Acousto-optic Element Array for Multi-directional Light Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acousto-optic technologies have limited capabilities in directing light in multiple directions and providing high diffraction angle ranges, which restricts their application in advanced display systems such as multi-viewpoint 3D and holographic displays.
Innovation Solution
An acousto-optic element array with a photonic crystal structure and piezoelectric materials is developed, incorporating a light supplier and sound-wave modulators to deflect light through diffraction, allowing for control of light direction, intensity, and phase, enabling multi-directional light output and enhanced diffraction angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional acousto-optic modulators are used, then light can be modulated in a single direction, but the diffraction angle range is limited and multi-directional light control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent sound-wave modulators (first sound-wave modulator for horizontal direction, second sound-wave modulator for vertical direction) that can be independently controlled. Each modulator handles a specific directional component, allowing multi-directional light deflection through coordinated operation of separate segments rather than requiring a single complex modulator
Solution Approach 2:
The acousto-optic modulator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can deflect light in horizontal direction via the first sound-wave modulator, in vertical direction via the second sound-wave modulator, and can independently control diffraction angles in both directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical components for different directional controls
2Force
If a single sound-wave modulator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the diffraction angle range is limited and cannot achieve large angular deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from one-dimensional light deflection (single direction) to two-dimensional light deflection by introducing a second sound-wave modulator that operates in a perpendicular direction. The first sound-wave modulator controls horizontal diffraction angles while the second sound-wave modulator controls vertical diffraction angles, creating comprehensive two-dimensional angular control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical modulators are used, then the system can control light amplitude, but phase and direction control in multiple directions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control of sound wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) in both horizontal and vertical directions to dynamically adjust light deflection angles and modulation characteristics. The sound-wave modulators can be independently tuned to achieve varying diffraction angles and modulation depths, providing dynamic adaptability rather than fixed operational parameters
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 the acousto-optic element array to function as a versatile display apparatus capable of producing 2D and 3D images with multiple viewpoints and holographic displays, with improved light control and diffraction capabilities, simplifying optical systems and increasing operational range.
Implementation Method 1
the light supplied from the light supplier to the acousto-optic modulator is deflected by diffraction caused by the first elastic waves applied from the first sound-wave modulator
Implementation Method 2
If light is incident on a medium changed in optical characteristics by the acousto-optic effect, the light is modulated according to the amount of change in the optical characteristics of the medium
Implementation Method 3
the light supplied from the light supplier to the acousto-optic modulator is deflected by diffraction caused by the second elastic waves applied from the second sound-wave modulator
Implementation Method 4
If light is incident on a medium changed in optical characteristics by the acousto-optic effect, the light is modulated according to the amount of change in the optical characteristics of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an acousto-optic element, an acousto-optic element array, and a display apparatus including the acousto-optic element array. The acousto-optic element includes: an acousto-optic modulator which includes an acousto-optic layer formed of an acousto-optic material; a light supplier which supplies light to the acousto-optic modulator in a first direction; a first sound-wave modulator which applies first elastic waves to the acousto-optic modulator in a second direction; and a second sound-wave modulator which applies second elastic waves to the acousto-optic modulator in a third direction. The light supplied from the light supplier to the acousto-optic modulator is deflected by diffraction caused by the first elastic waves applied from the first sound-wave modulator and diffraction caused by the second elastic waves applied from the second sound-wave modulator, and is output from the acousto-optic modulator through a front side of the acousto-optic modulator.