Tunable Polarization Light Source Using Waveguide Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources with controllable polarization are limited by bulky, lossy optical components and fixed polarization properties after fabrication, hindering system miniaturization and dynamic control of polarization states.
Innovation Solution
A light source comprising a coherent light generator and a waveguide arrangement with resonator elements in different orientations, allowing for electrical control of optical signal magnitudes to dynamically tune the polarization of the output optical signal from linear to circular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external optical components such as wave plates and polarizers are used to manipulate polarization state, then polarization control is achieved, but device size increases and transmission loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the polarization control function directly into the light source device by incorporating resonator elements with different orientations within the waveguide structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate external wave plates and polarizers, thereby reducing transmission loss while maintaining polarization control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resonator elements as intermediary components within the waveguide that mediate the polarization state of light. These resonators interact with the optical signal to transform and control polarization without requiring external bulky components, thus reducing energy loss while achieving the desired polarization manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If external optical components are used for polarization manipulation, then polarization state can be controlled, but system miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (light generation, waveguide transmission, and polarization control) into a single integrated device structure. The resonator elements are embedded within the waveguide, eliminating the need for separate external components and enabling system miniaturization while maintaining full polarization control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using external, separate optical components to embedding resonator elements within the waveguide structure itself. This dimensional integration allows polarization control to be achieved within the confines of the waveguide, enabling miniaturization without sacrificing functional capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed polarization properties are designed after fabrication, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different polarization requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonator elements with different orientations that can be selectively excited to dynamically adjust the polarization state of the output light. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different polarization requirements after fabrication, while the resonator structure itself maintains manufacturing simplicity through standard waveguide fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves polarization tunability by changing the excitation parameters of the resonator elements. By controlling which resonators are excited and their relative phases, the device can produce different polarization states (linear, circular, elliptical) without requiring physical reconfiguration, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while gaining adaptability.
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
Enables low-loss, monolithic devices with tunable polarization, facilitating applications in spectroscopy, imaging, and communication systems by providing continuous and efficient control of polarization states.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguide arrangement is configured to interact with the at least one output light to cause the at least one first resonator element and the at least one second resonator element to emit respective first and second optical signals
Implementation Method 2
respective first and second optical signals to co-operatively interact with each other to generate an output optical signal
Implementation Method 3
the light source is configured to change a polarization characteristic of the output optical signal in response to at least one electrical signal applied to the light source to vary at least one of respective magnitudes of the first and second optical signals relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a light source having a coherent light generator arrangement configured to generate at least one output light, and a waveguide arrangement optically coupled to the coherent light generator arrangement, the waveguide arrangement including at least one first resonator element and at least one second resonator element arranged in different orientations, wherein the waveguide arrangement is configured to interact with the at least one output light to cause the at least one first resonator element and the at least one second resonator element to emit respective first and second optical signals to co-operatively interact with each other to generate an output optical signal, and wherein the light source is configured to change a polarization characteristic of the output optical signal in response to at least one electrical signal applied to the light source to vary at least one of respective magnitudes of the first and second optical signals relative to each other.