Post-Fabrication Photonic Coupling Tuning via Selective Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photonic devices face challenges in precisely tuning light coupling between components post-fabrication, limiting device performance and increasing fabrication costs due to excess structures and faulty components.
Innovation Solution
The technology involves selectively destroying evanescently-coupled connections between photonic components using high-powered energy sources or computational methods to adjust light coupling, allowing for precise tuning of light coupling without large-scale device layout changes, enabling batch processing and reducing tooling costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photonic devices are fabricated with standard processes, then device structure is complete, but light coupling between components cannot be precisely tuned post-fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple coupling structures during fabrication that can be selectively removed later. These structures are prepared in advance with specific geometries and positions, enabling precise tuning of light coupling in post-fabrication without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The coupling structures are designed to be removable through simple processes like selective etching or mechanical removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the number, position, or geometry of coupling structures to achieve different light coupling values. By changing these structural parameters after fabrication, the device can be tuned to achieve precise light coupling control. This allows continuous adjustment of coupling strength without requiring new fabrication processes.
2Reliability
If excess structures are fabricated to ensure device functionality, then device yield increases, but fabrication costs increase due to excess structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by fabricating excess coupling structures that are subsequently selectively removed through post-fabrication processes. These excess structures are intentionally created to ensure device functionality and yield, then discarded through selective removal techniques such as etching or mechanical removal. This approach allows recovery of functional devices while managing material waste through targeted removal rather than complete fabrication of all structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the coupling functionality into multiple discrete coupling structures that can be independently controlled and removed. This segmentation allows selective removal of specific structures to achieve desired coupling levels, enabling precise control over device functionality while managing material usage efficiently.
3Manufacturing precision
If photonic devices require performance tuning after fabrication, then device performance precision improves, but time-to-market increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple coupling structures during the main fabrication process, so that performance tuning can be achieved through simple post-fabrication removal steps rather than complex additional processing. This preliminary preparation enables rapid tuning while minimizing time-to-market.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical tuning mechanisms with simple structural removal. Instead of using adjustable mechanical components or complex chemical processes for tuning, the invention uses predetermined coupling structures that can be removed through straightforward processes, significantly reducing the time required for performance tuning.
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 approach enables precise tuning of light coupling, increases device yield, reduces fabrication costs, and accelerates time-to-market by allowing post-fabrication adjustments of photonic devices, improving precision and efficiency in device performance.
Implementation Method 1
In some implementations, the multiple coupling structures are pillars and the multiple photonic components include one or more of a waveguide, a quantum dot, or a resonator
Implementation Method 2
A first amount of light coupling between a first photonic component and a second photonic component of the plurality of photonic components is received, where the first amount of light coupling between the first photonic component and the second photonic component depends upon a subset of the coupling structures that are located between the first photonic component and the second photonic component
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for tuning photonic device performance. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an initial photonic device configuration including multiple coupling structures and multiple photonic components. A first amount of light coupling between a first photonic component and a second photonic component of the multiple photonic components is received, which depends upon a subset of the coupling structures that are located between the first photonic component and the second photonic component. One or more coupling structures of the subset of coupling structures located between the first photonic component and the second photonic component are determined to be removed to cause the light coupling between the first photonic component and the second photonic component to change from the first amount of coupling to a target amount of coupling.