Optical Module With Trench Waveguides To Reduce Cross-Talk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules face challenges in reducing cross-talk noise when optical elements are closely packed, leading to increased size and height, and difficulties in achieving bidirectional or multi-channel transmission while maintaining low noise levels.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design features a substrate with independently formed, parallel trenches of varying lengths, where optical elements are mounted to oppose mirror sections at the tip portions of these trenches, and an external waveguide is optically coupled to the internal waveguide, with a partition wall between trenches to prevent interference and reduce cross-talk noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a plurality of optical elements are mounted close to each other on the substrate surface, then the device size is reduced, but cross-talk noise increases due to leaked light entering adjacent waveguides
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate surface is divided into multiple independent trenches, each containing an internal waveguide and mirror section. These trenches are formed independently of each other, creating physical separation between adjacent optical paths. This segmentation prevents leaked light from one optical element from entering adjacent waveguides, thereby reducing cross-talk noise while allowing multiple optical elements to be closely packed on the substrate surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Each trench is designed with specific local characteristics including independent formation, parallel orientation, and varying lengths from the end surface of the substrate. The mirror sections are positioned at tip portions of these trenches at different locations. This local differentiation allows each optical path to be optimized independently while maintaining close spacing between optical elements, achieving both compact size and low cross-talk.
2Length of stationary object
If the pitch between internal waveguides and mirror sections is reduced, then the device height is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple trenches are formed independently of each other in advance before mounting optical elements. This preliminary formation of trenches with predetermined positions and varying lengths establishes a stable structural framework that guides subsequent assembly. The independent trench formation allows for precise positioning of mirror sections and internal waveguides without requiring extremely tight pitch control during final assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while achieving compact device height.
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 compact, low-height optical module with reduced cross-talk noise, enabling bidirectional or multi-channel transmission by maintaining a large distance between adjacent optical elements and preventing interference between internal waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror section for changing an optical path, formed at each of tip portions of the plurality of first trenches
Implementation Method 2
an internal waveguide that is provided in each of the plurality of first trenches and has a core section
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical module in which leaked light or the like from a plurality of optical elements on the same substrate is made less likely to affect adjacent optical elements, and a cross-talk noise can be thereby significantly reduced. The optical module includes an internal waveguide in a first trench of a substrate, a mirror section, and optical elements. A plurality of the first trenches of the substrate are formed independently of each other and substantially in parallel with each other, and lengths of adjacent first trenches from the end surface of the substrate are made different from each other. The optical elements are mounted on the surface of the substrate so as to oppose the minor sections formed at the tip portions of the first trenches having the different lengths.