Optical Semiconductor Device Phase Control Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical semiconductor devices face challenges in reducing power consumption during phase control, as they often require high power levels to achieve precise wavelength selection and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical semiconductor device with a sampled grating structure that includes segments with and without phase shift structures, where the segments with phase shift structures are controlled independently using separate drive sources, allowing for reduced power consumption by optimizing phase shift amounts and using heaters for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a phase control mechanism is attached to the sampled grating to enable arbitrary wavelength selection, then wavelength selection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampled grating is divided into multiple segments, with some segments equipped with phase shift structures and others without. This segmentation allows selective phase control only where necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wavelength selection capability. The patent specifies that at least one segment has a phase shift structure, and the phase shift amounts are optimized to minimize power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the sampled grating are assigned different properties: some segments have phase shift structures for active phase control, while others have uniform structures. This local differentiation enables precise wavelength selection through controlled phase shifts in specific regions rather than requiring uniform phase control across the entire grating, thereby reducing total power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If phase shift structures are added to segments to enable independent phase control, then wavelength selection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grating is segmented into multiple sections, with phase shift structures selectively applied to certain segments. This allows independent phase control in specific regions to achieve precise wavelength selection, while other segments maintain simpler uniform structures, balancing precision requirements with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Phase shift structures are locally applied only to segments where phase control is needed for wavelength selection, rather than uniformly across the entire grating. This localized approach achieves the necessary precision while minimizing the addition of complex structures throughout the device.
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 significantly reduces the power required for phase control, achieving a power reduction of up to 24% while maintaining precise wavelength selection and stability, by optimizing the phase shift amounts and using independent control sources for segments with and without phase shift structures.
Implementation Method 1
The phase control means may heaters for heating the segments
Implementation Method 2
a first optical waveguide comprising a plurality of segments each of which has a diffraction grating region with a diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
An optical semiconductor device is provided as one achieving reduction of power in phase control. The optical semiconductor device has: a first optical waveguide having a plurality of segments each of which has a diffraction grating region with a diffraction grating and a space portion coupled to the diffraction grating region, having two ends interposed between the diffraction grating regions, and having a constant optical length, wherein at least one of the segments is provided with a phase shift structure; a first phase control device for adjusting a phase of light in each segment with the phase shift structure; and a second phase control device for adjusting a phase of light in each segment without the phase shift structure.