Jiajiu Zheng

Title: Jiajiu Zheng: Inventor of an Ultra-Low-Energy Photonic Phase Shifter

Introduction

Jiajiu Zheng is an inventor based in Seattle, Washington. His patent work includes an integrated photonic device designed to control light with an ultra-low-energy, non-volatile phase shifter.

Latest Patents

The provided information identifies one patent associated with Zheng: “Ultra-low-energy non-volatile phase shifters.” The invention describes a waveguide that carries radiation and an optically coupled phase shifter containing a heat-actuable phase-change material (PCM). A heater made with a layer of two-dimensional material, such as graphene, is in thermal communication with the PCM.

A reset voltage pulse heats the graphene layer, which then cools. This heating and cooling can cause part of the PCM to transition from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. The resulting change in the PCM’s refractive index shifts the phase of light traveling through the waveguide. The design aims to achieve non-volatile phase control while reducing energy use. Zheng is credited with 1 patent in the information provided.

Career Highlights

Zheng’s listed patent highlights work at the intersection of integrated photonics, phase-change materials, and low-energy device design. The disclosed approach uses a thermally actuated material transition to modify optical behavior within a waveguide.

Collaborations

The provided information names Zhuoran Fang and Rui Chen as Zheng’s coworkers. Their specific roles in the patent or related work are not stated.

Conclusion

Jiajiu Zheng’s listed invention presents a method for controlling optical phase through a low-energy, non-volatile phase shifter, using a graphene-based heater and phase-change material integrated with a waveguide.