Acousto-Optic Beam Steering With 2D Transducer Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acousto-optic devices can only control light deflection in one dimension, limiting their flexibility and efficiency, especially in applications requiring two-dimensional control under space and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
An acousto-optic device with a set of transducers arranged around an optically transmissive element, controlled by a controller to generate acoustic waves that can be selectively activated in multiple directions, allowing two-dimensional deflection of light beams by varying which transducers are activated and adjusting their phase and amplitude, with additional transducers used to cancel reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If acousto-optic modulators are used in wavelength selective switches, then optical signal routing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple modulators per wavelength channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple acousto-optic modulator functions into a single integrated device. Specifically, it merges the wavelength selection function and the optical switching function that traditionally required separate modulators into one unified acousto-optic switch structure, thereby reducing the total number of modulators needed per wavelength channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The acousto-optic switch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a wavelength selector and an optical switch. The device can route different wavelength channels through different output ports by controlling acoustic signals, eliminating the need for dedicated modulators for each wavelength channel and achieving multi-functionality in a single component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple acousto-optic modulators are deployed for wavelength selective switching, then routing flexibility is improved, but insertion loss increases due to multiple optical path transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wavelength selection and switching operations into a single integrated acousto-optic interaction process. By combining these functions in one device rather than using multiple sequential modulators, the number of optical path transitions is reduced, thereby minimizing cumulative insertion loss while preserving routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The acousto-optic switch enables continuous optical signal transmission through a single pass through the device, avoiding multiple discrete modulation stages. The acoustic wave continuously modulates the optical signal along its path, maintaining signal integrity and reducing energy loss compared to multiple separate modulator stages.
3Ease of operation
If conventional acousto-optic switches are used, then optical switching function is achieved, but wavelength division multiplexing capability is insufficient due to lack of integrated wavelength selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the acousto-optic switch to simultaneously provide optical switching and wavelength division multiplexing capabilities. By integrating the wavelength-selective diffraction grating structure with the acousto-optic modulation mechanism, the device achieves multi-functionality: it can switch optical signals and simultaneously separate or combine different wavelength channels within the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength selection function (typically provided by a diffraction grating or filter) with the optical switching function (provided by acousto-optic modulation) into a single integrated device. This combination allows the switch to handle wavelength division multiplexed signals directly, enabling both switching and WDM operations without requiring separate components.
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 precise two-dimensional control of light deflection with enhanced efficiency and reduced size and weight, suitable for applications like LADAR systems and guided missiles.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-optic device includes a waveguide having a waveguide core and a waveguide cladding, wherein the waveguide core comprises a first region and a second region, the first region including a first material and the second region including a second material, wherein the first material and the second material have different acoustic velocities
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An acousto-optic device is disclosed. The device comprises: an optically transmissive element to receive a beam of light at an input surface, the beam being received from a direction defining an optical axis; a set of acoustic transducers spaced around the element; and a controller operable to activate the transducers to generate an acoustic wave travelling through the device to intersect with the optical axis. The controller is further operable to selectively activate a first subset of the set of transducers such that the acoustic wave propagates in a selected direction. Each of the set of acoustic transducers is differently orientated such that the selected direction is controllable through the selection of first subset of transducers from the set of transducers, and the device is thereby operable to control the direction in which the beam of light is deflected in two dimensions. A method of operating the device is also disclosed.