Multimode Waveguide Light Sensor Mode Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices with multimode waveguides are inefficient due to the tapering down of waveguides to single mode dimensions, which results in the light sensor primarily detecting the fundamental mode and missing higher order modes, leading to reduced efficiency in light sensing.
Innovation Solution
The optical device includes multiple transition waveguides that intersect the terminal end of a main waveguide, allowing each transition waveguide to receive a different portion of the light signal and guide it to one or more light sensors, increasing the numerical aperture and capturing both fundamental and higher order modes, thereby enhancing efficiency and enabling high-speed light sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the waveguide is tapered down to single mode dimensions to match the light sensor, then the light sensor can provide high speed levels, but much of the higher order modes carried by the multimode waveguide are never seen by the light sensor, resulting in reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single light sensor into multiple light sensors (first light sensor and second light sensor) that are positioned to receive different portions of the light signal from the multimode waveguide. This segmentation allows each sensor to detect specific modes (fundamental mode and higher order modes respectively) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by enabling high-speed detection while capturing all light modes without tapering.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-position detection approach by placing multiple light sensors at different locations relative to the waveguide. This dimensional change in the detection architecture allows simultaneous capture of fundamental and higher order modes without requiring waveguide tapering, thus maintaining both high speed and high efficiency.
2Speed
If the waveguide width is reduced to match the light sensor dimensions, then high speed light sensing is achieved, but the numerical aperture is reduced and higher order modes are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection function across multiple light sensors positioned at different locations, the system maintains a large waveguide width (high numerical aperture) while achieving high-speed sensing. Each sensor operates independently at optimal dimensions, capturing different mode distributions without requiring the waveguide to be tapered to single-mode dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple light sensors collectively perform the function of a single large-area sensor while maintaining the speed characteristics of small sensors. The first light sensor detects fundamental modes and the second light sensor detects higher order modes, creating a universal detection system that handles all waveguide modes simultaneously with high speed and high numerical aperture.
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 arrangement increases the efficiency of light sensing by capturing more higher order modes and allowing the use of narrower waveguide structures for high-speed light sensors, improving the overall performance of multimode waveguides in communications applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor that detects the presence of light in the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The device includes a main waveguide on a base. The main waveguide is configured to guide a light signal through a light-transmitting medium. The device also includes multiple transition waveguides on the base. Each of the transition waveguide intersects a terminal end of the main waveguide such that each transition waveguide receives a different portion of the light signal from the main waveguide. The device also includes one or more light sensors positioned on the base. Each transition waveguide guides the received light portions to the one or more light sensors such that each of the light signal portions is received at the one or more light sensors.