Spiral Waveguide Optical Power Splitter for Compact Photonics Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cascaded multi-mode interference regions in optical power splitters increase complexity, footprint, and variability in splitting ratio, hindering efficient integration of optical components on photonics chips.
Innovation Solution
A spiral waveguide core with adjacent waveguide cores is used to form an optical power splitter, reducing complexity and footprint while maintaining consistent splitting ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cascaded multi-mode interference regions are used to split optical power, then the optical power can be distributed to multiple output waveguides, but the footprint area and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spiral-shaped waveguide configuration where the waveguide core forms a spiral pattern with multiple turns. This curved spiral geometry enables the optical power to be distributed to multiple output waveguides positioned at different radial distances from the spiral center, achieving power splitting functionality while maintaining a compact footprint area that is significantly smaller than cascaded multi-mode interference regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cascaded multi-mode interference regions are used to split optical power, then the optical power can be distributed to multiple output waveguides, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral waveguide structure is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with different sections coupling to different output waveguides. The spiral core is divided into first, second, and third sections that respectively couple to first, second, and third output waveguides, enabling independent control and optimization of power distribution to each output while simplifying the overall device structure compared to cascaded multi-mode interference regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cascaded multi-mode interference regions are used, then optical power splitting is achieved, but variability in splitting ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality variations in the spiral waveguide structure by positioning output waveguides at different radial distances from the spiral center and varying the coupling strength at different sections of the spiral. The first output waveguide is positioned at a greater radial distance with weaker coupling, the second at an intermediate distance with intermediate coupling, and the third at the smallest distance with strongest coupling, enabling precise control and consistency of splitting ratios.
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 spiral design reduces the space required for optical power splitters and minimizes variability in splitting ratios, enhancing integration efficiency on photonics chips.
Implementation Method 1
A spiral waveguide core with adjacent waveguide cores is used to form an optical power splitter
Data Source
AI summary
Structures for an optical power splitter and methods of forming a structure for an optical power splitter. The structure comprises a spiral waveguide core having an outer perimeter. The structure further comprises a plurality of waveguide cores. Each waveguide core has a section disposed adjacent to the outer perimeter of the spiral waveguide core.