Photonic Crystal Optical Switch with Distributed Feedback Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switch devices require excessive switching power due to small non-resonant non-linearities and struggle with integration into high-density optical interconnects, as they rely on materials with limited modulation of refractive indices.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch device featuring a second-order distributed feedback structure for perpendicular emission and a first-order distributed feedback structure for reflection, allowing for adjustable wavelength switching by varying the power of excitation light, with the option to use either optical or electrical excitation, and incorporating a photonic crystal with a dielectric material and optical gain material of different refractive indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical switch devices use materials with small non-resonant non-linearities, then the device can be manufactured with standard materials, but excessive switching power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter from non-resonant to resonant conditions by designing the photonic crystal structure to support specific resonance wavelengths. This resonance enhancement dramatically increases the non-linear optical effect, allowing switching with much lower power while maintaining ease of manufacture with standard materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining photonic crystal dielectric material with optical gain material. This composite approach creates a system where the photonic crystal provides resonance enhancement and the optical gain material provides amplification, achieving low-power switching that neither material could achieve alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If second-order distributed feedback structure is used for perpendicular light emission, then wavelength switching capability is achieved, but light loss occurs at the edges of the feedback region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback structure into two distinct parts: a second-order distributed feedback structure for wavelength switching and perpendicular emission, and first-order distributed Bragg reflectors at the edges for light reflection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function optimally without the drawbacks of the other
Solution Approach 2:
The first-order distributed Bragg reflectors act as intermediary elements that mediate between the second-order feedback structure and the external environment. They reflect edge losses back into the active region while allowing the second-order structure to maintain its wavelength switching capability
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
Enables efficient switching of light on and off, as well as wavelength variation, with reduced power requirements and improved integrability into high-density optical interconnects, by leveraging defect modes with high quality factors and adjustable lattice constants.
Implementation Method 1
The optical gain material allows an amplification of a light beam by means of stimulated emission when the optical gain material is brought into a state called population inversion
Implementation Method 2
a distributed feedback structure (DFB) may be used which is made of a dielectric material and employs planar structures on a substrate which the optical gain material is applied on
Implementation Method 3
The photonic crystals can be dimensioned to support optical waves of specific wavelengths. If the distributed feedback structure is designed as a two-dimensional photonic crystal, the photonic crystal can be provided for supporting different orders of resonance wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
The first-order feedback structures are also called distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR). The first-order feedback structure can be arranged on two opposing edges of the second-order feedback structure or can preferably be arranged surrounding the plane of the second-order structures to provide a reflection on all edges of the plane
Implementation Method 5
The optical gain material allows an amplification of a light beam by means of stimulated emission when the optical gain material is brought into a state called population inversion
Implementation Method 6
The above process can be thought of as 'optical amplification'
Implementation Method 7
The fan-like emission patterns are superimposed so that an emitted light beam is created by interference of the emission patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an optical switch device are provided. In one embodiment, the optical switch device includes a substrate. A photonic crystal, having a dielectric material, is applied on the substrate. An optical gain layer, having an optical gain material, is disposed above the photonic crystal. The photonic crystal is formed with a second-order distributed feedback structure to emit laser light perpendicular to a plane of the photonic crystal and a first-order distributed feedback structure adapted for reflecting light in the plane of the photonic crystal back into the second-order distributed feedback structure. The first-order distributed feedback structure at least one of fully surrounds the second-order distributed feedback structure and is arranged on two opposing edges of the second-order distributed feedback structure.