Wavelength-Selective Path-Switching Element Using Waveguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength-selective path-switching elements in optical communication systems require complex manufacturing processes and can emit light outside due to their microscopic structures, particularly diffraction gratings, which complicates fabrication and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-selective path-switching element is designed using a configuration of first, second, and intermediary optical waveguides arranged in close parallel proximity, eliminating the need for diffraction gratings by setting specific coupling lengths to selectively switch between wavelengths, thereby simplifying manufacturing and preventing light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If diffraction gratings are used to achieve wavelength-selective path switching, then wavelength selectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to microscopic structure fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the diffraction grating component from the system, replacing it with a simplified waveguide-based wavelength selection mechanism. This eliminates the need for complex microscopic grating structures while maintaining wavelength-selective functionality through modal interference in the waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical diffraction grating system with an electromagnetic waveguide system that uses modal interference and coupling effects. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical fabrication of grating structures while achieving the same wavelength-selective path switching function.
2Manufacturing precision
If diffraction gratings with microscopic structures are used, then wavelength filtering capability is improved, but light radiation outside the waveguide occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the diffraction grating structure that causes light radiation, replacing it with a waveguide-based wavelength selection mechanism that confines light within the waveguide through total internal reflection and modal interference, eliminating the harmful light radiation effect.
3Manufacturing precision
If lens-based optical coupling is used to spatially couple optical components, then optical alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to complex alignment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the optical coupling function directly into the waveguide structure itself, eliminating the need for separate lens components and complex alignment processes. The waveguides provide both light confinement and spatial coupling functionality in a single integrated structure that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical lens-based coupling system with an integrated waveguide coupling system that uses evanescent field coupling and modal interference. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment of separate optical components while maintaining coupling efficiency.
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 allows for easy, low-cost fabrication of wavelength-selective path-switching elements that effectively switch between optical signals of different wavelengths without radiating light outside, enhancing mass producibility and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide and an intermediary optical waveguide arranged between the first and second optical waveguides. The first and intermediary optical waveguides is arranged substantially close and parallel to each other and cooperates to form a first optical directional coupler. The second and intermediary optical waveguides is arranged substantially close and parallel to each other and cooperates to form a second optical directional coupler.
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength-selective path-switching element has a silicon substrate on which a pattern of optical waveguides including a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide and an intermediary optical waveguide is formed. The widths W1, W2, and W3 of these optical waveguides, lengths L1, L2, and spacing G1, G2 are so set that light of a first wavelength entered into the first optical waveguide propagates on the first, intermediary, and second optical waveguides, exits from the second waveguide, propagates on an output waveguide, and is outputted and that light of a second wavelength entered into the first waveguide after propagating on an input waveguide is outputted from this first waveguide. The wavelength-selective path-switching element can be easily fabricated at low cost and have no light leaking out.