Photonic Circuit Simulation via Computational Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photonic circuit simulation techniques are computationally burdensome, slow, and often unable to simulate even simple circuits effectively, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically identify computational regions within a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for electromagnetic simulations, allowing for faster and more efficient simulation by assembling results from adjoining regions to determine a simulated response, which can then be used to adjust the layout and fabricate the PIC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known simulation techniques are used to simulate photonic circuits, then simulation can be performed, but the simulation is overly burdensome for computers and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic circuit is divided into multiple computational regions, each of which can be simulated independently. This segmentation allows the simulation to be performed in smaller, more manageable chunks rather than attempting to simulate the entire circuit at once, thereby reducing the computational burden on computers and increasing simulation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A mesh structure serves as an intermediary between the photonic circuit and the simulation process. The mesh divides the circuit into computational regions and provides a framework for assembling simulation results, enabling more efficient computation while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If known simulation techniques are used, then simulation can be performed, but computers become slow and unable to simulate even relatively simple circuits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the circuit into computational regions, the simulation can handle more complex circuits that would otherwise be too demanding for standard computers. Each region can be simulated independently and then assembled, enabling simulation of circuits that were previously too complex for efficient computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mesh dimension that overlays the photonic circuit, creating a structured grid of computational regions. This additional dimensional framework enables systematic division and assembly of simulation results, improving both reliability and efficiency simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the photonic circuit is simulated as a whole, then a complete simulation result is obtained, but the computational resources required are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into computational regions that can be simulated independently, reducing the total computational energy required. Each region's simulation results are then assembled to achieve the complete simulation accuracy, maintaining precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to simulating the entire circuit at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of simulating the entire circuit uniformly, the method applies simulation to partial regions only, assembling the results to achieve the overall simulation goal. This partial action approach reduces computational energy consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the simulation purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a non-transitory medium stores code representing instructions to be executed by a processor. The instructions comprise code to cause the processor to identify, automatically and without requiring user input, a plurality of computational regions for a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Each computational region from the plurality of computational regions is associated with a portion of the PIC different than remaining computational regions from the plurality of computational regions. The plurality of computational regions include adjoining regions of computational regions. The instructions comprise code to cause the processor to perform electromagnetic simulations on each computational region from the plurality of computational regions to produce a plurality of electromagnetic simulation results. The instructions comprise code to cause the processor to assemble, based on the plurality of adjoining computational regions, the plurality of electromagnetic simulation results to determine a simulated response for the PIC.