Photonic Source Alignment for Multi-Laser Waveguide Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of optical signals in computing platforms has been limited, and existing methods face challenges in efficiently aligning multiple laser sources with optical waveguides within photonic integrated circuits, leading to complex manufacturing processes and reduced system performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for assembling a photonic computing system by attaching a photonic source with multiple laser dies to a support structure and aligning beam-shaping optical elements to efficiently couple optical beams into waveguides, using techniques such as controlled collapse chip connections and thermoelectric cooling for thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser sources are integrated into a photonic computing platform, then computational capability is improved, but alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputational capabilityVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser sources and beam-shaping optical elements onto a single substrate, integrating them with the photonic integrated circuit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate alignment operations needed while maintaining the computational capability provided by multiple laser sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting platform for laser sources, beam-shaping optical elements, and the photonic integrated circuit, while also providing a reference structure for alignment. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces alignment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If beam-shaping optical elements are added to couple optical beams into waveguides, then optical coupling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The beam-shaping optical elements are merged with the laser sources and photonic integrated circuit on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate mounting and alignment operations. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining high optical coupling efficiency through properly designed beam-shaping elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of moving object

If laser sources are positioned close to waveguides, then optical path length is reduced, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical path lengthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate acts as an intermediary structure that provides a common reference frame for positioning laser sources and waveguides in close proximity. This reference structure enables precise alignment even when components are positioned close together, reducing optical path length without exacerbating alignment precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient alignment of multiple laser sources within a photonic computing platform, reducing optical path length and system complexity, enhancing performance, and facilitating scalable manufacturing with reduced costs and development time.

Implementation Method 1

aligning a first beam-shaping optical element during attachment so that the first optical beam is coupled to the first coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical beam coupling: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

using techniques such as controlled collapse chip connections and thermoelectric cooling for thermal management

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12481107B2Photonic computing platform

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 LIGHTELLIGENCE PTE LTD

AI summary

A method for assembling a photonic computing system includes attaching a photonic source to a support structure, and attaching a photonic integrated circuit to the support structure. The photonic source includes a first laser die on a substrate configured to provide a first optical beam, and a second laser die on the substrate configured to provide a second optical beam. The photonic integrated circuit includes a first waveguide and a first coupler coupled to the first waveguide, and a second waveguide and a second coupler coupled to the second waveguide. The method includes attaching a plurality of beam-shaping optical elements to the support structure, the substrate, or the photonic integrated circuit, in which the attaching includes aligning a first beam-shaping optical element during attachment so that the first optical beam is coupled to the first coupler, and aligning a second beam-shaping optical element during attachment so that the second optical beam is coupled to the second coupler.