Rib-Shaped Bent Waveguide for Optical Multiplexing Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical multiplexing circuits using planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) face limitations in monitoring accuracy due to weak light confinement and minimum bend radius constraints, hindering the reduction of device size while maintaining monitoring functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rib-shaped bent waveguides in the monitoring waveguides of the optical multiplexing circuit allows for accurate light monitoring while reducing the overall size of the circuit without compromising the minimum bend radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional PLC waveguides are used for monitoring, then the device size can be reduced, but the monitoring accuracy deteriorates due to weak light confinement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a rib-shaped waveguide structure specifically in the monitoring waveguide region, where the waveguide width is increased to enhance light confinement. This localized structural modification allows the monitoring portion to have different (improved) optical properties compared to the main transmission waveguides, thereby achieving high monitoring accuracy without compromising the compactness of the overall device.
2Volume of moving object
If the minimum bend radius is reduced to shrink the circuit size, then the device volume decreases, but the monitoring accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rib-shaped waveguide structure is specifically implemented in the monitoring waveguide to provide enhanced light confinement that compensates for the effects of reduced bend radius. This allows the circuit to achieve compact dimensions through tight bending while maintaining accurate light monitoring capabilities in the rib-shaped monitoring region.
3Measurement precision
If rib-shaped bent waveguides are incorporated to improve monitoring accuracy, then the monitoring precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical circuit is segmented into distinct functional regions: main transmission waveguides for light propagation and rib-shaped monitoring waveguides for light monitoring. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib-shaped waveguide introduces a dimensional change by increasing the waveguide width in the monitoring region, creating a structurally distinct monitoring path. This dimensional modification enables enhanced light confinement and improved monitoring accuracy without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
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 use of rib-shaped bent waveguides enhances monitoring accuracy and reduces the size of the optical wave circuit, addressing the limitations of PLC-based systems by improving light confinement and minimizing chip expansion.
Implementation Method 1
a bent waveguide constituted by a rib-shaped waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce the size while being able to accurately monitor light of a plurality of wavelengths. An optical multiplexing circuit includes: a plurality of branching units each configured to divide light output from a corresponding one of a plurality of input waveguides; a multiplexing unit configured to multiplex beams each being one beam of the light divided by each of the plurality of branching units; an output waveguide configured to output the light multiplexed by the multiplexing unit; and a plurality of monitoring waveguides each configured to output another beam of the light divided by each of the plurality of branching units, wherein at least one monitoring waveguide of the plurality of monitoring waveguides includes a bent waveguide constituted by a rib-shaped waveguide.