Strain-Induced Optical Phase Modulator Using Lattice Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical phase modulation technologies face inefficiencies in modulation speed and size due to limited refractive index changes, especially when combining different modulation methods, which hinders effective light steering and phase control in applications like LIDAR.

Innovation Solution

An optical modulator with an optical waveguide and a modulating layer having different lattice constants, where the modulating layer is embedded within the waveguide and can include group IV, III, and V elements, silicon nitride, and a heat providing layer to enhance phase modulation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat method or electrical method is used for phase modulation, then phase modulation can be achieved, but modulation efficiency is reduced and element sizes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase modulation capabilityVSAvoidmodulation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter (lattice constant) by embedding a modulating layer with a different lattice constant than the waveguide material. This creates strain in the waveguide that directly modulates the refractive index, achieving phase modulation without the inefficiencies of heat or electrical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining waveguide material and modulating layer material with different lattice constants. This composite approach enables strain-induced refractive index modulation, improving modulation efficiency while maintaining compact element sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If heat method or electrical method is used for phase modulation, then phase modulation can be achieved, but element sizes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase modulation capabilityVSAvoidelement size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the material parameter (lattice constant) through the modulating layer, the patent achieves phase modulation in a compact structure. The strain-induced refractive index change occurs within the waveguide itself, eliminating the need for larger external heating or electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal and electrical field methods with a strain-based mechanical approach. The lattice constant difference creates mechanical strain that directly modulates optical properties, achieving compact phase modulation without thermal or electrical expansion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If various modulation methods are used simultaneously, then modulation coverage is improved, but adverse effects occur and modulation speed varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation type coverageVSAvoidmodulation speed consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple modulation methods by implementing a single strain-based modulation mechanism. The lattice constant difference in the modulating layer provides consistent phase modulation across all elements, removing adverse interactions between different modulation types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain-based modulation mechanism provides universal phase modulation capability across all waveguide elements. The consistent lattice constant difference approach ensures uniform modulation characteristics and speed across the entire optical phase array, replacing the need for multiple specialized modulation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient phase modulation with reduced power consumption and simplified structure, allowing for stable and varied phase control across multiple layers, improving modulation speed and efficiency in optical arrays.

Implementation Method 1

the optical modulating layer being configured to modulate a phase of the light based on a difference between the first lattice constant and the second lattice constant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLattice constant difference:

Data Source

PatentUS9983419B1Optical modulator and optical modulating array including the same

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical modulator may include an optical wave guide configured to allow a light to pass therethrough, and an optical modulating layer embedded in the optical wave guide and configured to modulate a phase of the light. The optical wave guide may include a first material that has a first lattice constant. The optical modulating layer may include a second material that has a second lattice constant different from the first lattice constant. The phase of the light may be modulated by the optical modulating layer based on a difference between the first lattice constant and the second lattice constant.