Optical Phase Change Materials for Low-Power Reconfigurable Glass Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable optics systems for electronic packages require constant power to maintain the state of optical switches, leading to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical phase change materials (oPCMs) that can switch between amorphous and crystalline states without continuous power, allowing optical switches to change states using optical pulses, thermal energy, or electric fields, eliminating the need for constant power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If existing optical switching architectures (heaters) are used, then optical switching functionality is achieved, but power consumption is high due to requirement of static power to maintain switch state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition of optical phase change materials (between amorphous and crystalline states) to achieve optical switching. The material transitions between phases to modulate optical properties, enabling switching without continuous power supply. This resolves the contradiction by using the material's inherent phase transition properties to maintain switch state stability without static power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the optical phase change material (temperature, crystallinity) to achieve switching functionality. By controlling parameters such as temperature through optical pulses or electric fields, the material transitions between states that correspond to on/off configurations, eliminating the need for continuous power while maintaining reliable state control.
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to maintain switch state, then switch state stability is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous power supply, the patent uses periodic or pulsed action (optical pulses or electric field pulses) to trigger phase transitions in the optical phase change material. The material maintains its switched state without continuous energy input, achieving both state stability and energy efficiency by applying energy only when state changes are needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical phase change materials are used, then power consumption is reduced by eliminating continuous power requirement, but device complexity increases due to integration of new materials and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical phase change material directly with the optical waveguide structure, integrating the switching functionality into the existing optical path. This combination reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture, offsetting the complexity of incorporating new materials through design integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical phase change material as an intermediary between the control signal (optical pulse or electric field) and the optical switching function. This intermediary material enables efficient energy transfer and state control while maintaining compatibility with existing optical infrastructure, managing complexity through functional mediation.
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 solution reduces power consumption by enabling optical switches to maintain their state without continuous power application, enhancing the efficiency of reconfigurable optics systems in electronic packages.
Implementation Method 1
optical phase change materials (oPCMs) that can switch between amorphous and crystalline states
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy, or electric fields, eliminating the need for constant power
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include a package substrate. In an embodiment, the package substrate comprises a core where the core comprises glass. In an embodiment, the package substrate further comprises an optical waveguide over the core, and an optical phase change material over the optical waveguide.