Optical Waveguide Intermediate Layer Thickness for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical waveguide devices with convex optical waveguides and signal electrodes, disturbance modulation noise at intersections significantly affects the modulation operation, particularly in folded configurations, leading to performance limitations due to increased intersection numbers and stronger electric fields.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide device features a substrate with a protruding optical waveguide and signal electrodes, where the intermediate layer thickness is increased at intersections compared to action portions, and the ground electrode clearance is widened at intersections, reducing the electric field strength and disturbance modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical waveguide is folded back to dispose input and output ends on one side of the substrate, then the device size is reduced, but the number of intersections between signal electrodes and optical waveguides increases, causing increased disturbance modulation noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the intermediate layer thickness variable across different regions of the substrate. Specifically, the intermediate layer has a first thickness at intersections between signal electrodes and optical waveguides, and a second thickness (greater than the first) at other portions. This local variation in thickness allows the structure to differently manage electric field interactions at intersections versus action portions, reducing disturbance modulation noise while maintaining the folded configuration for compact device size.
2Ease of operation
If the signal electrode extends to the vicinity of the outer periphery of the LN substrate for external circuit connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but the electric field strength at intersections increases, enhancing disturbance modulation effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the intermediate layer as an intermediary substance between the signal electrode and the optical waveguide. By controlling the thickness of this intermediate layer to be greater at intersections than at action portions, the intermediary effectively reduces the electric field strength from the signal electrode at intersection points, thereby minimizing disturbance modulation while still allowing the signal electrode to extend to the substrate periphery for external circuit connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate layer has uniform thickness across the substrate surface, then manufacturing is simplified, but the electric field interaction at intersections cannot be sufficiently controlled, resulting in higher disturbance modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a non-uniform intermediate layer thickness distribution. The intermediate layer has a first thickness at intersections and a second thickness (greater than the first) at other portions. This local variation enables precise control over electric field interactions at critical intersection points while maintaining manufacturability through standard thin-film deposition techniques, effectively reducing disturbance modulation without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 effectively reduces disturbance modulation noise at intersections, enhancing the operating characteristics of the optical waveguide device by minimizing the impact of electric field interactions on light phase modulation.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate layer is formed such that a thickness at the intersection is thicker than a thickness at the action portion... reducing the electric field strength and disturbance modulation
Implementation Method 2
an optical waveguide device including: a substrate on which an optical waveguide is formed... a light wave propagating in the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
optical modulators using LiNbO3 having an electro-optic effect... the signal electrode has an action portion that extends along the optical waveguide and controls a light wave propagating through the optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical waveguide device having a plurality of intersections between a convex optical waveguide and a signal electrode, the generation of disturbance modulation at the intersections is effectively reduced, thereby achieving good operating characteristics. An optical waveguide device includes a substrate on which an optical waveguide is formed, an intermediate layer formed on the substrate, and a signal electrode and a ground electrode formed on the intermediate layer, in which the optical waveguide includes a protruding portion extending on the substrate, the signal electrode has an action portion that extends along the optical waveguide and controls a light wave propagating through the optical waveguide, and an intersection that crosses over the optical waveguide, and the intermediate layer is formed such that a thickness at the intersection is thicker than a thickness at the action portion.