Optical Module Vertical Coupling via Recessed Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules with optoelectronic substrates face challenges in downsizing while maintaining low optical coupling loss, particularly when high-density mounting of optical ICs is required.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates an optoelectronic substrate with a first waveguide and a first mirror, optically coupled to an optical IC featuring a second waveguide and a second mirror, allowing for compact optical coupling and high-density mounting of optical ICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high-density mounting of optical ICs is implemented, then the optical module size is reduced, but optical coupling loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar optical coupling to three-dimensional vertical coupling by introducing recesses and mirrors. The first waveguide extends into a first recess in the optoelectronic substrate, and the second waveguide extends into a second recess in the optical IC, enabling optical coupling in the vertical dimension rather than only in the horizontal plane. This allows compact packaging while maintaining effective optical coupling distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mirror surfaces with curved reflecting surfaces (concave or convex) instead of flat mirrors to focus or diverge light beams. The curved surfaces enable better mode matching between the waveguides and reduce optical coupling loss by concentrating the light energy into the receiving waveguide mode, thereby improving coupling efficiency in the compact vertical configuration.
2Loss of energy
If conventional optical coupling methods are used, then optical coupling loss is reduced, but the optical module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves low optical coupling loss in a compact size by utilizing vertical recesses and mirrors to create an effective optical coupling path in the third dimension. The recesses allow the waveguides to approach each other closely in the vertical direction, and the mirrors provide the necessary optical path folding to achieve coupling without requiring large horizontal separation distances.
3Loss of energy
If mirrors with large reflecting surfaces are used, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mirrors with localized reflecting surfaces positioned precisely at the ends of the recesses where optical coupling is needed. Rather than using large mirrors covering entire substrate areas, the mirrors are confined to small regions at the coupling interfaces, reducing material usage and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high coupling efficiency through precise local positioning.
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 enables reduced optical coupling loss and facilitates the downsizing of optical modules and optoelectronic substrates through high-density optical IC mounting, while maintaining stable optical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror that is formed inside the first recess and that reflects a signal light input transmitted through the first waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror that is formed inside the second recess and that reflects the signal light transmitted through the second waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a first waveguide extending toward the first recess... a second waveguide formed on the circuit surface... The first waveguide and the second waveguide are optically coupled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module according to one embodiment includes an optoelectronic substrate including a first surface, a first recess open on the first surface, a first waveguide extending toward the first recess, and a first mirror that is formed inside the first recess and that reflects a signal light transmitted through the first waveguide; and an optical IC including a circuit surface facing the first surface, a second waveguide formed on the circuit surface, a second recess open on the circuit surface, and a second mirror that is formed inside the second recess and that reflects the signal light transmitted through the second waveguide, and connected to the optoelectronic substrate such that the circuit surface faces the first surface. The first waveguide and the second waveguide are optically coupled to each other through the first mirror and the second mirror.