Optical Supply Sub-System with Redundant Light Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical supply sub-systems in optical systems are vulnerable to failure or deterioration of laser output, leading to potential data loss in photonic integrated circuits, and require external photodiodes and heaters that consume power and occupy space.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optical supply sub-system uses redundant light sources and integrated metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor microring resonators (MOSCAP MRRs) in optical couplers to control light propagation with reduced power consumption and footprint, eliminating the need for external photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external photodiodes and heaters are used to control light propagation and monitor light sources, then light control and monitoring functions are achieved, but power consumption and device footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light monitoring function with the existing MOSCAP MRR structure by integrating a photodiode within the microring resonator. This allows the MRR to serve dual purposes: controlling light propagation through thermal effects and monitoring light sources through photodetection, thereby eliminating the need for separate external photodiodes and reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The MOSCAP MRR structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an optical coupler for light propagation control, a thermal actuator via heater integration, and a light monitoring device through integrated photodiode. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and eliminates the need for separate external monitoring devices
2Reliability
If external photodiodes and heaters are used for light control and monitoring, then light propagation control is achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heater and photodiode components within the compact MOSCAP MRR structure. The photodiode is integrated into the microring resonator itself, allowing light monitoring without requiring separate external photodiode mounts and connections, thereby significantly reducing the overall device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The photodiode is nested within the microring resonator structure, where the photodetection function is embedded inside the existing optical pathway. This nesting approach allows the monitoring function to occupy the same spatial envelope as the resonator, eliminating the need for additional external space
3Reliability
If redundant light sources are implemented with seamless switching capability, then system reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between primary and auxiliary light sources by controlling the resonance state of MOSCAP MRRs. The resonators can be dynamically tuned to couple light from either the primary or auxiliary source to the output waveguide, enabling seamless switching without mechanical moving parts or complex switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism relies on changing the resonance parameters of the MOSCAP MRRs through electrical control of the metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor. By adjusting the capacitance value, the resonance frequency is shifted to selectively couple light from the primary or auxiliary light source, providing a simple parameter-based switching approach
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 enhances the reliability of optical supply sub-systems by allowing seamless switching between primary and auxiliary light sources, reduces power consumption and space requirements, and provides efficient light monitoring without external photodiodes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler include an integrated metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor microring resonator (MOSCAP MRR) to control the propagation of light
Implementation Method 2
provides efficient light monitoring without external photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
An example optical system having an optical supply sub-system for supplying light to a photonic integrated circuit is presented. The optical supply sub-system includes a primary light source, an auxiliary light source, a first optical coupler, and a second optical coupler. The first optical coupler includes a first metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor microring resonator (MOSCAP MRR) and the first optical coupler includes a second MOSCAP MRR. The first optical coupler is coupled to the primary light source and the photonic integrated circuit to control the propagation of the primary light to the photonic integrated circuit. The auxiliary light source may be configured to generate an auxiliary light when the primary light source malfunctions and the first MOSCAP MRR and the second MOSCAP MRR are controlled to control propagation of the auxiliary light from the auxiliary light source to the photonic integrated circuit.