Stacked Waveguide Grating Multiplexer for Compact Wide-Band Spectroscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical arrayed waveguide gratings are large in size, making them unsuitable for small-sized applications and increasing costs, and conventional spectrometers and image sensors can only acquire simple image information, limiting their portability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an optical arrayed waveguide grating-type multiplexer and demultiplexer with overlapping waveguides and cladding layers to achieve a wide wavelength band without increasing size, and a camera module that combines image information from a lens driving apparatus with physical property information from a spectrometer using a single image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the size of conventional optical arrayed waveguide grating is increased to broaden wavelength band, then wavelength band is improved, but device size increases making it unsuitable for small-sized products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional waveguide arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple waveguide layers (first waveguide layer, second waveguide layer, third waveguide layer) positioned at different heights. This vertical stacking enables broader wavelength band coverage without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device, directly resolving the contradiction between wavelength band and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested waveguide structures where waveguides in different layers are vertically aligned and overlap with each other. The first, second, and third waveguide layers are positioned such that their horizontal projections overlap, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes wavelength band coverage within a minimal device footprint.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple waveguide layers are stacked vertically to broaden wavelength band, then wavelength band is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveguide structure into three separate manufacturable layers (first waveguide layer, second waveguide layer, third waveguide layer), each with its own set of waveguides positioned at different vertical levels. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and characterized independently, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to attempting to create a monolithic multi-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the vertical position parameter (height) of waveguides across different layers while maintaining consistent horizontal dimensions and optical path lengths. By changing only the vertical position parameter and keeping other geometric parameters constant, the design simplifies manufacturing processes while achieving broader wavelength band coverage through the stacked configuration.
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer and image sensor are used separately, then measurement precision is maintained, but device size and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectral analysis function (traditionally requiring a separate spectrometer) and the imaging function (traditionally requiring a separate image sensor) into a single integrated device. The stacked waveguide structure simultaneously directs different wavelengths to different detection positions, enabling both spectral measurement and image capture with a single compact device, thereby improving portability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same optical structure serves dual purposes: spectral analysis through wavelength-dependent spatial separation and image capture through focused light collection. This universal design eliminates the need for separate spectrometer and image sensor components, reducing device size while preserving the measurement precision of both functions.
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 approach allows for a compact optical arrayed waveguide grating with a wide wavelength band and a camera module that can simultaneously display image and physical property information, enhancing portability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first waveguides disposed on the first substrate so as to overlap each other in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
optical arrayed waveguide grating-type multiplexer and demultiplexer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical array waveguide grating-type multiplexer and demultiplexer according to an embodiment of the present invention comprise: a first substrate, a plurality of first waveguides disposed on the first substrate to be superposed in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction of the first substrate; a 1-1st cladding layer disposed between the first substrate and a 1-1st waveguide, which is nearest to the first substrate among the plurality of first waveguides; a 1-2nd cladding layer disposed between the plurality of first waveguides; and a 1-3rd cladding layer disposed on a 1-2nd waveguide, which is furthest from the first substrate among the plurality of first waveguides.