Periscope Optical Assembly With Inserted Mirrors for 3D Light Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguides in optical devices face challenges in efficiently redirecting light paths without causing interference or requiring extensive curvature, which can complicate fabrication and increase inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of mirrors within the light paths of waveguides in optical assemblies, using etching, lithography, metal plating, chemical deposition, and laser patterning, allows for compact redirection of light between planes, with modular insertion of optical components like gratings and lenses to customize light behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If waveguides use extensive curvature to redirect light paths, then light redirection capability is improved, but fabrication complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary components to redirect light paths between waveguides. Instead of using extensive curvature in the waveguides themselves, flat mirrors are positioned at strategic locations to change the direction of light propagation. This mediator approach simplifies waveguide design while achieving the desired light redirection capability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and fabrication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional curved waveguide paths to three-dimensional light routing using mirrors. By introducing the vertical dimension (z-axis) with mirrors positioned above or below the waveguide plane, light can be redirected without requiring complex in-plane curvature. This dimensional change enables simpler waveguide geometries while maintaining light redirection functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveguides use extensive curvature to redirect light paths, then light redirection capability is improved, but material usage and scrap rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
Mirrors serve as intermediary elements that enable light redirection without requiring additional waveguide material. Instead of extending waveguide length through curvature to achieve redirection, compact mirror structures are used that occupy minimal space and material. This significantly reduces material consumption while maintaining the ability to redirect light paths as needed.
3Productivity
If mirrors are integrated into waveguide light paths, then light redirection efficiency is improved, but device structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mirror integration process with standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. Mirrors are deposited using existing deposition equipment and processes already present in CMOS fabrication lines, allowing mirror integration to occur alongside waveguide fabrication without requiring separate complex assembly steps. This merging approach maintains high light redirection efficiency while minimizing increases in overall device structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror integration approach is designed to be universally applicable across different waveguide configurations and routing requirements. The same basic mirror deposition and positioning techniques can be used regardless of the specific light path geometry needed, making the solution scalable and adaptable without proportionally increasing device complexity. This multi-functionality allows efficient light redirection in various scenarios using a consistent structural approach.
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 rapid and efficient light redirection with reduced material usage and lower scrap rates, allowing for customizable optical assemblies that meet various deployment scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror optically coupled to the first waveguide and the third waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror optically coupled to the third waveguide and the second waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The optical waveguides define areas of increased refractive index relative to the optical medium (e.g., SiO2) to direct the light along a desired trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
Periscope assemblies are provided which have a light path that travels in a first plane along the first waveguide, a second plane along the second waveguide that is parallel to the first plane, and along a third plane along the third waveguide that intersects the first plane and the second plane. In some examples the periscope assembly includes first and second carriers comprising respective first and second waveguides and defining respective first and second cavities in which a third carrier comprising a third waveguide is disposed and optionally includes an optical component. In some examples, the cavities are defined in one or more carriers on a mating surface, on a side opposite to the mating surface, or on a side perpendicular to a mating surface.