Photonic Chip Delay-Line Layout for Phase-Controlled Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved structures in photonic chips that include photonic components and delay lines to enhance light manipulation and signal conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The structure includes a photonic component coupled to waveguide cores with varying lengths to introduce a phase difference of pi or a multiple of pi, utilizing thermo-optic or electro-optic phase shifters and multi-mode interference couplers to optimize light propagation and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If waveguide cores with varying lengths are used to introduce phase difference, then light manipulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into multiple cores (first waveguide core and second waveguide core) with different lengths. Each waveguide core acts as an independent segment that can be optimized for specific phase requirements, enabling versatile light manipulation while maintaining modular device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the waveguide structure are assigned different lengths to create local variations in optical path. The first waveguide core has a first length and the second waveguide core has a second length greater than the first length, creating localized phase differences that enhance overall light manipulation capability without requiring the entire device to be complex
2Productivity
If multiple waveguide cores with different lengths are implemented, then signal conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cores are designed with predetermined length differences during the fabrication process. The first waveguide core and second waveguide core are formed with specific lengths that are calculated in advance to achieve the desired phase difference of pi or multiple of pi, allowing manufacturing to follow a predefined blueprint rather than requiring post-fabrication adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path difference is controlled by changing the geometric parameter (length) of the waveguide cores. By adjusting the length of the second waveguide core to be greater than the first waveguide core, the patent achieves the required phase difference through parameter optimization, which can be precisely controlled during manufacturing
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 design enhances light manipulation and signal conversion efficiency by achieving destructive or constructive interference, reducing optical return loss, and improving the performance of photonic chips in data communication and computation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor layer configured to absorb light of a given wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first thermo-optic phase shifter associated with a portion of the first section of the second waveguide core
Implementation Method 3
a first electro-optic phase shifter associated with a portion of the first section of the second waveguide core
Implementation Method 4
a first multi-mode interference coupler having an output port coupled to the first section of the second waveguide core
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
Structures for a photonic chip that include a photonic component and delay lines and methods of forming such structures. The structure comprises a photonic component, a first waveguide core including a section coupled to the photonic component, and a second waveguide core including a section coupled to the photonic component. The section of the first waveguide core has a first length, and the section of the second waveguide core having a second length that is greater than the first length.