Ridge Waveguide Phase Modulator for Low Transmission Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-optic modulators face challenges in reducing transmission loss and improving working performance for high-speed and large-capacity communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
A phase modulation module with a substrate, isolation layer, and waveguide layer, featuring a ridge waveguide structure and electrode configuration that forms modulating electric field regions, allowing for flexible modulation of waveguide arms and reduced optical transmission loss by direct coupling to other optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional waveguide structures are used in electro-optic modulators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transmission loss increases and working performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into multiple layers (first ridge layer, second ridge layer, plate layer) with distinct functions. The first ridge layer guides light from input to output, the second ridge layer provides electro-optic modulation capability, and the plate layer offers mechanical support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall transmission loss while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure employs composite material design by combining different materials with complementary properties: lithium niobate for electro-optic effect, silicon dioxide for low loss, and tungsten for electrode functionality. This composite approach enables the waveguide to simultaneously achieve low transmission loss, effective modulation, and structural stability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the waveguide arm is fully located in the modulating electric field region, then the modulation efficiency is improved, but the coupling efficiency with external optical elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure implements local quality differentiation by positioning the first ridge layer to extend fully from input to output end faces, ensuring optimal coupling with external optical elements at both interfaces. The second ridge layer is strategically positioned only within the modulating electric field region to provide localized modulation functionality. This spatial differentiation of functional qualities maximizes both coupling efficiency and modulation efficiency simultaneously.
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 effectively reduces transmission loss and enhances the working performance of electro-optic modulators by minimizing optical loss and improving coupling efficiency with other optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic effect means that when a voltage is applied to an electro-optic material such as a lithium niobate crystal, a gallium arsenide crystal, or a lithium tantalate crystal, a refractive index of the electro-optic material will vary, resulting in a change in characteristics of light waves passing through the electro-optic material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A phase modulation module and an electro-optic modulator are provided. The phase modulation module has an input end face and an output end face and comprises a substrate, an isolation layer, a waveguide layer, and an electrode layer which are arranged in sequence. The electrode layer includes a plurality of electrodes which are arranged at intervals and configured to form a modulating electric field region. The waveguide layer comprises a plate layer, a first ridge layer and a second ridge layer which are arranged in sequence in a direction away from the substrate, wherein the plate layer extends to the input end face and the output end face; the first ridge layer protrudes in a ridge shape from a surface of the plate layer, extends to the input end face and the output end face, and is partially located in the modulating electric field region; the second ridge layer protrudes in a ridge shape from a surface of the first ridge layer, has a spacing from each of the input end face and the output end face, and is partially located in the modulating electric field region; and the second ridge layer and the first ridge layer form at least one waveguide arm extending to the input end face and the output end face and modulated by the modulating electric field region.