Amplification Waveguide Device for Laser Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering technologies, such as optical phased arrays and meta devices, face challenges with mechanical complexity, volume, cost, and low optical efficiency due to mechanical rotation and phase modulation errors, as well as low reflectivity and efficiency in laser beam steering.
Innovation Solution
An amplification beam steering apparatus is developed, incorporating a beam steerer, waveguides with a core and clad layers, and a light amplifier, which can include semiconductor or ion-doped amplifiers, to enhance optical efficiency by amplifying light beams. The apparatus features a coupler, anti-reflection coatings, and gratings to improve light coupling and reduce losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical rotation of laser-radiating portion is used for beam steering, then beam direction can be controlled, but device volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with an optical phased array that uses electrical or thermal control of waveguides to steer laser beams. This substitution eliminates motors and mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing device volume while maintaining beam steering functionality through phase modulation of light in multiple waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waveguides as an intermediary between the laser source and the output beam. These waveguides enable electrical or thermal control of light propagation, allowing beam steering without mechanical movement. The waveguides act as a mediator that translates electrical/thermal signals into directional light output.
2Device complexity
If optical phased array scheme is used for beam steering, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but optical efficiency decreases due to phase modulation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal control as an additional parameter for phase modulation in the optical phased array. By heating specific waveguides, the refractive index changes, enabling precise phase control and beam steering. This thermal parameter addition complements electrical control, improving phase accuracy and reducing optical efficiency losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If meta device based on plasmon resonance is used for beam steering, then 2D scanning is possible, but optical efficiency is low due to low reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of meta devices (2D scanning capability) with the high optical efficiency of waveguide-based optical phased arrays. The waveguide structure guides light with minimal loss while the meta structure at the output enables 2D beam steering through controlled reflection and diffraction, combining both functionalities effectively.
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 significantly improves optical efficiency by amplifying light beams, reducing mechanical complexity and costs, and enhancing beam steering accuracy, while minimizing errors and losses, thus enabling more efficient laser beam direction and control.
Implementation Method 1
a light amplifier configured to amplify the light beams traveling through the plurality of waveguides. The light amplifier may include a semiconductor optical amplifier or an ion-doped amplifier.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of waveguides may include a core layer and at least one clad layer
Implementation Method 3
The amplification beam steering apparatus may further include an anti-reflection coating layer provided on each of an incident surface and an emitting surface of the light amplifier.
Implementation Method 4
each of the plurality of waveguides may include a first grating on a surface on which a light beam is incident, and a second grating on a surface from which the light beam amplified by the light amplifier is output
Data Source
AI summary
An amplification waveguide device and an amplification beam steering apparatus are provided. The amplification beam steering apparatus includes a beam steerer configured to control emission directions of light beams output therefrom, a plurality of waveguides configured to guide the light beams output from the beam steerer, and a light amplifier configured to amplify the light beams traveling through the plurality of waveguides.