Optoelectronic Device Vertical Optical Channel Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable transmission systems face signal integrity issues due to high impedance caused by capacitance and inductance, limiting transmission distance and efficiency, especially as data speeds and frequencies increase, and silicon photonics devices struggle with energy loss when coupling light to optical components due to size mismatch.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic device with a photonic component featuring an optical channel extending from an active side to a second side, utilizing a non-gaseous material for light transmission, and a method involving a photonic component with a first and second side, where the optical channel is optically coupled to the second side, allowing for improved light coupling without the need for recessing the active side, simplifying integration and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional cable transmission is used for high-speed data transmission, then data transmission speed can be increased, but signal integrity deteriorates due to high impedance generated by capacitance and inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. Optical fibers transmit data as light signals instead of electrical signals, eliminating the capacitance and inductance issues that cause signal integrity deterioration at high speeds. This substitution allows high-speed data transmission while maintaining signal integrity over longer distances.
2Reliability
If optical fibers are used to replace electrical cables, then signal integrity is improved, but transmission distance within equipment must be shortened to avoid signal integrity issues at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional optical channel that extends vertically through the substrate, allowing light to travel in the depth dimension rather than along the surface. This vertical path enables longer effective transmission distances within the equipment while maintaining signal integrity, as the light travels through the substrate thickness rather than along extended trace paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If silicon photonics technology is used to guide light from waveguide to optical component, then optical communication capability is achieved, but size matching issues result in energy loss of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tapered optical channel structure that acts as an intermediary between the waveguide and the optical component (optical fiber). The tapered structure gradually transitions the mode field diameter from the waveguide to the optical fiber, providing impedance matching and minimizing reflection losses. This intermediary structure enables efficient coupling between components of different sizes.
4Loss of energy
If active side of photonic component is recessed to improve light coupling, then coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of recessing the active side of the photonic component, the patent inverts the approach by extending the optical channel through the substrate to the back side of the device. The optical component is then coupled to the back side, eliminating the need for complex recessing operations on the active side while achieving the same coupling efficiency improvement.
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
Enhances signal transmission efficiency by reducing energy loss and simplifying the integration process, enabling higher data speeds and flexibility in design while maintaining signal integrity over longer distances.
Implementation Method 1
The optical channel includes a non-gaseous material configured to transmit light
Implementation Method 2
an optical channel extending from an active side to a second side of the photonic component
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device includes a photonic component. The photonic component includes an active side, a second side different from the active side, and an optical channel extending from the active side to the second side of the photonic component. The optical channel includes a non-gaseous material configured to transmit light.