Waveguide Photodetector-Antenna Integration for Single-Chip Signal Sending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for integrating waveguide photodetectors with antennas in optical integrated circuits result in low integration levels, complex encapsulation, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a waveguide photodetector with an antenna on a common substrate, where the photodetector is positioned in the feed gap between the antenna's arms, allowing for a single-chip integration, and utilizing various types of antennas and optical waveguides to meet specific frequency and radiation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional method of adding an emitting antenna outside a photodetector chip and encapsulating them into a system is used, then the antenna and photodetector can be integrated into a system, but the integration level remains low, the encapsulation becomes complex, and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna and photodetector into a single integrated device structure. The antenna is formed directly on the photodetector chip with the feed gap positioned over the photodetector active region, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation of two discrete components. This combining approach achieves high integration level while avoiding complex encapsulation processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the feed gap is formed on the central axis of two arms of the antenna with the photodetector disposed in the feed gap, then the antenna and photodetector can be integrated on the same chip, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is designed to be self-aligned with the photodetector. The feed gap is formed on the central axis of the antenna arms, and the photodetector is disposed in this feed gap, creating a self-aligned configuration. This self-service approach ensures that the photodetector automatically receives the RF signals generated by the antenna without requiring additional alignment steps, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements despite the integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various types of antennas and optical waveguides are used to meet specific frequency and radiation requirements, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple types of antennas (Vivaldi, bow-tie, slot, patch) and optical waveguides (channel, ridge, slot, diffused, photonic crystal) that can be selected based on specific application requirements. Each antenna type and waveguide configuration serves multiple functions: they can be designed for different frequency ranges (L-band, S-band, C-band, X-band, Ku-band, K-band, KA-band, terahertz) while maintaining the same integrated device architecture. This universality allows the same basic device structure to be adapted for various frequency and radiation requirements without fundamentally changing the integration approach.
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
Enhances integration level and operating efficiency of optical integrated circuits while ensuring signal sending efficiency and flexibility in frequency processing.
Implementation Method 1
the photodetector is connected to the optical waveguides to obtain radio-frequency signals transmitted from the optical waveguides
Implementation Method 2
the antenna and the photodetector can be integrated on a same device of a same chip... the photodetector has the same operating frequency as the antenna, which contributes to better cooperation between the photodetector and the antenna, thereby improving the operating efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a waveguide photodetector integrated with an antenna, a system, and a method for sending a signal. The waveguide photodetector integrated with an antenna includes: a photodetector, N optical waveguides and an antenna, where N is a positive integer; the antenna is disposed on a substrate, and a feed gap is formed on a central axis of two arms of the antenna, the photodetector being disposed in the feed gap; and the N optical waveguides are formed on the substrate, and the photodetector is connected to the optical waveguides to obtain modulated optical signals transmitted from the optical waveguides. According to the present invention, the feed gap is formed on a central axis of two arms of the antenna, and the photodetector is disposed in the feed gap, such that the antenna and the photodetector can be integrated on a same device of a same chip, thereby improving the integration level of an optical integrated circuit and system.