Optomechanical Resonator Coupling via Electrostatic Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for selectively enabling and disabling optical coupling between a waveguide and an optical or optomechanical resonator are complex, cumbersome, and energy-intensive, particularly due to thermal power requirements for controlling temperature.

Innovation Solution

An integrated optomechanical device with movable elements and an actuator to control the relative position between a waveguide and a resonator, allowing optical coupling to be enabled or disabled by modifying the optical coupling distance using an electrostatic actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If thermal-based solutions are used to control optical coupling by modifying resonator temperature, then optical coupling can be controlled, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal-based control mechanisms with a mechanical positioning system. Instead of heating/cooling the resonator to change its optical properties, the invention uses movable elements that physically adjust the distance between the waveguide and resonator, thereby controlling optical coupling through mechanical displacement rather than thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from temperature to physical distance. By modifying the separation distance between the waveguide and resonator through movable elements, the system achieves optical coupling control without changing the temperature of the resonator, thus avoiding thermal energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If thermal-based solutions are used to control optical coupling, then optical coupling can be controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex thermal control systems (heating elements, temperature sensors, thermal actuators) with a simpler mechanical positioning system consisting of movable elements and waveguide structures. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining optical coupling control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the temperature control function from the device and replaces it with a direct mechanical positioning function. By removing thermal-based components and focusing solely on the geometric relationship between waveguide and resonator, the system achieves simplified operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If thermal power is applied to control resonator temperature, then optical coupling can be modified, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling modulationVSAvoidthermal power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes thermal power application with mechanical displacement. Instead of applying heat to the resonator to modify its optical coupling characteristics, the system uses movable elements to physically adjust the waveguide-resonator distance, achieving optical modulation without thermal energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables periodic modulation of optical coupling by periodically moving the movable elements between different positions. This allows the system to switch between coupled and decoupled states cyclically without requiring continuous thermal power, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Provides a more efficient and less complex method to control optical coupling, reducing energy consumption and overcoming the limitations of thermal-based solutions.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator configured to modify a relative position of the first and second elements with respect to each other between a first position where the resonator is optically coupled to said portion of the waveguide and a second position where the resonator is optically decoupled from said portion of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20250370283A1Optomechanical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

An optomechanical device. A first element and a second element of the device are mechanically movable with respect to each other. A waveguide of the device includes a portion attached to one of the first and second elements, and an optomechanical resonator of the device is attached to the other of the first and second elements. An actuator of the device is configured to modify a relative position of the first and second elements with respect to each other between a first position where the resonator is optically coupled to the portion of the waveguide and a second position where the resonator is optically decoupled from the portion of the waveguide.