Waveguide Structure with Auxiliary Channels for Uniform Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waveguide structures based on arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) often experience non-uniform transmission spectra due to channel insertion loss and cross-talk, which affect the performance of optical data transmission devices.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor package is fabricated with a waveguide structure that includes a dielectric layer sandwiched between a substrate and a core material, featuring a grating coupler and a waveguide array with a specific design of waveguide channels and auxiliary channels to reduce insertion loss and improve channel uniformity, where the waveguide channels and auxiliary channels are arranged with controlled lengths and spacings to minimize optical leaking and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waveguide structures based on arrayed waveguide gratings are used for optical data transmission, then optical signal transmission capability is provided, but non-uniform transmission spectrum occurs due to channel insertion loss and cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing auxiliary channels with specific design characteristics (different lengths, spacing, and configurations) at specific locations within the waveguide array. These auxiliary channels are strategically positioned to provide localized compensation for insertion loss and cross-talk in channels experiencing greater losses, thereby achieving more uniform transmission spectrum across all channels without requiring uniform modification throughout the entire structure.
2Reliability
If waveguide channels are designed with specific lengths and spacings to reduce insertion loss, then transmission spectrum uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveguide structure into two distinct functional parts: regular waveguide channels for primary signal transmission and auxiliary channels for loss compensation. This segmentation allows the main signal path to remain simple and efficient while the auxiliary channels provide targeted corrections only where needed, thus improving transmission uniformity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary channels are designed with specific local characteristics (varying lengths, spacing, and positions) tailored to compensate for local variations in insertion loss and cross-talk. This localized optimization approach improves transmission spectrum uniformity without requiring complex modifications to the entire waveguide structure, maintaining relative simplicity in the overall design.
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 described waveguide structure reduces insertion loss and channel cross-talk, resulting in improved uniformity of the transmission spectrum, enhancing the performance of optical data transmission devices.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide structure that includes a dielectric layer sandwiched between a substrate and a core material
Implementation Method 2
featuring a grating coupler and a waveguide array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes an input array, an output array and a waveguide array. The input array is connected to a first slab structure, while the output array is connected to a second slab structure. The waveguide array is optically coupled to the first slab structure and the second slab structure. The waveguide array includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part and a plurality of waveguide channels. The first connecting part is joined with the first slab structure. The second connecting part is joined with the second slab structure, wherein the second connecting part includes a central portion and at least one flank portion, the central portion is connected to and overlapped with the second slab structure, and the at least one flank portion extends over a side surface of the second slab structure. The waveguide channels are joining the first connecting part to the second connecting part.