Y-Branch Optical Resonator Tunable Laser Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tunable lasers require complex control circuits for precise wavelength control and are not small enough, necessitating a simpler method to control wavelength and reduce size.
Innovation Solution
A novel optical resonator with interconnected optical waveguides forming a Y-branch, incorporating Mach-Zehnder interferometers and a curved optical waveguide to enable wavelength selection and tuning via refractive index, allowing for a smaller tunable laser with reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two ring resonators with different free spectral ranges are used to achieve wavelength tuning via the Vernier effect, then wavelength tuning range is improved, but device complexity and control circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength tuning function from a complex two-resonator Vernier system and implements it using a single ring resonator coupled with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This extraction simplifies the control circuit while maintaining wavelength tuning capability through a different mechanism - using the MZI to select specific wavelengths from the ring resonator's modes rather than relying on Vernier effects from two resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength selection function (previously requiring a separate reference resonator and Vernier effect) with the main ring resonator by introducing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer as a coupled element. This combination allows the system to achieve both wavelength filtering and tuning in a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Volume of moving object
If high refractive index materials are used to reduce the radius of curvature of the optical waveguide, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional sections: a ring resonator section for wavelength selection and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer section for wavelength tuning. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the ring resonator can use high refractive index materials for compact size while the MZI provides precise wavelength control, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden on any single component.
3Device complexity
If a single ring resonator with Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used instead of two ring resonators, then device complexity is reduced, but wavelength tuning control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The Mach-Zehnder interferometer acts as an intermediary element that couples to the ring resonator and provides precise wavelength tuning control. While the ring resonator alone would have fixed wavelength modes, the MZI introduces an additional degree of freedom through its phase modulation capability, allowing precise selection and tuning of specific wavelengths from the ring resonator's mode spectrum without requiring a second resonator.
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
The solution allows for precise wavelength control using a single refractive index parameter, achieving a smaller tunable laser with improved side mode suppression and reduced size compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
first, second, and third optical waveguides with ends interconnected at a single point to form a Y-branch
Implementation Method 2
The first waveguide is terminated at its other end by a reflector
Implementation Method 3
The wavelength selector may be a Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical resonator has a Y-branched waveguide including first, second, and third optical waveguides interconnected at a single point. The first optical waveguide leads toward a reflector. The second and third optical waveguides are optically interconnected by a curved extension of the second and third optical waveguides, or by an independent ring waveguide to which the second and third optical waveguides are directionally coupled. At least one wavelength selector such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is formed in one or both of the second and third optical waveguides. This optical resonator is small in size and can be tuned by means of a single parameter. A tunable laser can be formed by inserting an optical amplifier between the first optical waveguide and the reflector.