Optical Modulator Wiring Electrode Vertical Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical modulators face challenges in reducing electrical loss while maintaining a compact size, as existing designs often require wider spacing of wiring electrodes to minimize electric field interference, leading to increased modulator size and potential electrical loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical modulator design incorporates a first electrode and a second electrode with a wiring electrode that extends from the end of the first electrode, positioned on the opposite side of the optical waveguide, allowing for a more compact layout by spacing the wiring electrode away from the optical waveguide, reducing electrical loss and preventing size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wiring electrodes are spaced far apart in the in-plane direction of the circuit substrate, then electrical loss is reduced, but the width of the optical modulator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the wiring electrode from the in-plane direction to the vertical direction by extending it from the end portion of the signal electrode in the height direction. This dimensional transition allows the wiring electrode to be positioned away from the optical waveguide without increasing the in-plane width of the modulator, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing electrical loss and maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring electrode is segmented into a signal electrode portion and a wiring portion. The signal electrode portion is positioned adjacent to the optical waveguide for effective signal transmission, while the wiring portion extends vertically to connect to external circuits. This segmentation allows the different functional parts to be optimally positioned, reducing electrical loss in the signal transmission path while avoiding size increase in the overall device.
2Area of stationary object
If wiring electrodes are placed close together, then the optical modulator size is reduced, but electrical loss increases due to electric field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the electric field interference issue by extending the wiring electrode vertically from the signal electrode. This vertical extension creates sufficient spatial separation between the wiring electrode and the optical waveguide in the height direction, effectively reducing electric field interference and electrical loss while maintaining a compact in-plane footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring electrode acts as an intermediary structure that connects the signal electrode to external circuits while being positioned away from the optical waveguide. By extending vertically, it mediates between the need for compact in-plane dimensions and the need to minimize electrical loss through proper spacing.
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 configuration effectively reduces electrical loss and prevents size expansion, enhancing the optical modulator's performance by minimizing electric field interference and maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The optical waveguide has an electro-optic effect
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulator includes an optical waveguide, first and second electrodes, and a first wiring electrode. The first electrode is on one side of the optical waveguide in a height direction of the optical modulator and extends along a portion of the optical waveguide. The second electrode is on another side of the optical waveguide in the height direction of the optical modulator. The first wiring electrode is on a side of the first electrode opposite to the optical waveguide in the height direction and is electrically connected to the first electrode. The first wiring electrode includes a wiring portion extending from an end portion in an extension direction of the first electrode when viewed along the height direction.