Integrated Photonics Vertical Coupler for Satellite Clock Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for synchronizing atomic clocks across satellite networks face challenges in achieving high precision and reduced size, weight, and power consumption, especially for smaller satellite platforms.

Innovation Solution

The development of an integrated photonics vertical coupler and a method for precise synchronization of optical atomic clocks using quantum interference of time-entangled photons, which enables adiabatic transfer of photons into distinct orthogonal modes, facilitating efficient clock synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional optical coupling apparatus are used for satellite clock synchronization, then synchronization function is achieved, but size, weight, and power consumption are excessive for smaller satellite platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of synchronization hardwareVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical coupling components with integrated photonic circuits that use waveguide-based light transmission. This substitution of mechanical systems with photonic integrated systems reduces size, weight, and power while maintaining synchronization precision through adiabatic mode transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs nested waveguide structures where multiple waveguides are coupled in a hierarchical manner. The first waveguide couples to a second waveguide, which then couples to a third waveguide, creating a nested configuration that compactly integrates multiple coupling functions into a single structure, thereby reducing overall hardware size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If integrated photonics vertical coupler with adiabatic transfer is used, then size and power are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwaveguide alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes adiabatic parameter changes in the waveguide coupling structure. By gradually changing the coupling parameters along the length of the waveguides (rather than abrupt changes), the system achieves robust mode transfer that is tolerant to manufacturing variations. This adiabatic evolution of the coupling parameters reduces sensitivity to precise manufacturing tolerances while maintaining low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple waveguides are coupled in close proximity for adiabatic transfer, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coupling function into multiple discrete waveguide segments (first waveguide, second waveguide, third waveguide) that are coupled in sequence. Each waveguide pair performs a specific coupling function, and the overall system achieves high coupling efficiency through the cumulative effect of these segmented stages. This segmentation allows for modular design and manufacturing while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution achieves precise and secure synchronization of atomic clocks with potential femtosecond precision, while reducing size, weight, and power consumption, making it suitable for smaller satellite platforms and enhancing signal intelligence capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first waveguide having a first photon and a second photon propagating therein, wherein the first photon and the second photon are propagating in orthogonal modes. Further, the device includes a second waveguide having a second coupling portion in close proximity with a first coupling portion of the first waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvanescent coupling:

Implementation Method 2

a physical relationship between the first waveguide and the second waveguide along the length of the second coupling portion causes an adiabatic transfer of the first photon and the second photon into distinct orthogonal modes of the second waveguide at different locations in the second coupling portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdiabatic transfer:

Data Source

PatentEP3812810B1Integrated photonics vertical coupler

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

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Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

Systems and methods for an integrated photonics vertical coupler are provided herein. In certain embodiments, a device includes a first waveguide (501) having a first photon and a second photon propagating therein, wherein the first photon and the second photon are propagating in orthogonal modes. Further, the device includes a second waveguide (503) having a second coupling portion in close proximity with a first coupling portion of the first waveguide (501), wherein a physical relationship between the first waveguide (501) and the second waveguide (503) along the length of the second coupling portion causes an adiabatic transfer of the first photon and the second photon into distinct orthogonal modes of the second waveguide (503) at different locations in the second coupling portion.