Optical Waveguide Step Portions Contain Electro-Optic Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modulators face challenges in maintaining the electro-optic polymer material within the slot groove, leading to spreading and adherence to other device elements, which affects reliability and optical characteristics due to the material's surface tension and low concentration.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide device incorporates step portions and protruding portions on the substrate to prevent the electro-optic polymer material from spreading outside the slot groove, ensuring a uniform thickness and reducing the number of applications and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the slot groove width is narrowed to ensure optical modulation characteristics, then optical performance is improved, but the electro-optic polymer material spreads outside the slot groove due to surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by forming protruding portions that rise from the substrate surface. These protrusions create a three-dimensional confinement structure that prevents lateral spreading of the electro-optic polymer material while maintaining the narrow horizontal slot groove width needed for optical modulation. The protruding portions act as physical barriers in the vertical dimension, solving the contradiction between narrow groove width and material containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions serve as intermediary structures between the slot groove and the external environment. They act as intermediate barriers that intercept the electro-optic polymer material before it can spread onto other device elements, while still allowing the necessary optical and electrical functions to proceed within the confined groove space.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electro-optic polymer material is applied to ensure sufficient thickness, then optical characteristics are improved, but the material adheres to other device elements and spreads uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical protrusions from the substrate, the invention creates a three-dimensional containment structure. This allows the electro-optic polymer material to achieve sufficient thickness within the vertical space provided by the protruding portions without lateral spreading. The protrusions define a confined volume that accommodates the required material thickness while preventing contamination of surrounding device elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple applications of electro-optic polymer material are performed to achieve uniform thickness, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portions are formed in advance before the electro-optic polymer material application. This preliminary structural preparation creates built-in confinement that guides the material filling process, enabling uniform thickness to be achieved in a single application. The pre-formed protrusions act as molds that naturally distribute the material evenly, eliminating the need for multiple sequential applications.
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 retains the necessary thickness of the electro-optic polymer material within the slot groove, preventing contamination and propagation loss, thereby enhancing optical characteristics and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
it is difficult to keep the EO polymer material within the slot groove and the EO polymer material spreads outside the slot groove
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide device includes a slot groove formed in a substrate; a pair of electrodes disposed in the slot groove; an electro-optic polymer material in the slot groove; and a step portion formed at an outer side of the slot groove, in a length direction of the slot groove.