2D Waveguide Array Edge Coupler for Low-Loss PIC Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Misalignment and optical mode mismatch between photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical components increase optical loss, which is a challenge in high-speed data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with an optical coupler featuring a 2-dimensional array of waveguide elements is designed to match the optical mode of the optical component, reducing coupling loss and alignment sensitivity by carefully selecting the quantity, positioning, and material properties of the waveguide elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conventional edge coupler is used, then the structure is simple, but misalignment and mode mismatch increase optical loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical lossVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical coupler is segmented into multiple discrete waveguide elements arranged in a 2-D array, allowing independent optimization of each element's position, size, and material properties to achieve mode matching while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration rather than a conventional one-dimensional structure, enabling bidirectional mode matching and providing additional degrees of freedom to reduce optical loss through optimized spatial distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the waveguide elements are precisely positioned to match modes, then coupling efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoidwaveguide element positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The design optimizes multiple parameters including waveguide element dimensions, spacing, material composition, and positional coordinates to achieve mode matching, allowing trade-offs between individual parameters while maintaining overall coupling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The 2-D array configuration provides multiple waveguide elements that collectively perform the coupling function, distributing the precision requirement across multiple elements rather than requiring a single critical interface, thereby improving robustness to manufacturing variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively reduces coupling loss and alignment sensitivity, enhancing the efficiency of optical data transmission between PICs and optical components.

Implementation Method 1

an optical coupler having a plurality of waveguide elements arranged in a 2-dimensional array that is configured to provide a first mode having a first shape chosen to match a second shape of a second mode of the optical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS12541065B2Array-based edge coupler for optical input/output

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) includes photonic components fabricated on the PIC. One of the photonic components includes an optical coupler configured to optically couple to an optical component. The optical coupler includes waveguide elements arranged in a 2-dimensional array that is configured to provide a first mode having a first shape chosen to match a second shape of a second mode of the optical component.