Reconfigurable Optical Processor Using Inverse-Designed Nanophotonics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reconfigurable optical processors are large in size due to the large phase shifters based on refractive index changes by thermal effects and the size of 2×2 optical splitters, limiting their device structure and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a reconfigurable optical processor using an inverse-designed nanophotonic structure covered with a material whose refractive index can be externally controlled, such as liquid crystal or chalcogenide materials, allowing for wavelength-dependent and reconfigurable optical transmission characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal-based phase shifters and 2×2 optical splitters are used, then the optical processor can achieve reconfigurability, but the device size becomes very large (more than one millimeter)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the phase shifter functionality directly within the waveguide structure itself, rather than using separate external components. The waveguide acts as both the optical transmission medium and the phase modulation element, with the refractive index modulation occurring within the waveguide material or its immediate structure, thereby eliminating the need for large external phase shifter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional thermal-based mechanical phase shifting system with a direct refractive index modulation approach. Instead of using thermal effects to change the phase (which require large heating elements and thermal isolation structures), the invention uses direct material property modulation within the waveguide, substituting the thermal-mechanical system with a more compact optical or electrical field-based modulation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal effects are used for refractive index change in phase shifters, then phase modulation is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase modulation function from the thermal system and integrates it directly into the waveguide structure. By taking out the thermal effects and their associated large-scale heating and isolation structures, the invention achieves phase modulation through the waveguide's inherent properties or through simpler, more direct modulation mechanisms applied to the waveguide material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by directly modulating the refractive index of the waveguide material or the surrounding medium. Instead of using thermal effects to indirectly change the phase, the invention directly changes the optical parameter (refractive index) through material property modification, whether through nonlinear optical effects, electro-optic effects, or other direct modulation mechanisms that avoid the complex thermal pathway.
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 a compact and reconfigurable optical processor with improved transmission characteristics, capable of directing input signals to either or both output ports depending on the applied voltage, enhancing its applicability in optical neural networks and quantum computing.
Implementation Method 1
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are silicon photonics reconfigurable optical processors based on an inverse designed nanophotonic structure covered by liquid crystal (LC) whose refractive index is controlled by the applied voltage.
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are silicon photonics reconfigurable optical processors based on an inverse designed nanophotonic structure covered by chalcogenide material whose refractive index can be modified by heat caused by a heater or illuminated laser light.
Implementation Method 3
a nanophotonic structure creating an optical interference, wherein the nanophotonic structure is covered with a material whose refractive index can be controlled externally. The transmission characteristics from the input ports to the output ports are wavelength dependent and can be reconfigured externally.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable optical processor is provided for processing optical signals. The device includes at least two input ports configured to receive input signals including at least one primary wavelength, a nanophotonic structure configured to separate the input beams into at least two beams, wherein the reconfigurable optical processor includes a lower electrode at the bottom, a substrate on the lower electrode, a cladding layer on the substrate, a nanophotonic structure waveguide layer, support materials to hold the insulating layer and the substrate, an upper electrode on the insulating layer, a variable refractive index layer arranged to fill gaps between the substrate, the nanophotonic structure, and the insulating layer; and at least two output ports configured to transmit at least two beams propagated.