Integrated Light Shielding Electrode for Optical Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation optical transmission/reception devices with highly integrated silicon substrates, conventional light shielding structures like conductive vias and grooves are difficult to implement due to size constraints and increased stress, leading to deviations in optical circuit functions and ineffective stray light suppression.
Innovation Solution
A light reception element with a substrate featuring a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer of different types, incorporating a stepped electrode and wall-shaped or column-shaped wiring electrodes that extend perpendicularly from the stepped electrode to shield the light absorption portion, effectively suppressing stray light without altering the substrate's stress or optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light shielding structures (conductive vias, grooves) are implemented in highly integrated optical circuits, then stray light suppression is improved, but device size increases and substrate stress changes causing optical function deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light shielding function with the electrode structure by forming the electrode to extend in the optical axis direction, creating a dual-functional component that both collects electrical signals and blocks stray light without requiring separate light shielding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical signal collection from the light reception element and stray light shielding, eliminating the need for dedicated light shielding components and reducing overall device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light shielding structures are added to suppress stray light, then stray light suppression is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding function is merged into the electrode structure, eliminating the need for separate light shielding components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode serves dual purposes as both an electrical signal collection component and a stray light shielding structure, reducing the total number of components needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light shielding structures are implemented, then stray light suppression is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to stress-induced optical function deviations
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the light shielding function with the electrode, the patent eliminates separate light shielding structures that would introduce additional stress and precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves its primary electrical function while simultaneously providing light shielding, eliminating the need for additional components that would complicate manufacturing
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 provides an effective light shielding structure that integrates with the light reception element, reducing stray light coupling and maintaining optical performance in densely packed optical circuits, even with increased integration levels.
Implementation Method 1
a wall-shaped or column-shaped wiring electrode that extends perpendicularly from a bottom of the stepped electrode toward a surface layer to shield the light absorption portion
Data Source
AI summary
A light shielding structure of an optical circuit of the present invention uses a part of the structure of the light reception element itself to suppress stray light. A stepped electrode that covers an upper surface and side surface of a first semiconductor layer constituting a light absorption portion of the light reception element is formed at a height substantially equal to that of an optical waveguide in the optical circuit, and the light absorption portion of the light reception element is shielded from stray light by a wall-shaped or column-shaped wiring electrode extending substantially perpendicularly to a surface layer of the optical circuit. The light shielding structure of the present invention uses a part of the configuration of the light reception element, is formed integrally with the light reception element, and also has an aspect of the invention of the light reception element.