Agile Conformal Scanner Micro-Mechanical Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning systems face challenges in achieving fast response times and wide-angle scanning due to the need for large mass movement in beam steering, which limits their ability to rapidly direct laser beams over a wide angle and switch between wide and narrow fields of view effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wide angle scanning system utilizing micro-mechanical steering elements coupled to rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements with non-refracting and refracting surfaces, allowing for rapid rotation about a center of rotation to achieve a large variable field of regard and quick switching between wide and narrow fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If large mass beam steering systems (gimbaled mirrors, lenslet arrays) are used to direct laser beams over wide angles, then the field of regard is covered, but the response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam steering function into multiple small, independent optical elements (microlenses or microprisms) arranged in an array, each capable of being individually tilted or rotated by micro-actuators. This segmentation allows each element to have minimal mass and be controlled independently, achieving fast response times while covering a wide field of regard through the collective action of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering systems (gimbaled mirrors, rotating lens arrays) with a static optical element array combined with electronic control of individual element orientation. This substitution eliminates the need for large, slow-moving mechanical components while achieving the same beam directing function through coordinated control of many small elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable mirrors are used for beam steering to achieve small angular deviations, then precision is improved, but wide angle two-dimensional sweeps cannot be achieved without obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of discrete optical elements, each contributing a small angular deviation capability, to collectively achieve wide two-dimensional angular sweeps. The segmentation allows each element to maintain manufacturing precision for small deviations while the array configuration provides the necessary adaptability for wide-angle coverage without obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-element three-dimensional deformation control to multi-element two-dimensional orientation control. By distributing the steering function across many elements in a planar array, each element operates in a simplified two-dimensional tilt space, achieving both precision and wide angular coverage.
3Speed
If liquid crystal beam steering is used to achieve fast response, then response time is improved to tenths of a second, but beam divergence increases to tens of degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam control function into many small optical elements, each producing a narrow, well-defined beam. The collective array maintains low overall beam divergence while achieving fast response times through the rapid switching capability of the individual elements, avoiding the diffraction-limited divergence of liquid crystal 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 fast and obstruction-free scanning and focusing of large diameter laser beams over ±70° angles in microseconds, with the ability to switch between wide and narrow fields of view within tens of microseconds, improving signal-to-noise ratio and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements each having a non-refracting surface and a refracting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wide angle scanning system includes a plurality of rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements each having a non-refracting surface and a refracting surface; and a mechanical beam steering system including micro-mechanical steering elements, each being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements for rotating a respective rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical element about a center of rotation that coincides with a center of the non-refracting surface.