Photonic Transmission Structure Using Optical Heating for Multi-Layer PICs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with resistive microheaters are limited to single-layer implementations due to increased design complexity, which restricts their size and shape, preventing their use in applications requiring multi-layer structures.

Innovation Solution

A photonic system utilizing optical absorption structures to generate heat for phase matching, eliminating the need for resistive microheaters by using optical heating to adjust refractive indices, allowing for multi-layer designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If resistive microheaters are used for heat management in photonic integrated circuits, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases and multi-layer implementations are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resistive microheaters (electrical heating system) with optical heating using light sources. The optical absorption layer converts optical energy to thermal energy directly, eliminating the need for electrical circuitry and resistive heating elements. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining temperature control capability, enabling multi-layer photonic integrated circuit implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If resistive microheaters are used for heat management, then phase matching can be achieved, but additional processing and electrical circuitry are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase matchingVSAvoidadditional processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical heating infrastructure with optical heating. A light source provides optical energy that is converted to heat by the optical absorption layer adjacent to the waveguide. This eliminates the need for electrical circuitry, bonding layers, and complex interconnect structures, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the same phase matching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If optical absorption structure is used for heating, then multi-layer designs are enabled, but light wavelength management becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-layer designsVSAvoidwavelength management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the optical absorption layer specifically adjacent to the waveguide structure where heating is needed. The absorption layer has tailored optical properties (absorption coefficient, thickness) optimized for converting light to heat at the waveguide interface. This localized optimization enables multi-layer designs while managing wavelength effects through material selection and geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides precise temperature control and faster response times, reducing design complexity and enabling multi-layer photonic structures suitable for applications that require complex designs.

Implementation Method 1

the optical absorption structure is configured to absorb light associated with a second wavelength range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the optical absorption structure is configured to generate and provide heat to the optical transmission structure when a light beam with a wavelength that is within the second wavelength range falls incident on the optical absorption structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12613385B2Photonic structure with heat-activated optical transmission

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

A photonic system includes a light source and a photonic structure. The photonic structure includes an optical transmission structure and an optical absorption structure. The optical transmission structure is configured to transmit light associated with a first wavelength range. The optical absorption structure is configured to absorb light associated with a second wavelength range. The light source is configured to provide a light beam with a wavelength that is within the second wavelength range to the optical absorption structure. The optical absorption structure is configured to generate and provide heat to the optical transmission structure when the light beam falls incident on the optical absorption structure.