Photonic Chip Optical-Mode Modulation With Phase-Controlled TE/TM Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uncontrollable proportion of horizontal and vertical electric fields in optical fibers leads to unstable operating performance and increased transmission loss in photonic chips, affecting their overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical-mode modulation device is introduced, comprising a mode separation element, branch optical paths with optical-mode converters, and a phase modulation module to control and convert TE and TM modes, coupled with a Mach-Zehnder modulator to achieve high mode purity and phase difference modulation, enhancing the operating performance and reducing transmission loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical signals are transmitted through optical fibers with uncontrollable horizontal and vertical electric fields, then the transmission can be performed, but the operating performance becomes unstable and transmission loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into separate TE and TM modes using a mode separation element, allowing independent control and optimization of each mode's transmission characteristics, thereby stabilizing operating performance and reducing transmission loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase modulation module that dynamically adjusts the phase difference between TE and TM modes based on predetermined optical power allocation proportions, enabling precise control over mode distribution and transmission characteristics to improve reliability and reduce energy loss
2Manufacturing precision
If mode separation and optical-mode conversion are implemented, then high mode purity is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mode separation element, optical-mode converters, phase modulation module, and Mach-Zehnder modulator into an integrated optical-mode modulation device, achieving high mode purity through coordinated operation of combined components while managing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical-mode modulation device performs multiple functions including mode separation, optical-mode conversion, phase modulation, and signal modulation within a single integrated structure, enabling high mode purity while reducing the need for separate discrete components
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 device improves the operating performance and reduces transmission loss in photonic chips by ensuring high mode purity and accurate phase modulation, thereby optimizing signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the first branch optical path is provided with an optical-mode converter for converting the TE-mode optical signal into the TM-mode optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulation module configured to modulate a phase difference between the first branch optical path and the second branch optical path based on a set optical-power allocation proportion
Implementation Method 3
a Mach-Zehnder modulator, including a first input end, a second input end, and a modulated optical signal output end, where the first input end is connected to the first branch optical path, and the second input end is connected to the second branch optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical-mode modulation device and a photonic chip are provided. The optical-mode modulation device includes: a mode separation element, including an optical signal input end, a first output end configured to output a TE-mode optical signal, and a second output end configured to output a TM-mode optical signal; a first branch optical path connected to the first output end and a second branch optical path connected to the second output end, where the first branch optical path is provided with an optical-mode converter for converting the TE-mode optical signal into the TM-mode optical signal, or the second branch optical path is provided with an optical-mode converter for converting the TM-mode optical signal into the TE-mode optical signal; a phase modulation module configured to modulate a phase difference between the first branch optical path and the second branch optical path based on a set optical-power allocation proportion; and a Mach-Zehnder modulator, including a first input end and a second input end configured to respectively receive, from the first branch optical path and the second branch optical path, two branch optical signals which are both in a TE mode or a TM mode, and further including a modulated optical signal output end.