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US 6,888,974 B2Granted
On-chip optical signal routing
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorsBruce A. Block, Brandon C. Barnett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microchip may include an optical signal routing system. The optical routing system may include a distribution waveguide coupled to a light source and signaling waveguides interconnecting source and destination locations. A directional coupler may be used to couple and modulate light from the distribution waveguide to a signaling waveguide at a source location. A photodetector may be used to convert light signals from the source location into electrical signals at the destination.
Claims36
An apparatus comprising:
- a microchip including
- a distribution waveguide adapted to be coupled to a light source,
- a signaling waveguide having an end proximate a portion of the distribution waveguide,
- a modulated tap to couple light from the distribution waveguide into the signaling waveguide and modulate the light into light signals
- a plurality of layers including electronic circuitry, the circuitry including a driver operative to drive the modulated tap, and
- an interconnect between the driver and the modulated tap.
3 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a microchip including
- a distribution waveguide adapted to be coupled to a light source,
- a signaling waveguide having an end proximate a portion of the distribution waveguide, and
- a modulated tap to couple light from the distribution waveguide into the signaling waveguide and modulate the light into light signals, wherein the modulated tap comprises a directional coupler.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- coupling light from a distribution waveguide on a microchip to a signaling waveguide in the microchip;
- modulating light in the signaling waveguide to produce light signals, wherein said modulating comprises coupling and decoupling light from the distribution waveguide to the signaling waveguide;
- and
- converting the light signals to electrical signals at a destination on the microchip.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- coupling light from a distribution waveguide on a microchip to a signaling waveguide in the microchip, wherein said coupling comprises coupling light by an evanescent coupling effect;
- modulating light in the signaling waveguide to produce light signals;
- and
- converting the light signals to electrical signals at a destination on the microchip.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- coupling light from a distribution waveguide on a microchip to a signaling waveguide in the microchip, wherein said coupling comprises providing a control voltage to a directional coupler at a junction between the distribution waveguide and the signaling waveguide;
- modulating light in the signaling waveguide to produce light signals;
- and
- converting the light signals to electrical signals at a destination on the microchip.
1 more element
A system comprising:
- a light source;
- and
- a microchip including
- an integrated distribution waveguide coupled to the light source,
- a source location on the distribution waveguide including a modulated tap to modulate at least a portion of the light in the distribution waveguide into light signals,
- a destination location including a converter to convert the light signals into electrical signals,
- an integrated signaling waveguide interconnecting the source location and the destination location, and
- a plurality of layers including electronic circuitry, the circuitry including a driver operative to drive the modulated tap, and
- an interconnect between the driver and the modulated tap.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.