Multimode Interference Optical Power Splitter With Stacked Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical power splitters have a larger footprint and higher insertion loss than desirable, limiting their efficiency and integration in photonics chips.
Innovation Solution
A structure for an optical power splitter featuring a multimode interference region with three waveguide cores, where one core acts as an input port and the others as output ports, utilizing a heterogenous layered configuration with multimode interference to split optical power efficiently, reducing form factor and insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical power splitter structures are used, then the device can perform basic power splitting function, but the footprint area is larger than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional waveguide layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with waveguides positioned at different vertical levels. Multiple waveguide cores are arranged in separate layers coupled to a common bus waveguide, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint area while maintaining power splitting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power splitter is divided into distinct functional segments: individual waveguide cores at different levels for input/output ports, a bus waveguide for optical power distribution, and coupling regions for power transfer. This segmentation allows compact arrangement of functional blocks in the vertical dimension, reducing overall device area
2Loss of energy
If conventional optical power splitter structures are used, then the device can perform basic power splitting function, but the insertion loss is higher than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the waveguide arrangement into the vertical dimension with stacked cores at different levels, the patent reduces the interaction distance and coupling path length between waveguides. This three-dimensional configuration minimizes propagation losses and improves coupling efficiency compared to extended planar layouts
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple waveguide cores are merged through a common bus waveguide that collects and distributes optical power. The coupling regions merge light from individual cores into the bus waveguide and vice versa, enabling efficient power splitting with reduced insertion loss through consolidated optical paths
3Area of stationary object
If a compact optical power splitter is designed, then the footprint area is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by utilizing the vertical dimension for waveguide stacking, which naturally reduces horizontal footprint without requiring complex lateral arrangements. The multi-level structure organizes waveguides in intuitive vertical layers, making the compact design more manageable than complex planar configurations
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 results in a more compact optical power splitter with lower insertion loss and reflection, enabling efficient power splitting and potential integration with other components in photonics chips.
Implementation Method 1
The structure includes a multimode interference region, a first waveguide core including a portion positioned over the multimode interference region
Data Source
AI summary
Structures for an optical power splitter and methods of forming a structure for an optical power splitter. A first waveguide core includes a portion positioned over a multimode interference region, a second waveguide core includes a portion positioned over the multimode interference region, and a third waveguide core includes a portion positioned over the multimode interference region. The first waveguide core provides an input port to the optical power splitter. The second waveguide core provides a first output port from the optical power splitter, and the third waveguide core provides a second output port from the optical power splitter.