Ring Resonator Integrated Detector Monitoring Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ring resonators require additional structural elements like drop bus waveguides and photodiodes for monitoring resonant wavelength, which increase footprint and reduce efficiency due to power loss and compromised doping regions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photodiode is formed within the ring resonator using an annular detector region that surrounds the waveguide core, allowing light leakage to be monitored without affecting confined modes, thus eliminating the need for external drop ports and reducing the overall footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drop bus waveguides and external photodiodes are used for monitoring resonant wavelength, then light monitoring capability is achieved, but device footprint increases and power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function into the ring resonator structure itself by forming an integrated photodiode within the resonator body. The annular detector region is created by selectively removing material and depositing photosensitive material, allowing the resonator to monitor its own resonant wavelength without external components, thus reducing footprint while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The photodiode structure is nested within the ring resonator geometry. The annular detector region is positioned concentrically within the resonator structure, with the photosensitive material deposited in the annular space between the waveguide core and outer structures, effectively nesting the detection function inside the resonator body
2Measurement precision
If traditional drop bus waveguides are used for monitoring, then resonant wavelength can be detected, but power loss increases due to light coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from external drop bus waveguides and integrates it directly into the ring resonator structure. By forming the photodiode within the resonator body, the system eliminates the need for light to be coupled out through drop ports, thereby removing the associated power loss while maintaining wavelength detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photodiode acts as an intermediary that directly detects light within the resonator structure. Instead of requiring light to be coupled out through waveguides and then detected externally, the photodiode is positioned to detect light directly within the resonator, eliminating the coupling loss intermediary step
3Measurement precision
If additional structural elements are added for monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The ring resonator body simultaneously serves as the optical resonator and houses the photodiode detector. The annular detector region is formed by modifying the existing resonator structure through selective material removal and deposition, merging the resonator and detector into one unified component rather than separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The ring resonator structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the optical resonator for wavelength selection and simultaneously contains the integrated photodiode for wavelength monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
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 configuration enhances the Q-factor and modulation efficiency of the ring resonator by absorbing radiation modes without impacting confined light, enabling more compact and efficient designs for applications like wavelength division multiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
an annular detector region formed of a second semiconductor material and disposed annularly at a distance from and covering at least a portion of a surface of the waveguide core
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide core that is narrower than the base... absorbing radiation modes without impacting confined light
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to a ring resonator. The ring resonator may include an annular waveguide having a waveguide base and a waveguide core narrower than the waveguide base. Further, the ring resonator may include an outer contact region comprising a first-type doping and disposed annularly and at least partially surrounding an outer annular surface of the waveguide base. Furthermore, the ring resonator may include an inner contact region comprising a second-type doping and disposed annularly contacting an inner annular surface of the waveguide base. Moreover, the ring resonator may include an annular detector region disposed annularly at a distance from and covering at least a portion of a surface of the waveguide core and contacting the outer contact region.