Single Crystal Multilayer Optical Component for Mid-IR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-loss optical components fail to function effectively in the mid- to long-wavelength infrared regions due to absorption by materials used in short-wavelength infrared components, which lack the necessary index range for attractive optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A single crystal multilayer optical component is created using dissimilar materials, such as ZnTe and CaBaF2, grown epitaxially on a lattice-matched substrate, forming a multilayer stack that can be used to produce optical mirrors, beamsplitters, and filters with low loss characteristics in the mid- to long-wavelength infrared regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional materials like AlGaAs/GaAs are used for optical components, then low loss is achieved in short wavelength infrared region, but absorption occurs in mid- and long-wavelength infrared regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting divalent fluorides (CaF2, SrF2, BaF2) and II-VI materials (ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe) that have appropriate bandgap energies and refractive indices for mid- to long-wavelength infrared transmission, replacing conventional AlGaAs/GaAs materials that absorb at these wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite multilayer structures combining dissimilar materials with complementary properties - divalent fluorides providing low absorption in mid-IR and II-VI materials providing appropriate refractive index contrast, achieving broadband low-loss performance across extended wavelength ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If dissimilar materials are used to achieve desired optical properties, then wavelength range is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical component into multiple functional layers with dissimilar materials, where each layer is optimized for specific optical properties, allowing independent optimization of each material system for its intended function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses buffer layers and transition layers as intermediaries between dissimilar materials with different lattice constants and thermal properties, enabling epitaxial growth of complex multilayer structures while managing material incompatibility
3Manufacturing precision
If lattice-matched materials are used for epitaxial growth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material system parameters by selecting divalent fluoride and II-VI material combinations that provide both lattice matching for high-quality epitaxial growth and appropriate optical properties for mid- to long-wavelength infrared applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal material system based on divalent fluorides and II-VI compounds that can serve multiple functions - providing lattice matching, refractive index contrast, and low absorption across mid- to long-wavelength infrared regions, replacing multiple specialized material systems
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 provides low-loss optical components with improved reflective and transmittance properties in the mid- to long-wavelength infrared regions, overcoming absorption issues and achieving desired optical properties not attainable with conventional materials like AlGaAs/GaAs.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second layers are grown epitaxially in pairs on a growth substrate to which the materials of the first layer are also lattice-matched, such that a single crystal multilayer optical component is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A single crystal multilayer low-loss optical component including first and second layers made from dissimilar materials, with the materials including the first layer lattice-matched to the materials including the second layer. The first and second layers are grown epitaxially in pairs on a growth substrate to which the materials of the first layer are also lattice-matched, such that a single crystal multilayer optical component is formed. The optical component may further include a second substrate to which the layer pairs are wafer bonded after being removed from the growth substrate.