Optomechanical Oscillator Network via Optical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro-scale mechanical coupling and synchronization between cavities are limited due to non-directionality of acoustic radiation, anchor topologies, substrate leakage/material phonon losses, and restrictions in coupling neighborhood, which hinder the control and configuration of synchronized oscillator networks on the nanoscale.

Innovation Solution

A network of micro- and nano-dimensioned optomechanical resonant cavities coupled only through an optical radiation field, allowing for external control to switch between coupled and individual oscillation states, using dissimilar autonomous optomechanical oscillators with different mechanical resonant frequencies, optically coupled via a bi-directional optical medium, and tuned using an OMO tuning component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If micro-scale mechanical coupling is used to synchronize cavities, then coupling between oscillators is achieved, but non-directionality of acoustic radiation and substrate leakage limit control and configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of synchronizationVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling with optical coupling. Specifically, it uses optomechanical oscillators where mechanical oscillations are coupled through an optical field rather than direct mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the limitations of acoustic radiation non-directionality and substrate leakage, enabling precise control and flexible configuration of oscillator networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary medium to couple the mechanical oscillators. The optomechanical oscillators convert mechanical vibrations to optical signals and back, using the optical field as a mediator to transmit coupling forces. This intermediary approach overcomes the direct mechanical coupling limitations and enables long-range, controllable synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If structural contact or electrostatic interaction is used for coupling, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but coupling neighborhood restrictions limit network topology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidnetwork topology

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces structural contact and electrostatic interaction with optical field coupling. The optomechanical oscillators use radiation pressure from optical fields to couple mechanical oscillators over distances, eliminating the need for physical contact or proximity. This enables flexible network topologies including long-range and non-neighboring couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from spatial proximity-based coupling (requiring oscillators to be neighbors) to field-based coupling that operates across dimensional boundaries. The optical field serves as a non-contact intermediary that can couple oscillators regardless of their physical arrangement, enabling diverse network topologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of stationary object

If optical coupling is used to connect oscillators, then long-range synchronization is enabled, but coupling control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling distanceVSAvoidcoupling control

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optomechanical oscillators are self-contained units that internally manage the conversion between mechanical and optical domains. Each oscillator automatically performs the optomechanical conversion without requiring external control systems, simplifying the overall coupling control while enabling long-range synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables controllable synchronization of optomechanical oscillator networks, overcoming limitations in coupling and topology, allowing for scalable, long-range synchronization and individual addressing of oscillators, and facilitating novel applications in sensing and signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

the mechanical displacement of one OMO will lead to a force on the other OMO only through the optical field. This force is responsible for the effective mechanical coupling between the two OMOs.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptomechanical coupling: Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

each having by a different mechanical resonant frequency and each operable in a regenerative oscillation mode (i.e., a free-oscillation state)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical amplification: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS9389413B2Optomechanical oscillator network, control and synchronization methods, and applications

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A synchronizable optomechanical oscillator (OMO) network including at least two dissimilar silicon nitride (Si3N4) optomechanical resonators that can be excited to evolve into self-sustaining optomechanical oscillators (OMOs) coupled only through an optical radiation field. The tunability of the optical coupling between the oscillators enables one to externally control the dynamics and switch between coupled and individual oscillation states.