Acousto-Optic Deflection Element for Vibration-Resistant Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical devices used for optical deflection, such as galvanomirrors, are sensitive to mechanical vibrations and have limited deflection speed, making them inadequate for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical deflection element comprising a transparent substrate with electrodes arranged at specific intervals, generating surface acoustic waves to function as a diffraction grating for laser light, allowing for precise and vibration-resistant deflection of laser beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical devices like galvanomirrors are used for optical deflection, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device is sensitive to mechanical vibrations and has limited deflection speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanomirror system with an acousto-optic deflection system. Surface acoustic waves are generated on a substrate using piezoelectric transducers, creating a dynamic diffraction grating that deflects laser beams without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates mechanical vibrations and enables faster deflection speeds while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using acoustic wave frequency and amplitude control instead of mechanical rotation speed control. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the surface acoustic waves, the deflection angle and beam position can be dynamically controlled, achieving high-speed deflection without mechanical inertia limitations.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical devices are used for optical deflection, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the deflection precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical deflection system is replaced with an acousto-optic system where surface acoustic waves create a diffraction grating pattern on a substrate. This allows precise deflection control through electronic control of acoustic wave parameters, achieving high manufacturing precision for beam positioning while using standard piezoelectric and optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate with piezoelectric transducers serves multiple functions: it generates surface acoustic waves, acts as a diffraction grating, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, balancing manufacturing complexity with precision performance.
3Loss of time
If mechanical deflection devices are used, then the device structure is straightforward, but the response time is slow due to mechanical inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using surface acoustic waves to create a dynamic diffraction grating. The acoustic waves can be started, stopped, and frequency-modulated almost instantaneously, providing rapid response times without mechanical inertia. The system complexity is managed through integrated piezoelectric transducer arrays on a single substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic surface acoustic waves to create a time-varying diffraction grating. By controlling the frequency and phase of these periodic acoustic waves, the beam deflection can be rapidly modulated, achieving fast response times through temporal modulation rather than mechanical movement.
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 solution enables efficient and precise deflection of laser light with adjustable angles, reducing the impact of mechanical vibrations and enhancing deflection speed, making it suitable for applications like LiDAR and other optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes allow a surface acoustic wave having a first wavelength to be generated in the substrate by applying a voltage thereto
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes allow a surface acoustic wave having a first wavelength to be generated in the substrate by applying a voltage thereto
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical deflection element includes a substrate and three or more electrodes. The substrate has an incidence plane which the laser light enters and an emission plane from which the laser light exits. The three or more electrodes are arranged on the substrate at first intervals in a first direction. Electrodes allow a surface acoustic wave having a first wavelength to be generated in the substrate by applying a voltage thereto. Wiring is provided such that a voltage is selectively applied to the electrodes at an interval between at least two electrodes. The electrodes allow a surface acoustic wave having a second wavelength to be generated in the substrate by applying a voltage selectively at second intervals.