Adaptive Optical Coupler for Solid-State Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices require moving elements to change the propagation direction of light, leading to increased complexity, power consumption, and thermal management issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional adaptive optical device using N×M star couplers to distribute light with a linear phase profile across M ports based on the input port, determining and controlling propagation direction without moving parts, employing Fourier transformations and phase modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If moving elements are used to change propagation direction of light, then directional control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving elements with a static photonic integrated circuit that uses optical path manipulation through waveguides and phase modulators. The directional control is achieved by electronically controlling the phase of light in different waveguide paths rather than physically moving mirrors or lenses, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic directional control through electronic phase modulation of light signals in a static optical circuit. By dynamically adjusting the phase of light in different waveguide paths, the system can steer light direction without physical movement, achieving adaptability through electronic control rather than mechanical dynamics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moving elements are used to change propagation direction of light, then directional control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry mechanical actuators with low-power electronic phase modulators integrated into the photonic circuit. The directional control is achieved by modulating the optical phase through electrical signals, which consumes significantly less power than driving mechanical components, thereby reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining directional adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If moving elements are used to change propagation direction of light, then directional control capability is improved, but thermal management issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates thermal issues associated with mechanical actuators by using all-optical and electro-optical mechanisms within an integrated photonic circuit. The phase modulators and waveguides operate at stable temperatures without the friction, wear, and thermal generation inherent in moving mechanical parts, thereby improving thermal management while maintaining directional control capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If N×M star couplers are used to distribute light with phase profile, then multi-directional communication capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized N×M star coupler designs that can be replicated through established photonic manufacturing processes. By copying proven coupling region geometries and waveguide configurations, the system achieves multi-directional communication capability while relying on mature fabrication techniques that reduce the burden on manufacturing precision compared to custom-designed complex optical systems.
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 simultaneous multi-directional optical communication with minimal loss and without mechanical movement, improving efficiency and reducing thermal issues.
Implementation Method 1
employs Fourier transformations and phase modulation
Implementation Method 2
The coupling region is designed to couple light received from the first plurality of waveguides into one or more second waveguides
Implementation Method 3
employs Fourier transformations and phase modulation
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-directional optical devices are disclosed. The optical device may employ a multiple input/multiple output optical coupling structure to determine propagation direction of received light (in receiver configuration), and/or control the propagation direction of transmitted light (in transmitter configuration). Propagation direction can be determined without the need for moving parts. In accordance with some embodiments, designs of solid-state photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are disclosed herein that utilize N×M star couplers to perform Fourier transformations to light traversing between the N ports and M ports such that light arriving at one or more of the N ports is distributed with a linear phase profile across the M ports. The slope of the linear phase profile is dependent on which of the N ports that light was received from. The light exits from waveguides coupled to the M ports at one or more propagation directions dependent on the linear phase profile.