Triplex Waveguide Coupler for Kerr Photon Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
TriPlex waveguides exhibit low χ(3) optical nonlinearities, making it difficult to perform single photon or squeezed light generation, which hinders their use in quantum computing and optical communications.
Innovation Solution
A coupler is designed with a first silicon nitride waveguide and a second silicon nitride waveguide, where the second waveguide is thicker and deeper, acting as a platform for stronger χ(3) Kerr effect, enabling single photons or squeezed light generation and coupling into the first waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a TriPlex waveguide is used, then low loss is achieved, but χ(3) optical non-linearity is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate waveguides: a first TriPlex waveguide for low-loss transmission and a second waveguide with stronger non-linearity for photon generation. This segmentation allows each waveguide to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupler acts as an intermediary component between the two waveguides, enabling the transfer of single photons from the second waveguide (where they are generated) to the first waveguide (where they are transmitted with low loss).
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a thick silicon nitride waveguide is used, then χ(3) Kerr effect is enhanced, but waveguide loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide system is segmented into two distinct structures: a thick waveguide section for generating single photons via the Kerr effect, and a thin TriPlex waveguide section for low-loss transmission. Each section is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the waveguide system have different thicknesses and material properties tailored to their specific functions. The thick waveguide provides strong non-linearity where needed, while the thin TriPlex waveguide provides low loss where needed.
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 coupler facilitates the use of low-loss TriPlex waveguides in quantum computing and optical communications by enhancing χ(3) Kerr non-linearity, allowing efficient generation and coupling of single photons or squeezed light.
Implementation Method 1
the second silicon nitride waveguide has a thickness greater than a thickness of the first silicon nitride waveguide. The coupler further comprises a light input port configured to couple light from a laser light source into a proximal end of the second silicon nitride waveguide. In quantum computing or other optical applications it can be desirable to use a low loss silicon nitride waveguide such as a TriPlex waveguide. However, these waveguides do not exhibit a strong χ(3) Kerr effect meaning single photon and squeezed light generation in such waveguides is challenging.
Implementation Method 2
A distal portion of the second silicon nitride waveguide is adjacent to a proximal portion of the first silicon nitride waveguide to cause light to couple from the second silicon nitride waveguide into the first silicon nitride waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for coupling single photons or squeezed light into a first silicon nitride waveguide of an optical circuit is described. The coupler comprises a silicon dioxide substrate; the first silicon nitride waveguide formed in the silicon dioxide substrate, wherein the first silicon nitride waveguide is formed in a distal end of the silicon dioxide substate, and a second silicon nitride waveguide formed in the silicon dioxide substate, wherein: the second silicon nitride waveguide is formed in a proximal end of the silicon dioxide substrate wherein a distal portion of the second silicon nitride waveguide is adjacent to a proximal portion of the first silicon nitride waveguide to cause light to couple from the second silicon nitride waveguide into the first silicon nitride waveguide.