Overcoupled Microresonator Phase Shifter for Reduced Thermal Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waveguide phase-shifters require large temperature changes to achieve significant phase shifts, which limits device design and increases operational complexity in phased array antennas.
Innovation Solution
The use of an overcoupled microresonator and waveguide system, where the coupling coefficient is optimized to minimize amplitude loss and maximize phase shift, allowing for large phase shifts (on the order of 2π) with reduced temperature range, achieved through thermo-optic or carrier injection tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional waveguide phase-shifters are used to achieve large phase shifts, then the phase shift range is sufficient, but the temperature change range required becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the microresonator by optimizing the coupling coefficient between the waveguide and microresonator. This parameter optimization enables the system to achieve large phase shifts (2π) with a reduced temperature change range of about 28°C, directly resolving the technical contradiction between phase shift range and temperature range requirements
2Productivity
If the coupling coefficient is optimized for phase shift, then phase shift efficiency increases, but amplitude loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the coupling coefficient as a key parameter to achieve the desired balance between phase shift efficiency and amplitude loss. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves large phase shifts while minimizing the reduction in output amplitude, effectively resolving the contradiction between phase shift efficiency and energy loss
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 approach enables phase shifts of 2π with a temperature change of about 28°C, significantly reducing the temperature range required compared to conventional devices, while maintaining output amplitude, and allows for compact and efficient phased array antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through thermo-optic or carrier injection tuning
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide includes a segment coupled to the microresonator with a coupling coefficient such that the waveguide is overcoupled to the microresonator
Data Source
AI summary
Optical devices, phased array systems and methods of phase-shifting an input signal are provided. An optical device includes a microresonator and a waveguide for receiving an input optical signal. The waveguide includes a segment coupled to the microresonator with a coupling coefficient such that the waveguide is overcoupled to the microresonator. The microresonator receives the input optical signal via the waveguide and phase-shifts the input optical signal to form an output optical signal. The output optical signal is coupled into the waveguide via the microresonator and transmitted by the waveguide. At an operating point of the optical device, the coupling coefficient is selected to reduce a change in an amplitude of the output optical signal and to increase a change in a phase of the output optical signal, relative to the input optical signal.