Optical Module Groove Filters for Channel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical communication techniques face limitations in channel density due to light leakage and connection loss when trying to increase the number of channels beyond 48, as the current optical waveguide configuration is not optimized for wavelength multiplexing, leading to significant insertion loss and difficulties in electrical wiring arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The optical module features optical waveguides with grooves and distributed Bragg reflector filters on inclined surfaces, allowing for efficient wavelength selection and propagation, enabling increased channel density without light leakage and minimizing reflection losses by using orthogonal surfaces for light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of channels is increased beyond 48 with a pitch of 62.5 μm, then channel density is improved, but light leakage occurs and connection loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical waveguide into multiple segments by introducing periodic grooves along its length. Each groove acts as an independent light-selecting filter unit, allowing wavelength-specific light to be extracted at different positions. This segmentation enables high channel density while maintaining low connection loss by confining light propagation to the waveguide core through precise groove geometry control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the optical waveguide. The grooves have specific dimensions (width, depth, spacing) that are optimized locally to achieve total internal reflection for confined wavelengths while allowing extraction for selected wavelengths. This local optimization enables simultaneous achievement of high channel density and low connection loss.
2Quantity of substance
If the optical waveguide is arranged in multiple layers to achieve 48 channels or more, then channel density is improved, but connection loss due to wider light beam becomes a serious problem
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing channel density by adding more layers (vertical dimension), the invention achieves high channel density by introducing periodic grooves along the length of the waveguide (horizontal dimension). This dimensional transition allows multiple wavelength channels to be multiplexed in a single-layer waveguide, avoiding the light beam widening and connection loss problems associated with multi-layer configurations.
3Device complexity
If a single optical input/output unit is provided on one end of each optical waveguide, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical wiring arrangement becomes difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple optical input/output units into a single integrated unit by positioning light-emitting and light-receiving elements at the same location on the waveguide surface. This merging allows electrical wiring to be arranged in a compact manner without requiring separate access points for different wavelengths, thus maintaining low device complexity while facilitating electrical wiring implementation.
4Device complexity
If conventional optical waveguide configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but insertion loss becomes significant due to lack of wavelength selection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces light-selecting filters as intermediary elements within the optical waveguide. These filters act as mediators that selectively extract specific wavelengths from the propagating light beam through the periodic groove structure. This intermediary mechanism enables wavelength-division multiplexing with low insertion loss while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 allows for a higher channel density with reduced connection loss, enabling efficient wavelength multiplexing and improved densification, while simplifying the arrangement of light-emitting and light-receiving elements and their electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light-selecting filters each provided on an inclined surface of the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and reflecting light of the wavelength corresponding to the light-emitting element in the respective pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements towards the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
reflecting light of the wavelength corresponding to the light-emitting element in the respective pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements towards the optical waveguide, and selectively reflecting light of the corresponding wavelength from the light propagating through the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
having both a surface orthogonal to the surface of the substrate and an inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: at least one optical waveguide provided on a surface of a substrate; a plurality of grooves provided in the optical waveguide on the surface of the substrate and having both a surface orthogonal to the surface of the substrate and an inclined surface; multiple pairs of light-emitting and light-receiving elements aligned with the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and provided so as to correspond to light of different wavelengths on the optical waveguide; and a plurality of light-selecting filters each provided on an inclined surface of the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and reflecting light of the wavelength corresponding to the light-emitting element in the respective pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements towards the optical waveguide, and selectively reflecting light of the corresponding wavelength from the light propagating through the optical waveguide towards the corresponding pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements.