Acousto-Optical Wave Conductor for Asymmetric Light Reflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acousto-optic devices rely on simplified bulk-wave ultrasonic/acoustic fields, which limit the ability to create complex sound fields for asymmetric light reflection and diffraction, restricting the control over electromagnetic wave transmission through acousto-optical plates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an acousto-optical wave conductor with dynamic control of ultrasonic guided waves to alter the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves, by generating ultrasonic guided waves with frequencies between 20 MHz and 5000 MHz, and electromagnetic waves between 0.8 THz and 300 THz, to achieve selective reflection, refraction, or diffraction, using techniques such as angle-beam or comb excitation and laser micromachining for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simplified bulk-wave ultrasonic/acoustic fields are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create complex sound fields for asymmetric light reflection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic field into multiple independent guided wave sources, each capable of being controlled separately. This allows creation of complex sound fields through superposition of multiple simpler wave fields, enabling asymmetric light reflection while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the ultrasonic guided wave field configuration to achieve left-right asymmetric light reflection. By positioning and controlling multiple ultrasonic sources asymmetrically, the system creates non-reciprocal optical paths that enable directional control of light transmission
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sources are used to excite ultrasonic guided waves with high intensities, then complex sound fields are created, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ultrasonic guided wave sources to serve multiple functions: they generate acoustic fields for diffraction, provide phase control for beam steering, and enable frequency modulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving complex sound field control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk-wave ultrasonic fields to guided wave fields that propagate along specific paths within the acousto-optical plate. This dimensional change in wave propagation allows complex sound fields to be created using fewer sources, as the guided waves naturally confine and direct acoustic energy along predetermined trajectories
3Measurement precision
If high frequency ultrasonic waves (>20 MHz) are used, then Bragg diffraction is achieved, but the ability to create asymmetric reflection patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of multiple ultrasonic guided wave sources, allowing real-time adjustment of phase, amplitude, and frequency of each source. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain precise Bragg diffraction conditions while simultaneously creating asymmetric reflection patterns by modulating the relative phases and amplitudes of the guided waves
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 dynamic control of light reflection and transmission, allowing for one-way optical devices with left-right asymmetry, improving optical communication and imaging applications by exploiting the acousto-optic effect in transparent solid plates with complex ultrasonic/acoustic guided wave fields.
Implementation Method 1
Acousto-optics is associated with the study of the interaction of light waves and ultrasonic/acoustic waves. The ability of these two types of waves to interact was experimentally confirmed in 1932 by Debye and Sears
Implementation Method 2
Bragg diffraction occurs at higher ultrasonic/acoustic frequencies and preserves the optical frequency. A high-frequency (>20 MHz) ultrasonic/acoustic wave of sufficiently high intensity passing through an optically transparent solid medium presents a diffraction grating to an optical plane wave
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of altering optical reflection via dynamic control of an ultrasonic/acoustic guided wave field in an acousto-optical wave conductor are described. Ultrasonic/acoustic waves transmitted by an acousto-optical wave conductor are used to modify the ability of the acousto-optical wave conductor to propagate light waves via the acousto-optical wave conductor when a light beam impinges onto one surface of the acousto-optical wave conductor. A one-way optical device may be produced by using a dynamic tuning approach to modify the sound field via mode and frequency choice (and possibly beam focusing and steering as well) in order to produce special light reflection and transmission effects. Oscillations in stress (and mass density) along the acousto-optical wave conductor and possibly across the thickness of the acousto-optical wave conductor may serve as a special acousto-optic Bragg diffraction grating that alters the nonspecular reflection of light.