Optical Waveguide Zigzag Mirror Design for High Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical waveguides with multilayer structures face challenges in achieving high wiring density due to the need for cladding layers to planarize core layers, which increases the thickness and reduces wiring density.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide design incorporates a first cladding layer with extended core portions, groove portions with inclined surfaces, and optical path conversion mirrors on these surfaces, allowing for a second cladding layer that covers the core portions while maintaining a high density of optical wiring by arranging optical path conversion mirrors in a zigzag pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cladding layer is formed between core layers to planarize the core layer, then the core portions are covered and planarization is achieved, but the thickness of the optical waveguide increases and wiring density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of multiple cladding layers to a lateral arrangement where optical path conversion mirrors are positioned at different locations in the first direction within the same layer plane. This dimensional reorganization eliminates the need for additional thickness-providing cladding layers while achieving the required optical path conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using cladding layers to cover and planarize core portions vertically, the patent inverts the approach by arranging optical path conversion mirrors laterally at different positions in the first direction. This inversion allows the mirrors to be positioned without requiring additional vertical space, thus maintaining thin profile while achieving planarization and optical path conversion.
2Reliability
If multiple cladding layers are formed to cover core portions in multilayer structure, then core portions are properly covered, but the number of layers increases and wiring density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving from a vertical multi-layer architecture to a lateral single-layer architecture. Optical path conversion mirrors are arranged at different positions in the first direction within the same layer, eliminating the need for multiple cladding layers while maintaining complete coverage of core portions and maximizing wiring density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cladding layers into a single layer structure. By laterally arranging optical path conversion mirrors at different positions in the first direction, the patent combines the coverage function and optical path conversion function that previously required separate vertical layers into one integrated horizontal arrangement, thereby increasing wiring density.
3Adaptability or versatility
If core layers are stacked vertically to form multilayer structure, then optical paths are converted, but the pitch between core portions increases and wiring density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from vertical stacking to lateral arrangement. Optical path conversion mirrors are positioned at different locations in the first direction within the same layer plane, enabling optical path conversion while maintaining small pitch between core portions and achieving high wiring density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of optical path conversion mirrors at different locations in the first direction rather than symmetric vertical stacking. This asymmetric lateral arrangement allows optical path conversion functionality to be achieved while minimizing the pitch between core portions, thereby increasing wiring density.
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 design achieves high-density optical wiring by narrowing the pitch of the core portion, suppressing thickness increase and reducing cross-talk between channels, thereby enhancing the compactness of the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path conversion mirror formed on one of the inclined surfaces formed in each of the core portions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide includes a first cladding layer, at least two core portions formed on the first cladding layer and extended in a first direction, at least two groove portions formed in each of the core portions at positions spaced apart from each other in the first direction, each groove portion having an inclined surface, an optical path conversion mirror formed on one of the inclined surfaces formed in each of the core portions, and a second cladding layer formed on the first cladding layer and the core portions. The optical path conversion mirrors formed in the core portions adjacent to each other are arranged at positions different from each other in the first direction. The groove portions formed in the core portions adjacent to each other are arranged at the same positions in the first direction.