Tapered Waveguide Optical Splitter for Low-Loss Signal Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical chips face challenges in minimizing optical loss due to the need for space to arrange a 1×2 coupler, which splits local light and introduces losses.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a first waveguide with a first tapered portion that increases in width and a second tapered portion that decreases in width, along with a second waveguide that overlaps the first waveguide vertically, allowing for optical splitting without an additional 1×2 coupler, thus minimizing optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 1×2 coupler is arranged to split local light, then the optical receiver can process signals, but optical loss increases due to the additional component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 1×2 coupler functionality directly into the waveguide structure by forming a first waveguide that splits into two second waveguides. This integration eliminates the need for a separate 1×2 coupler component, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining the signal processing capability of the optical receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the 1×2 coupler function from being a separate component and embeds it within the waveguide structure itself. By taking out the need for an additional discrete coupler and integrating the splitting function into the waveguide geometry, optical loss is minimized while the receiver's signal processing ability is preserved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional 1×2 couplers are added to the optical chip, then more splitting functions are available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the waveguide structure multi-functional by designing it to perform both signal transmission and 1×2 coupling functions. The first waveguide's ability to split into two second waveguides provides the splitting function without requiring additional dedicated coupler components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (signal transmission and 1×2 splitting) into a single integrated waveguide structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate coupler components, reducing the overall device complexity while preserving the necessary splitting capabilities for signal processing.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional waveguide structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but scattering losses occur due to manufacturing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the waveguides, specifically designing tapered portions with gradual width changes. This parameter modification reduces scattering losses by minimizing abrupt discontinuities in the waveguide structure, while the tapered design remains compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tapered portions that gradually change the waveguide width along the propagation direction, adding a dimensional gradient to the otherwise uniform waveguide structure. This gradual transition in the width dimension reduces scattering losses by smoothing out abrupt changes, while maintaining manufacturability through conventional fabrication techniques.
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 efficient optical splitting with reduced optical loss, optimizing the design of optical chips by eliminating the need for additional couplers and minimizing scattering losses due to manufacturing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide, and a second waveguide including a region overlapping part of the first waveguide in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first waveguide, and a second waveguide including a region overlapping part of the first waveguide in a vertical direction. The first waveguide includes a first tapered portion, and a second tapered portion that is connected with the end point of the first tapered portion. The second waveguide includes a third waveguide, a fourth waveguide extending along the third waveguide, a first structure in a region overlapping the second tapered portion, the first structure having the third waveguide and the fourth waveguide each increasing in waveguide width as distance from the end point of the first tapered portion increases, and a second structure in a region that is outside the region overlapping the second tapered portion and that is opposite to a region where the first tapered portion is, the second structure having the third waveguide and the fourth waveguide separate from each other.