Aperiodic Emitter Arrays for Wide-Angle Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical phased array (OPA) systems for LIDAR have limited beam steering angles due to aliasing issues, which restricts the angular range and resolution, and mechanical systems are large and prone to failure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing quasi-periodic spacing between emitter subarrays and within subarrays to enhance constructive interference of the main beam while suppressing sidelobes, allowing for nearly 180-degree beam steering without mechanical parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If periodic spacing is used between antennas in OPA system, then beam steering is achieved, but aliasing beams are generated limiting the steering angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidbeam steering angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the uniform periodic spacing with aperiodic spacing between antenna elements. Specifically, the spacing between adjacent antenna elements is made non-uniform, which destroys the periodicity that causes aliasing beams. This asymmetric arrangement allows the main beam to be steered over a wider angular range without generating aliasing beams that would limit the steering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spacing parameter from uniform periodic to aperiodic non-uniform. By varying the spacing between antenna elements rather than maintaining constant periodic intervals, the system eliminates the grating lobes and aliasing beams that arise from periodic structures, thereby extending the beam steering angle range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If random spacing of antennas is used to suppress aliasing, then aliasing is reduced, but the area required and computational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealiasing beam energyVSAvoidantenna arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the spacing between antenna elements non-uniform in specific local regions. Rather than using completely random spacing across the entire array, the invention introduces controlled variations in spacing at local positions to suppress aliasing beams. This localized approach to spacing variation reduces aliasing while maintaining manageable system complexity and area requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If mechanical beam steering systems are used, then beam steering is achieved, but system size and failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering functionVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems with an optical phased array system that uses electronic phase control to steer beams. Instead of mechanically moving mirrors or deflectors, the system uses an array of antenna elements with controlled phase differences to electronically steer the beam, thereby eliminating mechanical components and improving reliability while maintaining beam steering functionality.

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

This approach significantly reduces aliasing effects, enabling a wider beam steering range of approximately 170 degrees with improved signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, overcoming the limitations of traditional OPA systems.

Implementation Method 1

The aperiodic spacing between emitter subarrays and within subarrays is designed to cause constructive interference of a main beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

suppressing the aliasing sidelobe signals through non-constructive interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10203452B2Wide-angle, aliasing-free beam steering using aperiodic emitter arrays

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A transmission circuit includes an array of subarrays of emitters with quasi-periodic spacing. A first subarray of emitters emits a source signal, and a second subarray of emitters emits the source signal. The first and second subarrays are separated by a subarray spacing that quasi-periodic, wherein the spacing between different subarrays is different. The quasi-periodic subarray spacing is to cause constructive interference of a main lobe of the emissions from the subarrays, and to cause non-constructive interference of sidelobes of the emissions. The spacing between emitters in the subarrays can vary from one subarray to another.