Thermal-Optical Phase Shifter Heat Dissipation for Stable Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR technologies face challenges in accurately measuring range and velocity due to insufficient thermal management of optical waveguides, which affects thermal efficiency and bandwidth, crucial for precise phase control.
Innovation Solution
A thermal-optical phase shifter design with a thermally conductive structure that dissipates heat from a suspended waveguide, using metallic strips, pads, and vias to maintain thermal stability and control the phase properties of light, integrated into LIDAR devices for autonomous vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heater is used to control the temperature of the waveguide core layer, then the phase control of light is improved, but heat accumulation occurs which reduces thermal efficiency and bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive layer as an intermediary between the heater and the waveguide core layer. This layer acts as a heat distribution medium that spreads the thermal energy more uniformly, preventing localized heat accumulation while maintaining the necessary temperature control for phase shifting. The thermally conductive layer mediates between the heat source and the optical waveguide, improving thermal efficiency without sacrificing phase control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the system by introducing materials with specific thermal conductivity properties. The thermally conductive layer has optimized thermal conductivity parameters that allow efficient heat distribution, while the cladding layer provides thermal isolation. By changing the thermal parameters of different layers, the system achieves both precise phase control and improved thermal efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the waveguide core layer is thermally isolated from the substrate, then thermal stability for phase control is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient reducing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal management system into distinct functional segments: a thermally conductive layer for heat distribution, a waveguide core layer for light propagation, and a cladding layer for thermal isolation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the conductive layer manages heat locally, while the cladding layer provides thermal stability, collectively achieving both high bandwidth and thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different regions of the waveguide structure. The thermally conductive layer provides high thermal conductivity where heat needs to be distributed, while the cladding layer provides thermal isolation where stability is needed. This local differentiation of thermal qualities allows the system to achieve both rapid heat dissipation and thermal stability simultaneously.
3Temperature
If a temperature controller is disposed around the periphery of the waveguide core layer, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control function into the layer structure itself rather than using a separate peripheral controller. The thermally conductive layer and cladding layer are integrated directly with the waveguide core layer, combining thermal management and structural functions into a unified multi-layer configuration. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
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 thermal efficiency and bandwidth of LIDAR systems, improving the accuracy of range and velocity measurements by stabilizing the optical phase, thereby supporting advanced autonomous vehicle functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive structure 108 arranged to disperse heat from the suspended beam 102
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating said waveguide core layer
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A thermal-optical phase shifter includes a substrate layer, a cladding layer, and a beam in the cladding layer. The thermal-optical phase shifter includes a waveguide and a heating element disposed in the beam. The thermal-optical phase shifter includes a thermally conductive structure disposed on the cladding layer to disperse heat from the beam. The thermally conductive structure may include a metal strip disposed longitudinally along the beam, may include thermally conductive pads, and/or may include thermally conductive vias coupled between the cladding layer and the substrate layer. The thermal-optical phase shifter may be incorporated into light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, telecommunications devices, and/or computing devices.