Wavelength Conversion Device Segmentation for Stable Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wavelength conversion devices have limited wavelength emission ranges and struggle to stably propagate input and output light to desired positions.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion device featuring a dielectric substrate with periodically formed holes in a non-linear optical crystal substrate, incorporating a line-defect optical waveguide and a periodically poled portion, which functions as both a photonic crystal and an effective-medium-clad dielectric to achieve wideband wavelength conversion and stable light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a thin-film layer with light confinement portion and photonic crystal is used for wavelength conversion, then the conversion efficiency and power are improved, but the range of wavelengths of converted light is limited and stable propagation to desired position is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct functional regions: a photonic crystal region for high-efficiency wavelength conversion and an effective-medium-clad dielectric region for wide wavelength adaptability and stable propagation. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between conversion efficiency and wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (refractive index characteristics, propagation modes) between the two regions. The photonic crystal region operates with specific bandgap properties while the effective-medium-clad dielectric region provides different effective refractive index characteristics, enabling the system to handle a wide range of wavelengths while maintaining high conversion efficiency in the photonic crystal region.
2Power
If a thin-film layer with light confinement portion and photonic crystal is used for wavelength conversion, then the conversion efficiency and power are improved, but stable propagation of input and output light to desired position is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the high-power conversion function in the photonic crystal region from the stable propagation function in the effective-medium-clad dielectric region. This segmentation ensures that the converted light can be stably propagated to the desired position without the propagation issues that would occur in a purely photonic crystal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective-medium-clad dielectric region acts as an intermediary between the photonic crystal region and the external environment. It mediates the transition of converted light from the photonic crystal region, ensuring stable propagation while maintaining the high conversion efficiency achieved in the photonic crystal region.
3Power
If the dielectric substrate functions as photonic crystal for all light beams, then high conversion efficiency is achieved, but the wavelength range and propagation flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the dielectric substrate are given different optical qualities: the photonic crystal region has specific bandgap properties optimized for high-efficiency conversion, while the effective-medium-clad dielectric region has different effective refractive index properties optimized for wide wavelength range and flexible propagation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between conversion efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric substrate is designed to perform multiple functions through its different regions: the photonic crystal region provides high-efficiency wavelength conversion, while the effective-medium-clad dielectric region provides wide wavelength adaptability and stable propagation. This multi-functionality allows the single substrate to satisfy both contradictory requirements.
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
Enables the output of light over a wide band of wavelengths with stable propagation of input and output light, overcoming the limitations of existing devices by modulating the refractive index and using quasi-phase matching for efficient wavelength conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength conversion device is configured to convert a wavelength of light traveling through the line-defect optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a non-linear optical crystal substrate with holes periodically formed therein; a line-defect optical waveguide formed in the dielectric substrate; and a periodically poled portion provided in the line-defect optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength conversion device includes: a dielectric substrate having holes periodically formed in a non-linear optical crystal substrate; a line-defect optical waveguide formed in the dielectric substrate; and a periodically poled portion provided in the optical waveguide. The wavelength conversion device is configured to convert a wavelength of light traveling through the optical waveguide.