count and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple optical components are assembled to achieve orthogonal polarization synthesis, then the function is realized, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stability and long-term stabilityVSAvoidpositional alignment and adjustment of optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical components (polarization beam splitter, waveplates, modulators) into a single integrated optical modulator device. The substrate combines electro-optic modulation functionality with polarization control elements, eliminating the need for separate assembled components and their associated alignment mechanisms. This merging directly reduces device complexity while improving temperature and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical components are used for orthogonal polarization synthesis, then the function is achieved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage in transmission apparatusVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple optical components into a single integrated modulator device with a compact substrate structure. The electro-optic modulation elements and polarization control features are combined in one device, dramatically reducing the volume compared to traditional assembled approaches. This size reduction enables the device to be housed in transmission apparatus while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If expensive optical components are used for orthogonal polarization synthesis, then the performance is ensured, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device structure, eliminating the need for multiple expensive optical components such as separate polarization beam splitters, waveplates, and modulators. The unified substrate design reduces component count and assembly complexity, leading to lower production costs while maintaining performance stability through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical modulator performs multiple functions (polarization beam splitting, waveplate functionality, modulation) within a single device structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall component cost and simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables reliable orthogonal polarization synthesis with a reduced number of components and lower production costs, improving stability and scalability for high-channel multiplex wavelength transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a substrate that is formed of a material having an electro-optic effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS8406577B2Optical modulator

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 SUMITOMO OSAKA CEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An optical modulator includes a substrate that is formed of a material having an electro-optic effect, an optical waveguide 2 that is formed on the substrate 1, the optical waveguide 2 having at least an input waveguide 21 leading the optical wave input to the optical modulator, branch waveguides 23, 24, 27, and 28 branching from the input waveguide, and an output waveguide 30 coupling the branch waveguides and leading the optical wave to the outside of the optical modulator, modulation electrodes 61 and 62 that are formed on the substrate to modulate an optical wave propagating on the waveguide, modulation means 25 and 26 that are provided at apart of the branch waveguides to modulate the optical wave propagating on the branch waveguide, where at least a part of the modulation electrodes is provided, polarization plane selection means 4 that is provided at a part of the optical waveguide up to a part where the branch waveguides are coupled, and controls the polarization plane of the optical wave modulated by the modulation means, and polarization plane adjustment means 5 that is provided at a part of the optical waveguide up to a part where the branch waveguides are coupled, and adjusts the polarization planes such that the polarization planes of the optical waves propagating on the branch waveguides are made orthogonal effectively.