Substrate Optical Waveguide for Polarization Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substrate-type optical waveguide elements for polarization multiplexing are characterized by long device lengths, making them difficult to miniaturize and increasing their size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A substrate-type optical waveguide element with a core configuration comprising two side-by-side cores and a third core, where the effective refractive indices of TE0 and TM0 polarized waves are manipulated to interact and convert modes efficiently, reducing device length through adiabatic mode conversion without the need for separate polarization rotators and beam combiners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate polarization rotators and beam combiners are used for polarization multiplexing, then polarization conversion and multiplexing functions are achieved, but device length increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarization rotator and beam combiner functions into a single integrated waveguide structure. The core configuration with two side-by-side cores and a third core enables both polarization conversion and mode multiplexing to occur simultaneously within one compact device, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide core structure performs multiple functions: it acts as both a polarization rotator (converting TE0 to TM0 modes) and a beam combiner (multiplexing different polarizations) within the same physical component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate elements needed and enables device miniaturization.
2Reliability
If multiple separate optical components are used for polarization multiplexing, then polarization control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical functions into a single waveguide structure with a specific core configuration, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining polarization control accuracy through precise control of the core geometry and refractive indices.
3Ease of operation
If conventional polarization multiplexing structures are used, then polarization conversion is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial arrangement of multiple cores in a side-by-side configuration to achieve polarization conversion and multiplexing in a compact footprint. By arranging cores laterally rather than using long propagation paths, the device achieves its function in a smaller area while maintaining effective optical coupling between modes.
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 configuration enables a compact polarization multiplexing waveguide with reduced device length, lower manufacturing costs, and enhanced optical coupling, while maintaining high conversion efficiency and minimizing losses and crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
the effective refractive indices of TE0 and TM0 polarized waves are manipulated to interact and convert modes efficiently, reducing device length through adiabatic mode conversion
Implementation Method 2
an effective refractive index of a TE0 polarized wave guided through the first core in the absence of the second core is lower than an effective refractive index of a TE0 polarized wave guided through the second core in the absence of the first core
Data Source
AI summary
An effective refractive index of a TM0 polarized wave guided through the first core when existing alone and an effective refractive index of a TE0 polarized wave guided through the second core when existing alone are continuous as a function of a distance from a starting point of a side-by-side arrangement section. A magnitude relationship between an effective refractive index of an odd mode of a TE0 polarized wave guided through the side-by -side arrangement section and an effective refractive index of an even mode of a TM0 polarized wave guided through the side-by-side arrangement section is reversed between the starting point and an ending point of the side-by-side arrangement section. A refractive index distribution is vertically asymmetrical in an interaction section.