Photonic Integrated Circuit Pixel Array Adiabatic Waveguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized projectors require compact and efficient pixel generators for light at visible wavelengths, particularly for RGB colors, which need to be combined and modulated for two-dimensional image generation, but existing solutions are not robust or cost-effective enough.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with emitters and waveguides on a substrate, where the waveguides curve adiabatically to form directional couplers, allowing for efficient coupling and modulation of light at different wavelengths, enabling the combination of red, green, and blue light into a single output with high coupling efficiency and minimal crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional light combiners are used to combine RGB wavelengths, then light combination is achieved, but the device size is large and manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light combination functions into a single photonic integrated circuit that combines RGB wavelengths on a single chip, eliminating the need for separate bulk optical components and reducing overall device volume while lowering manufacturing costs through integrated fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulk optical components to a two-dimensional planar photonic integrated circuit architecture, enabling compact light combination functions to be implemented on a chip plane with reduced volume requirements
2Volume of moving object
If waveguides are placed close together to reduce device size, then device miniaturization is achieved, but crosstalk between waveguides increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adiabatic curvature in waveguide paths to gradually transition light modes, which maintains mode confinement even when waveguides are closely spaced, thereby reducing crosstalk while enabling compact device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies waveguide parameters including gap dimensions, curvature radii, and propagation lengths to optimize the balance between device miniaturization and crosstalk suppression, achieving compact size while maintaining signal integrity
3Reliability
If adiabatic waveguide coupling is used for multi-wavelength light combination, then coupling efficiency is improved, but waveguide path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes waveguide parameters including gap dimensions, curvature radii, and propagation lengths to achieve adiabatic coupling with minimal path length, balancing coupling efficiency requirements against device compactness
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
The solution provides a robust and efficient pixel generator capable of producing a matrix of pixels with modulated colors and intensities, suitable for miniaturized projectors, achieving high coupling efficiency and cost-effectiveness by using adiabatic waveguide coupling for multi-wavelength light combination.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second paths curving adiabatically from the input ends into a coupling region
Implementation Method 2
at least 80% of an optical flux of the second beam traverses the gap from the second waveguide into the first waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device includes a substrate and at least three emitters, which are disposed on the substrate and are configured to emit respective beams of light. A plurality of waveguides are disposed on the substrate and have respective input ends coupled to receive the beams of light from respective ones of the emitters, and curve adiabatically from the input ends to respective output ends of the waveguides, which are arranged on the substrate in an array having a predefined pitch. Control circuitry is configured to apply a temporal modulation independently to each of the beams of light.