Optical Waveguide Lamellar Thickness for Reduced Multiplexing Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber communication systems experience significant transmission loss during multiplexing due to the thin lamellar portions between optical waveguides, leading to increased optical loss on the outer sides.
Innovation Solution
The optical device features optical waveguides with a lamellar portion and a protruding portion, where the thickness of the lamellar portion between protruding portions is greater than the side surface thickness of the protruding portion, and the distance from the protruding portion to the substrate is less than half of the total height, reducing light propagation to the outer sides and minimizing transmission loss. Additionally, a protection layer and the use of lithium-containing oxide materials like lithium niobate or lithium tantalate enhance this effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lamellar portion thickness is reduced to minimize device size, then the device compactness is improved, but the optical loss on outer sides increases during multiplexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness regions within the lamellar portion. The lamellar portion has a first thickness region between protruding portions and a second thickness region at the side surface, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. This local variation in thickness optimizes light propagation by reducing optical loss on outer sides while maintaining compact device size.
2Loss of energy
If the lamellar portion thickness is increased to reduce optical loss, then the transmission loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lamellar portion into different thickness regions: a first thickness region between protruding portions and a second thickness region at the side surface. This segmentation allows the structure to reduce transmission loss through the first region while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by defining clear regional boundaries with distinct thickness characteristics.
3Reliability
If the protruding portion height is increased to improve light confinement, then the light confinement is improved, but the distance from top end to substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness regions within the lamellar portion. The lamellar portion has a first thickness region between protruding portions and a second thickness region at the side surface, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. This local variation in thickness optimizes light propagation by reducing optical loss on outer sides while maintaining compact device size.
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 significantly reduces light transmission loss during multiplexing by promoting light propagation between the waveguides rather than on the outer sides, resulting in lower optical loss and improved communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide which guides light from input optical fibers to output optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: a substrate; and at least two optical waveguides formed on the substrate and facing to a multiplexed portion on the substrate in a light propagation direction, the optical waveguide includes a lamellar portion and a protruding portion which protrudes from the lamellar portion, in a cross section perpendicular to the light propagation direction, the thickness of the lamellar portion between the protruding portions of the at least two optical waveguides is greater than the thickness of the lamellar portion at the side of a side surface of the protruding portion of the optical waveguides, which does not face to other optical waveguides. Thereby, the transmission loss of light during multiplexing light can be reduced.