Acoustic Beam Deflection Device for High-Speed Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for two-dimensional scanning of light beams face challenges in achieving high-speed and high-resolution scanning, especially for objects at large distances, while minimizing the use of scanning mirrors and maintaining a compact structure, which is essential for applications like road traffic monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a spectrally tunable light source combined with a grating or grating prism for wavelength-dependent beam deflection and a rotatable prism pair for periodic movement, allowing for two-dimensional scanning without the need for complex mechanical movements or large installation spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If MEMS-based scanning mirrors are used for two-dimensional scanning, then scanning speed can be improved, but the achievable deflection angles are limited and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mirrors with an acoustic radiation pressure system. A modulated continuous-wave laser beam creates acoustic radiation pressure on a reflective surface, generating mechanical vibrations that deflect the beam without physical contact. This substitutes the mechanical mirror rotation system with an acoustic field-based actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for mechanical articulations while achieving two-dimensional scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modulates the frequency and amplitude of the continuous-wave laser beam to dynamically control the acoustic radiation pressure. By changing the modulation parameters, the system can independently control the deflection angles in two orthogonal directions, enabling flexible two-dimensional scanning with variable deflection ranges without mechanical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If large mirror diameters are used for high-resolution scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but scanning speed decreases and the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical mirror with an acoustic radiation pressure actuation system. The modulated laser beam creates standing acoustic waves that exert radiation pressure on a reflective surface, inducing controlled vibrations. This eliminates the trade-off between mirror size and scanning speed, as the acoustic field can rapidly modulate the beam deflection without being constrained by physical mirror dimensions or inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration induced by acoustic radiation pressure to achieve beam deflection. The modulated laser creates oscillating acoustic waves that vibrate the reflective surface at controlled frequencies, producing rapid beam sweeping motions. This vibration-based approach enables high-speed scanning without the mechanical inertia limitations of traditional rotating mirrors.
3Ease of operation
If traditional scanning mirrors are used, then beam deflection is achieved, but the device reliability decreases due to mechanical wear and limited lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mirrors with an acoustic radiation pressure system. The modulated continuous-wave laser creates acoustic waves that exert radiation pressure on a reflective surface, inducing beam deflection without physical contact or mechanical moving parts. This eliminates wear, friction, and mechanical failure modes, significantly improving device reliability and lifetime while maintaining full beam deflection capability.
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
Enables fast and accurate two-dimensional scanning with a compact structure, capable of handling large fields of view and multiple measurement points, while avoiding the limitations of traditional scanning mirrors and maintaining reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a modulated continuous-wave light source for generating acoustic radiation pressure in order to induce mechanical vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface with respect to a propagation direction of the light beam generated by the light source, wherein the reflective surface is set up such that forced harmonic oscillations are generated in the reflective surface in response to acoustic radiation pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for two-dimensionally scanning beam deflection of a light beam has spectrally tunable light source that emits a light beam having a time-varying wavelength. The device further comprises a first optical component that produces a first beam deflection. The first beam deflection causes the light beam to be deflected wavelength-dependently in a first direction. A second optical component produces a second beam deflection which causes the light beam to be deflected in a second direction different to the first direction. The second optical component comprises a prism pair comprising two prisms that are rotatably arranged successively in a beam path of the light beam. The two prisms are configured to perform continuous counter-rotational movements.