Slot Waveguide Optical Modulator Oxygen Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
EO polymer modulators in optical communication systems deteriorate due to photooxidation when exposed to oxygen, leading to degradation of modulation and optical characteristics, and existing solutions like hermetically sealed packages increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulation device with a slot waveguide filled with electro-optic material, covered by a dielectric film and an adhesive resin, which prevents oxygen contact using a substrate and plate configuration, eliminating the need for expensive hermetic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an EO polymer modulator is mounted on a hermetically sealed package to prevent oxygen contact, then photooxidation is prevented and reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin film structure consisting of a dielectric film and an adhesive resin layer to prevent oxygen contact with the EO polymer. This thin film approach replaces the need for expensive hermetic sealing packages while maintaining protection against photooxidation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric film and adhesive resin act as intermediary layers between the EO polymer and the external environment. These intermediary layers provide oxygen barrier functionality without requiring complete hermetic sealing, thus preventing photooxidation while avoiding the high costs associated with hermetic packages.
2Stability of the object's composition
If equipment for hermetic sealing and nitrogen substitution is added to prevent photooxidation, then EO polymer stability is improved, but device complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric film and adhesive resin are applied in advance to the EO polymer structure before final assembly. This preliminary protective action ensures oxygen barrier functionality is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly hermetic sealing processes and nitrogen substitution equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film structure of dielectric film and adhesive resin provides a simple yet effective oxygen barrier that can be integrated into the manufacturing process without requiring complex hermetic sealing equipment or multiple processing steps involving nitrogen atmosphere control.
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
Prevents photooxidation of EO polymers at a lower cost by blocking oxygen, maintaining modulation and optical characteristics without the use of costly hermetic packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a plate member that covers the slot waveguide and is bonded to the dielectric film with an adhesive resin
Data Source
AI summary
An optical modulation device includes a substrate, a slot waveguide formed by arranging a pair of electrodes in a groove formed on one side of the substrate and by filling the groove with an electro-optical material, a dielectric film that covers a surface of the electro-optic material filled in the slot waveguide, and a plate member that covers the slot waveguide and is bonded to the dielectric film with an adhesive resin.