Optical Element With Oriented Scattering Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical elements for high-speed communication systems face challenges such as coupling loss, polarization-dependent-loss, limited bandwidth, and fabrication complexity, particularly when integrating silicon photonics with standard single-mode fibers.
Innovation Solution
The optical element comprises a plurality of scattering centers arranged in a scattering plane, with at least two oriented groups of scattering centers, each with a specific group-individual orientation. These oriented scattering centers are angled relative to each other, enhancing diffraction efficiency and minimizing scattering-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical coupling is implemented between silicon photonics and standard single-mode fiber, then integration density and scalability are improved, but coupling loss and polarization-dependent loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating oriented groups of scattering centers with different orientations within the same optical element. Each group has a specific orientation angle to control the scattering direction of light, allowing different regions to handle different polarization states or propagation directions optimally, thereby reducing polarization-dependent loss while maintaining high integration density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by arranging scattering centers in oriented groups with specific angle relationships rather than uniform distribution. The asymmetric orientation pattern (with angles between group orientations) creates directional scattering characteristics that compensate for forward and backward scattered waves, reducing overall coupling loss while preserving the ability to integrate multiple functions on-chip
2Reliability
If oriented groups of scattering centers are used to improve diffraction efficiency, then scattering control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the scattering centers into distinct oriented groups, where each group has a specific orientation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each group's scattering characteristics to achieve high diffraction efficiency, while the modular group structure makes the fabrication process more manageable compared to completely random or uniform arrangements
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
The proposed optical element improves diffraction efficiency, reduces insertion loss, and minimizes polarization-dependent loss and cross-polarization, thereby enhancing the performance and scalability of high-speed communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
An optical element comprises a plurality of scattering centers arranged in a scattering plane of the optical element
Implementation Method 2
oriented scattering centers provide additional design options to improve the device's performance: Scattering is stronger, when there is an array of periodic identical objects, which scatter light in the same direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical element (10) comprising a plurality of scattering centers (SC) arranged in a scattering plane (SP) of the optical element (10). According to the invention, the optical element (10) comprises at least two oriented groups (G1, G2) of oriented scattering centers (SC), wherein a group-individual orientation (O1, O2) is assigned to each oriented group (G1, G2), wherein the scattering centers (SC) of each oriented group (G1, G2) are oriented in accordance with the same group-individual orientation (O1, 02), and wherein the group-individual orientations (O1, O2) are angled relatively to one another.