Integrated Photonic Device Phase Modulation Vertical Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic devices fabricated using CMOS compatible processes face limitations in surface footprint, operational wavelengths, power consumption, insertion loss, bandwidth, and speed, particularly due to the need for mechanical parts in the same plane for adjusting optical path lengths.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photonic device design that redirects light out of its propagation plane, allowing for optical path length adjustment using a movable reflector and light property modifiers not constrained to the same plane, enabling compact design and versatile operation with reduced complexity and improved optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical parts are used in the same plane for adjusting optical path length, then optical path length can be adjusted, but device complexity and surface footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the optical path length adjustment mechanism from the same plane as the waveguide to a different plane (vertical dimension). The reflector is positioned above or below the waveguide plane, allowing optical path adjustment without adding in-plane mechanical parts. This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction by enabling adjustment functionality while maintaining planar simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element between the light source and the waveguide. Instead of directly manipulating light in the waveguide plane, the reflector mediates the optical path from a different plane, enabling indirect control that reduces structural complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical parts are used in the same plane for adjusting optical path length, then optical path length can be adjusted, but surface footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning the adjustment mechanism to the vertical dimension rather than the horizontal plane, the patent eliminates the need for large in-plane mechanical structures. The reflector positioned in a different plane achieves optical path control without occupying additional surface area, thus resolving the footprint issue.
3Device complexity
If light is kept in the propagation plane, then waveguide structure is simple, but optical path length adjustment is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent decouples the waveguide structure (remaining in the propagation plane) from the adjustment mechanism (positioned in a different plane). This separation allows the waveguide to maintain its simple planar structure while the reflector in the vertical dimension provides versatile optical path control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If CMOS compatible processes are used, then mass production and cost are improved, but device performance properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the reflector in a different plane from the waveguide, the patent reduces the number of in-plane components and interfaces that light must pass through. This dimensional separation minimizes scattering and coupling losses while maintaining CMOS compatibility, thus improving optical loss performance without sacrificing manufacturability.
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 large changes in optical path length with a small active area, improving device compactness and versatility while maintaining compatibility with CMOS processes, and allowing for efficient light signal control and modulation.
Implementation Method 1
an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane
Implementation Method 2
A light property modifier is configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and adjust an optical path length of the light signal
Implementation Method 3
an output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An integrated photonic device comprises: an input waveguide configured to extend in an input plane, and an output waveguide configured to extend in an output plane, wherein the output plane is parallel to or contained within the input plane; an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane; a light property modifier configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and reflect the light signal towards the output plane, wherein the light property modifier is configured to selectively adjust an optical path length of the light signal; and an output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to receive the reflected light signal from the light property modifier and redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane.