Low-Dimensional Photonic Waveguide Structure for Optical Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photonic devices face challenges in efficiently controlling and modulating optical signals due to limitations in materials and structures, leading to inefficiencies in size, cost, and performance.

Innovation Solution

The integration of low-dimensional materials, such as graphene monolayers and transition metal dichalcogenides, into photonic devices to control optical signals by varying optical absorption and refractive index through applied voltages or currents, enabling precise modulation and detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional materials and structures are used in photonic devices, then device performance is maintained at baseline levels, but device size remains large and manufacturing costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoptical signal control efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional bulk materials to low-dimensional materials (2D materials like graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides), which fundamentally alters the optical interaction mechanisms and enables enhanced control efficiency in reduced device volumes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures integrating low-dimensional materials with conventional photonic components (waveguides, modulators), creating hybrid systems that combine the size-reduction benefits of 2D materials with the functional reliability of established photonic devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional photonic device structures are used, then manufacturing processes are well-established, but manufacturing costs remain high and efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process maturityVSAvoidoptical signal modulation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes conventional electrical control mechanisms with optical control mechanisms enabled by low-dimensional materials, allowing direct optical signal modulation without complex electrical wiring and improving modulation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The low-dimensional materials serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both the active modulation layer and the optical confinement structure, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing while enhancing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If traditional optical modulator designs are used, then device performance is adequate, but device complexity and size are reduced through low-dimensional material integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidoptical absorption control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the optical interaction function in the specific region where low-dimensional materials are deposited on the waveguide, creating a localized enhancement of optical absorption control without affecting the entire device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The low-dimensional material layer acts as an intermediary between the electrical control signal and the optical signal, providing a mechanism for efficient energy transfer and precise control of optical absorption with simplified device architecture

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 allows for reduced device size, lower manufacturing costs, and improved efficiency in optical signal control and modulation, enhancing the performance of photonic devices like electro-optic modulators and photodetectors.

Implementation Method 1

control optical signals by varying optical absorption and refractive index through applied voltages or currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

control optical signals by varying optical absorption and refractive index through applied voltages or currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index modulation: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

forming a first conductive contact that electrically contacts the first layer of low-dimensional material and a second conductive contact that electrically contacts the second layer of low-dimensional material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12560829B2Photonic semiconductor device and method

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A method includes forming a first waveguide over a substrate; forming a first layer of low-dimensional material on the first waveguide; forming a first layer of dielectric material over the first layer of low-dimensional material; forming a second layer of low dimensional material on the first layer of dielectric material; and forming a first conductive contact that electrically contacts the first layer of low-dimensional material and a second conductive contact that electrically contacts the second layer of low-dimensional material.