Tunable Laser Source Chip Integration for Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tunable laser sources are large in size due to separate chips for optical splitters, power monitors, and wavelength lockers, leading to increased loss and size issues when using asymmetric Y-shaped branches for light splitting.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a 2×2 type optical splitter within a single chip, utilizing a directional coupler or multimode interference coupler to split light for both power and wavelength monitoring, reducing loss and size by allowing a single-stage optical splitter to feed both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate chips are used for optical splitters, power monitors, and wavelength lockers, then each component can be independently optimized, but the overall module size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical splitter, power monitor, and wavelength locker into a single chip structure. The optical splitter is formed as a waveguide branch within the same chip that also contains the power monitor and wavelength locker, eliminating the need for separate chips and reducing overall module size while maintaining independent functionality of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single chip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the optical splitter and houses both the power monitor and wavelength locker. This multi-functional integration allows one chip to replace what previously required multiple separate components, achieving size reduction without sacrificing component optimization.
2Use of energy by moving object
If asymmetric Y-shaped branches are used for light splitting, then power distribution can be optimized, but loss increases due to multiple splitting stages
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitting function is segmented into a single-stage asymmetric Y-shaped waveguide branch integrated on the chip. This single segmentation provides both the power distribution optimization through asymmetric design and minimizes optical loss by eliminating multiple splitting stages that would be required in conventional separate-component configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If integration is achieved on a single chip, then module size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses homogeneous silicon-based materials for all components (optical splitter, power monitor, wavelength locker) on the same chip. This material homogeneity simplifies manufacturing processes compared to heterogeneous multi-chip integration, as it allows for unified fabrication techniques and reduces the complexity of interfacing different materials and processes.
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 miniaturizes the tunable laser source while reducing loss, as it allows for optimized power distribution to the light intensity monitor and wavelength locker, enhancing the system's efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a directional coupler or multimode interference coupler to split light for both power and wavelength monitoring
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a directional coupler or multimode interference coupler to split light
Implementation Method 3
The ring resonator in the resonator 72 is controlled by a heater or the like that is provided on the ring resonator so that the wavelength of the output light can be tuned
Implementation Method 4
The ring resonator in the resonator 72 is controlled by a heater or the like that is provided on the ring resonator so that the wavelength of the output light can be tuned
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tunable laser source, and the reduction in the loss and the size can both be achieved in a tunable laser source having a power monitor and a wavelength locker function. A tunable laser is formed of a semiconductor optical amplifier and a resonator, and one of the two output light beams split from part of the light within the tunable laser by a 2×2 type optical splitter is incident into a light intensity monitor, and the other is incident into a wavelength locker.