Reconfigurable Interference Device Using Phase Change Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interference devices, such as Bragg mirrors, are static and unable to be dynamically tuned in real-time, limiting their applications and integration density, particularly in telecommunication and information processing systems where multiplexing of optical frequencies is necessary to increase data rate and throughput.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable interference device utilizing a phase change structure with solid-state phase change material that can transition between two phase states (metallic and insulating) is controlled by energy sources and a control unit to create a periodic interference pattern, allowing for flexible tuning of bandwidth and center frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static interference devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and real-time tuning capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time tuning capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the interference device reconfigurable through phase change material that can switch between phases. The device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the interference pattern can be modified in real-time by controlling the phase state of the material, enabling adaptive tuning of optical characteristics without fundamental structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the phase state of the phase change material between first and second phases. This phase transition changes the optical parameters (refractive index, absorption) of the device, enabling real-time tuning of interference characteristics such as bandwidth and center frequency by controlling material parameters rather than mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If reconfigurable phase change structure is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase transitions by incorporating phase change material that undergoes reversible transitions between solid phases. This allows the device to be manufactured in a simple initial state and then reconfigured by inducing phase changes through external stimuli (temperature, electric field), avoiding the need for complex manufacturing processes to create multiple static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic tuning is enabled, then operational versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth tuning rangeVSAvoidenergy for phase switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using cyclic phase transitions of the phase change material to achieve dynamic tuning. The material undergoes repeated cycling between phases to switch the interference pattern, allowing the device to operate in a low-energy state when no tuning is needed and only consuming energy during active reconfiguration events rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables efficient and flexible configuration of interference devices, allowing them to adapt to specific applications by dynamically adjusting their characteristics, such as bandwidth and center frequency, on a time scale in the MHz range.

Implementation Method 1

a solid-state phase change material having a first phase state and a second phase state dependent on the temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

create a periodic interference pattern comprising a plurality of domains of the first phase state and a plurality of domains of the second phase state in an alternating pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10261384B2Reconfigurable interference

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a reconfigurable interference device comprising a phase change structure. The phase change structure comprises a solid-state phase change material having a first phase state and a second phase state dependent on temperature. A first energy source is configured to supply an initialization energy to initialize a plurality of domains having the first phase state and a second energy source is configured to supply an electrical current to the structure to position the plurality of domains of the first phase state within the phase change structure. A control unit is configured to control the first and the second energy source and to create a periodic interference pattern comprising a plurality of domains of the first phase state and a plurality of domains of the second phase state in an alternating pattern.