3D Discrete Lens Beamforming for Wide-Angle Low-Aberration Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional discrete lens configurations lack explicit analytical definitions, fail to minimize optical aberrations, and are limited in scanning capabilities, necessitating new designs for rotationally symmetric afocal lenses with optimized scanning angles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed beamforming networks incorporate three-dimensional discrete lenses with specific aperture shapes and transmission line configurations, including front and back apertures with discrete elements, to achieve minimized optical aberrations and large scanning angles, utilizing zooming factors and rotational symmetry to control beam angles and focal points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional discrete lens configurations are designed with multiple focal points to enable wide-angle scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the phase distribution and element characteristics at different locations within the lens aperture. Each region of the lens is designed with specific phase gradients and element parameters tailored to minimize aberrations for particular scanning angles, allowing the lens to maintain low aberrations across wide scanning ranges while supporting multiple focal points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic design principles by creating continuously adjustable phase profiles and focal point positions within the discrete lens structure. The lens can dynamically reconfigure its phase distribution to adapt to different scanning angles and focal requirements, enabling wide-angle scanning while maintaining optimized optical performance through real-time phase modulation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If discrete lens configurations are made more complex to reduce optical aberrations, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous lens aperture into discrete, independently controllable elements arranged in a grid or array structure. Each discrete element can be individually addressed and controlled, allowing complex aberration correction to be achieved through simple, modular phase control of each element rather than requiring complex continuous surface deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the phase, amplitude, and geometric parameters of individual discrete lens elements to optimize optical performance. By adjusting these parameters across the element array, the lens achieves aberration reduction through controlled parameter modulation rather than complex structural modifications
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional discrete lenses are designed for large scanning angles, then scanning range is improved, but optical aberrations become more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from two-dimensional lens designs to three-dimensional discrete lens configurations with depth control. The 3D structure enables independent control of phase and amplitude in multiple spatial dimensions, providing additional degrees of freedom to compensate for aberrations that occur at large scanning angles while maintaining wide scanning range
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 designs provide improved scanning capabilities and reduced optical aberrations, enabling efficient electromagnetic radiation propagation and beam control across various angles and volumes.
Implementation Method 1
The front aperture may be adapted for emitting electromagnetic waves in a plurality of beams, via its discrete elements
Data Source
AI summary
A beamforming network includes a three-dimensional discrete lens with front and back apertures, each comprising a plurality of discrete elements. Each discrete element of the back aperture is homologous to a respective discrete element of the front aperture. The discrete lens further comprises a plurality of transmission lines connecting respective pairs of homologous discrete elements. The beamforming network can further include a feed array that illuminates the back aperture when the lens is working in transmission, and/or receives signals from the back aperture, when the lens is working in reception. A ratio of a size of the back aperture and a size of the front aperture defines a zooming factor whose value is different from unity, so that angles of emergence of beams of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the front aperture are either tilted towards or away from a center axis compared to angles of incidence on the back aperture.