Polymeric Waveguide Free Space Signal Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro/nanofabrication techniques for photonics multiplexing and demultiplexing are optimized for thin films, making it challenging to analyze or divide light from free space optics, as waveguides struggle to carry poorly defined light beams without significant diffraction, necessitating improved techniques for transmitting free space optical signals to integrated chips.

Innovation Solution

The use of a polymeric waveguide coupled with optical filters, configured to guide free space optical signals and prevent diffraction, allowing for on-chip multiplexing and demultiplexing of light components, including those with different wavelengths, by transitioning between free space optics and on-chip micro/nanophotonics technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional thin film waveguides are used for on-chip multiplexing and demultiplexing, then manufacturing precision and device integration are improved, but the ability to carry poorly defined free space light beams without significant diffraction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication precisionVSAvoiddiffraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the waveguide parameters by using a multimode waveguide with specific dimensions (width and height both between 5-50 micrometers) that are significantly larger than traditional single-mode waveguides. This parameter change allows the waveguide to accept and guide poorly defined free space light beams while minimizing diffraction effects, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and diffraction control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If free space optical signals are transmitted directly to integrated chips, then bandwidth density and signal processing capability are improved, but the transmission efficiency and signal quality deteriorate due to diffraction and poor beam definition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth densityVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a multimode waveguide as an intermediary component between free space optics and on-chip micro/nanophotonics. This waveguide acts as a bridge that receives poorly defined free space light beams, guides them through the chip, and delivers them to optical filters for multiplexing/demultiplexing. The waveguide intermediary preserves signal quality while enabling high bandwidth density transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If optical filters are integrated with polymeric waveguides, then device complexity and fabrication challenges are reduced, but the ability to handle free space optical signals without diffraction may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoiddiffraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structure by integrating optical filters with a polymeric multimode waveguide. The polymeric material provides mechanical flexibility and ease of fabrication, while the integrated optical filters provide wavelength-selective functionality. The composite structure achieves both device integration and effective free space signal handling by combining the advantages of different materials and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables efficient transmission and analysis of ill-defined light beams, increasing bandwidth density and allowing for the processing of multiple signals on integrated chips, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing thin film optimization.

Implementation Method 1

The polymeric waveguide can be configured to guide a free space optical signal along the polymeric waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

coupling a polymeric waveguide to the plurality of optical filters. The polymeric waveguide can be configured to guide a free space optical signal along the polymeric waveguide and communicate, via the plurality of optical filters, one or more components of the free optical space signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10890728B2On chip wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing in multimode waveguide

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

Example methods, devices, and systems for optical transmission are disclosed. An example method can comprise coupling a plurality of optical filters to a substrate. The method can comprise coupling a polymeric waveguide to the plurality of optical filters. The polymeric waveguide can be configured to guide a free space optical signal along the polymeric waveguide and communicate, via the plurality of optical filters, one or more components of the free optical space signal to an integrated chip.