Phase-Change Optical Modulator With Direct Thermal Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modulation technologies in optical-based data communication systems are inadequate in terms of efficiency and reliability for data and information transmission.

Innovation Solution

An optical device incorporating a layer of phase-change materials (PCM) and a heating member that minimizes thermal loss, enabling precise control of PCM through direct thermal energy transfer, allowing for efficient and accurate structural phase transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing optical modulation tools are used, then optical data transmission can be achieved, but efficiency and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of optical modulationVSAvoidefficiency of data transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the modulation layer material from conventional materials to phase-change materials (such as GST - Ge2Sb2Te5), which can reversibly transition between amorphous and crystalline states. This parameter change enables more reliable and efficient optical modulation by exploiting the distinct optical properties of different phases, directly addressing the insufficiency of existing modulation tools in efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the modulation layer material between amorphous and crystalline states to achieve optical modulation. By applying thermal energy through the heating member, the material undergoes phase transitions that modulate the optical signal. This phase transition mechanism provides superior reliability and efficiency compared to conventional modulation methods, as it enables precise control over the optical properties through well-defined phase changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Measurement precision

If thermal energy is transferred to phase-change material, then precise control of structural phase transitions is achieved, but thermal loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of phase transition controlVSAvoidthermal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heating member as an intermediary component that is in direct contact with the modulation layer. This heating member serves as a mediator to transfer thermal energy efficiently from the electrical signal to the phase-change material, minimizing thermal loss to surrounding structures while maintaining precise control over the phase transitions. The intermediary heating member enables localized and controlled thermal energy delivery, reducing unnecessary thermal dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional indirect heating methods with direct thermal coupling through the heating member. By establishing direct thermal contact between the heating element and the phase-change material, the system eliminates intermediate thermal transfer steps that would cause energy loss. This substitution of the thermal transfer mechanism achieves both precise phase transition control and reduced thermal loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the efficiency and reliability of optical modulation by ensuring precise control of light modulation with reduced thermal loss, facilitating effective data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

heat produced from the heating member is directly transferred to the bridge segment of the light modulator thereby inducing a phase transition thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

enabling precise control of PCM through direct thermal energy transfer, allowing for efficient and accurate structural phase transitions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20250355289A1Optical device with phase-change materials and method of fabricating the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an optical device which includes a waveguide and a light modulator. The light modulator comprising a bridge segment positioned on the waveguide, wherein the bridge segment comprises a phase-change material. The optical device also includes a heating member. The heating member includes an intermediate segment and two electric contact segments. The intermediate segment is in direct contact with the bridge segment of the light modulator. The two electric contact segments are connected to two ends of the intermediate segment, wherein heat produced from the heating member is directly transferred to the bridge segment of the light modulator thereby inducing a phase transition thereof.