Optoelectronic Component Coupling Element Radiation Loss Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic components with waveguides and coupling elements face inefficiencies in radiation coupling and temperature control, particularly due to radiation loss, which is not effectively utilized in previous designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second waveguide at an angle to the plane of the integrated optical waveguide and a coupling element that connects both waveguides, allowing for radiation coupling between them, along with a control unit that uses detector signals to influence the temperature of the semiconductor chip via heating elements and adjust transmission power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling element is used to couple optical radiation between waveguides, then radiation can be transmitted between different waveguide planes, but radiation loss occurs that is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful radiation loss into a useful signal by directing it to a detector. The coupling element still performs its primary function of coupling radiation between waveguides, while the leaked radiation that would normally be wasted is now captured and used for temperature control feedback, transforming the energy loss into a beneficial control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it couples optical radiation between the first and second waveguides along the main coupling path, and simultaneously directs leaked radiation to the detector along a secondary coupling path. This multi-functionality allows the same component to enable both signal transmission and temperature monitoring without requiring separate systems.
2Temperature
If temperature control is implemented using separate temperature sensors, then temperature can be monitored, but the radiation loss remains unused and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detector serves dual purposes: it detects the radiation loss from the coupling element and simultaneously provides temperature information for control. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective temperature monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own radiation loss as the sensing mechanism for temperature control, rather than requiring external temperature sensors. The radiation loss that would normally indicate inefficiency becomes the very signal used to monitor and control the system's thermal state, making the system self-diagnostic.
3Reliability
If radiation loss is directed to a detector for measurement, then temperature control can be optimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function into the existing radiation detection pathway. By combining the radiation loss detection and temperature measurement functions into a single integrated approach, the system achieves precise temperature control without adding separate sensing components or complex structural elements.
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 enables the evaluation and utilization of radiation loss for precise temperature control and optimized operation of the optoelectronic component, enhancing its performance by leveraging previously unused leakage radiation.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element is connected to the first and second waveguide and the optical radiation guided in the first waveguide and fed into the coupling element can be coupled - along the main coupling path - in the direction out of the plane and into the second waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the coupled radiation is fed to a detector which detects the coupled radiation and generates a detector signal on the output side
Implementation Method 3
the control unit is connected to the detector and which, based on the detector signal, influences at least one operating variable of the optoelectronic component, namely the temperature of the semiconductor chip of the optoelectronic component, by means of a heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optoelectronic component (5) comprising an optical waveguide (10) integrated into a plane (EB) of the component, said optical waveguide being able to guide optical radiation in the plane, and a coupling element (20) which is connected to the waveguide and is able to couple optical radiation, guided in the waveguide and fed into the coupling element therefrom, out of the plane – along a main coupling path (HKS) – and/or couple optical radiation, fed into the plane at an angle, into the waveguide and hence into the plane of the component – along the main coupling path (HKS). According to the invention, provision is made for the degree of coupling efficiency of the coupling element to be less than one in respect to the main coupling path and for the coupling element – when radiating-in optical radiation – to output optical loss radiation (D) along a secondary coupling path (NKS), said optical loss radiation being proportional, or at least approximately proportional, to the radiation transferred along the main coupling path, for the optoelectronic component to have a detector (30) which is connected to the coupling element (20) and registers the optical loss radiation in its entirety, or at least in part, and produces a detector signal (DS) and for the optoelectronic component to have a control unit connected to the detector, said control unit influencing at least one operating variable of the optoelectronic component on the basis of the detector signal.