Compact Optical Receiver with Tunable Attenuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical receivers are not compact enough to handle varying optical signal strengths and are not adaptable to different optical systems, particularly due to issues with size and optical loss associated with tight curvature waveguides.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical receiver design featuring a multi-mode waveguide with curved sections and a tunable optical attenuator, positioned along the un-tapered portion of the waveguide, which reduces optical loss and allows for efficient signal attenuation across different signal strengths, enabling the receiver to be integrated on a small chip suitable for both single and multi-mode fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the receiver is made compact with tight curvature waveguides, then the chip size is reduced, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide transitions from single-mode to multi-mode operation dynamically based on curvature requirements. By allowing the waveguide to support multiple modes in high-curvature regions, the system adapts to maintain low optical loss while achieving compact chip size, as multi-mode waveguides are less sensitive to bending losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide parameters (mode structure) are changed from single-mode to multi-mode operation. This parameter change allows the waveguide to tolerate tight curvature bends with reduced optical loss, enabling compact receiver design while maintaining signal integrity.
2Reliability
If a single-mode waveguide is used, then signal quality is maintained, but the receiver cannot handle varying signal strengths across different optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-mode waveguide serves multiple functions: it can accept signals from both single-mode and multi-mode fibers, handle varying signal strengths, and maintain reliable signal quality. This universal design allows the receiver to be compatible with different optical systems without requiring separate optimized designs for each case.
3Area of stationary object
If the waveguide is made unbranched and multi-mode, then the receiver can be integrated on a small chip, but coupling efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-positioned in a groove that aligns with the waveguide entrance, and the waveguide dimensions are pre-optimized for multi-mode operation. This preliminary configuration ensures efficient coupling between the fiber and waveguide despite the compact unbranched design, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving small chip area.
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
The design achieves reduced optical loss and compact size, allowing the receiver to be used with various optical systems while maintaining effective signal processing, even with high curvature bends, and is suitable for both single and multi-mode fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide is configured to carry a light signal from an optical fiber to a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
An attenuator is configured to attenuate the light signal as the light signal travels along the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver includes a waveguide defined in a layer of silicon positioned on a base. The waveguide is immobilized relative to the base along the length of the waveguide. The waveguide is unbranched and is a multi-mode waveguide. The receiver also includes a groove configured to receive an optical fiber. The groove is positioned such that when the optical fiber is positioned in the groove the waveguide receives a light signal that exits a facet of the optical fiber. The receiver also includes a light sensor configured to receive the light signal from the waveguide after the light signal is received by the waveguide, is guided through the waveguide, and exits the waveguide. The receiver also includes a tunable optical attenuator configured to attenuate the light signal as the light signal travels along the waveguide. The receiver can be formed on a chip such that the waveguide is the only optical waveguide on the chip.