Spiral Optical Delay Waveguide Layout for Compact Long Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical delay devices are bulky due to the need for long optical waveguides, which increases their size and hinders compactness in applications like time-resolved spectroscopy and optical communications.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical delay device design featuring a multi-mode waveguide spiraling inward, coupled with single-mode waveguides and couplers that spiral inward and outward, allowing for efficient light propagation with minimal evanescent coupling, thereby reducing size and optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If long optical waveguides are used to provide sufficient delay, then the delay time is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spiral-shaped waveguides with varying curvature radii to achieve long optical paths within a compact area. The first and second waveguides spiral in opposite directions with different curvature profiles, enabling sufficient delay time while maintaining a small device footprint by utilizing curved geometric paths instead of straight lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear one-dimensional waveguide paths to two-dimensional spiral configurations. By utilizing the planar dimension and creating overlapping spiral patterns with different curvature radii, the device achieves extended optical path lengths without proportionally increasing the device area, effectively solving the delay-time-versus-size contradiction.
2Device complexity
If multi-mode waveguides are used to reduce device size, then the device complexity is reduced, but optical loss increases due to evanescent coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the waveguides. The first waveguide has a first curvature radius profile while the second waveguide has a second curvature radius profile, creating local variations in geometric properties. This local differentiation optimizes light confinement in each region, reducing evanescent coupling losses while maintaining overall structural simplicity through the spiral configuration.
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 design achieves a compact optical delay device with reduced optical loss, enabling smaller footprint and efficient light transmission, addressing the bulkiness issue of traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
efficient light propagation with minimal evanescent coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first multi-mode waveguide, a first optical coupler coupled to the first multi-mode waveguide, the first coupler being tapered and curved, and a first single-mode waveguide having a first end coupled to the first optical coupler. The optical device may be used in an optical delay device. A method of propagating light in a first multi-mode waveguide toward a first optical coupler, propagating the light in the first optical coupler toward a first single-mode waveguide, the first optical coupler being tapered and curved, and propagating the light along the first single-mode waveguide is also disclosed.