Ridge Optical Waveguide R-Face Polishing for Symmetric Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wavelength conversion devices with ridge optical waveguides and periodic domain inversion structures face issues with reduced coupling efficiency and increased propagation loss due to asymmetrical propagating modes caused by trapezoidal waveguide shapes, leading to decreased higher harmonics output.
Innovation Solution
Forming R-faces on the edge areas of the ridge optical waveguide through surface polishing to create a highly symmetrical propagating mode, which enhances the coupling efficiency and reduces propagation loss, thereby increasing the higher harmonic output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ridge optical waveguide is formed with a trapezoidal cross-section by conventional processing, then the waveguide can be manufactured with standard techniques, but the propagating mode becomes asymmetrical causing reduced coupling efficiency and increased propagation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing surface polishing on the ridge waveguide structure before it is fully operational. The polishing process is carried out in advance to correct the trapezoidal shape and create a rectangular cross-section, ensuring that the waveguide is ready for optimal light propagation and coupling from the start without requiring subsequent corrective operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the ridge waveguide through surface polishing. The polishing process changes the shape parameters from a trapezoidal cross-section with asymmetrical sides to a rectangular cross-section with symmetrical vertical sides, thereby transforming the propagating mode from asymmetrical to symmetrical and improving coupling efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a ridge optical waveguide is formed with a trapezoidal cross-section, then conventional processing methods can be used, but the asymmetrical shape increases propagation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The surface polishing is performed as a preliminary action during the manufacturing process, before the waveguide is put into service. This preliminary correction of the trapezoidal shape prevents energy loss during operation by ensuring symmetrical light propagation paths from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The polishing process effectively changes the geometric parameters of the waveguide structure, transforming the cross-section from trapezoidal to rectangular. This parameter change eliminates the asymmetry that causes propagation loss, allowing light to travel through the waveguide with minimal energy dissipation.
3Device complexity
If the ridge area is processed by conventional methods, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the propagating mode becomes distorted reducing higher harmonic output
Solution Approach 1:
The surface polishing is implemented as a preliminary processing step that corrects the ridge shape before the waveguide is finalized. This preliminary action ensures that the propagating mode is symmetrical and undistorted, maximizing the higher harmonic output potential of the wavelength conversion device without adding complex operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The polishing process changes the physical parameters of the ridge surface, transforming it from a distorted trapezoidal shape to a symmetrical rectangular shape. This parameter change directly improves the quality of the propagating mode, enabling efficient higher harmonic generation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 R-face processing improves the symmetry of the propagating mode, significantly enhancing the higher harmonic output and reducing propagation loss, compared to conventional methods without R-face formation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical wavelength conversion device utilizing the polarization inversion of non-linear domain and so forth can be realized by periodically forming the domain inversion structure wherein the ferroelectric polarization is forcibly inverted
Implementation Method 2
An optical frequency modulator utilizing the surface acoustic wave
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength conversion device is provided having a ridge optical waveguide and a periodic domain inversion structure formed in the waveguide. The optical waveguide has side wall faces, an upper face and edge areas formed between the upper face and the side wall face, respectively. R-faces are formed on the edge areas.