Optical Modulator Waveguide Segmentation for Phase Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulators face challenges in reducing the intensity of light input to each waveguide of a Mach-Zehnder modulation portion, which affects the modulable phase range and efficiency of light modulation.
Innovation Solution
The optical modulator design incorporates a third Mach-Zehnder modulation portion optically coupled to first and second Mach-Zehnder modulation portions, with specific waveguide configurations and electrode connections to reduce light intensity input to each waveguide, allowing for increased modulable phase range or enhanced light intensity output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional Mach-Zehnder modulation portion is used, then the structure is simple, but the light intensity input to each waveguide is high, limiting the modulable phase range
Solution Approach 1:
The optical modulator is divided into multiple Mach-Zehnder modulation portions (first, second, and third MZMPs) with separate waveguide paths. Each MZMP processes light independently through its own waveguides, allowing the light intensity to be distributed across multiple paths rather than concentrated in a single path, thereby reducing the intensity input to each individual waveguide while maintaining structural modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third Mach-Zehnder modulation portion that operates in an additional dimensional space alongside the first and second MZMPs. This third MZMP with its five waveguides creates an extra dimension for light propagation, distributing the optical energy across more pathways and reducing the intensity concentration in any single waveguide
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light intensity input to each waveguide is reduced, then the modulable phase range is expanded, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple Mach-Zehnder modulation portions are merged into a single integrated optical modulator device. The first, second, and third MZMPs share common waveguide structures and electrodes, combining their functionality to achieve extended modulable phase range while avoiding the need for completely separate devices. This merging approach provides the desired phase modulation capability without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structures and electrodes are designed to serve multiple functions across different MZMPs. The same waveguide can be used in multiple MZMPs with different electrode configurations, and electrodes can control multiple waveguide paths simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve extended phase modulation range while maintaining relatively simple structural elements
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 effectively reduces the light intensity input to each waveguide, expanding the modulable phase range or increasing the intensity of emitted light, thereby improving the optical modulator's performance compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler optically coupled to a third Mach-Zehnder modulation portion. The optical coupler is optically coupled to an output end of the fifth waveguide, an output end of the sixth waveguide, an output end of the seventh waveguide, and an output end of the eighth waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode connected to the fifth waveguide and the sixth waveguide, and a second electrode connected to the seventh waveguide and the eighth waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulator includes a first Mach-Zehnder modulation portion including a first waveguide and a second waveguide, a second Mach-Zehnder modulation portion including a third waveguide and a fourth waveguide, a third Mach-Zehnder modulation portion optically coupled to the first Mach-Zehnder modulation portion and the second Mach-Zehnder modulation portion. The third Mach-Zehnder modulation portion includes a fifth waveguide including an input end optically coupled to an output end of the first waveguide, a sixth waveguide including an input end optically coupled to an output end of the second waveguide, a seventh waveguide including an input end optically coupled to an output end of the third waveguide, an eighth waveguide including an input end optically coupled to an output end of the fourth waveguide.