Waveguide Mirror Structure with Adjustable Layer for 2D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical scanning devices face challenges in performing two-dimensional scanning without complicating the device structure, such as requiring rotating mirrors or complex waveguide wiring, which can lead to structural complexity and vulnerability to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

An optical device featuring a waveguide element with two facing mirrors and an adjustable optical waveguide layer between them, allowing control of refractive index, thickness, or wavelength to change the light exit direction, enabling simple two-dimensional scanning through synchronized phase differences across multiple elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rotating mirrors or complex waveguide wiring are used to achieve two-dimensional scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but device structure becomes more complex and vulnerable to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (rotating mirrors, complex waveguide wiring) with an optical phased array system that uses phase modulation of light waves. Each antenna element can independently control the phase of light, enabling two-dimensional scanning without mechanical movement, thus reducing structural complexity and vibration vulnerability while maintaining scanning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in a matrix, where each element can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to achieve two-dimensional scanning by coordinating phase changes across individual elements rather than requiring complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotating mirrors are used for light scanning, then scanning function is achieved, but reliability decreases due to vulnerability to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning functionVSAvoidvibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical rotating mirrors by using an optical phased array where light phase is electronically controlled. This substitution removes moving parts entirely, making the system immune to vibration-induced failures while preserving the scanning function through phase modulation of light waves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex waveguide wiring is used to achieve two-dimensional scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-dimensional scanning capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical waveguide wiring with an integrated optical phased array structure. The phase control is achieved through electronic modulation at each antenna element rather than physical waveguide routing, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling two-dimensional scanning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient two-dimensional scanning with a relatively simple structure, reducing complexity and vulnerability to vibrations, and can be applied in LiDAR systems for high-resolution object detection.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment layer that is positioned between the first mirror and the second mirror, and whose refractive index or thickness is adjustable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index control: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the first region includes one or more gratings whose refractive index periodically changes along the predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

a first mirror; a second mirror that is disposed to face the first mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250389949A1Optical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An optical device includes a first mirror; a second mirror; an adjustment layer that is positioned between the first mirror and the second mirror, and whose refractive index or thickness is adjustable; and an optical waveguide through which light propagates along a predetermined direction and that includes a portion that is positioned between the first mirror and the second mirror. The optical waveguide includes, at the portion that is positioned between the first mirror and the second mirror, a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region includes one or more gratings whose refractive index periodically changes along the predetermined direction. The second region and the third region do not include a grating. In top view, the first region, the second region, and the third region overlap all of the first mirror, the second mirror, and the adjustment layer.