Aperiodic Optical Phased Array Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering devices face challenges in precisely controlling the direction of output light due to distortion caused by the distance between light emission arrays in optical phased arrays, leading to inefficiencies in adjusting the emission angle and increased noise from higher-order diffracted light.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device with an optical waveguide that splits input light into multiple paths and uses aperiodically arranged output terminals and phase shifters with varying phase delay lengths, where phase shifters adjust the phase delay based on the position of output terminals to achieve precise steering angles, reducing higher-order diffracted light and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phased array is used to output light in a specific direction, then constructive interference occurs in a specific direction, but output light may be distorted in an unintended direction according to the distance between light emission arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of individual light emission arrays based on their positions. Each array element is assigned a specific phase delay tailored to its location in the aperiodic arrangement, allowing each element to contribute differently to the overall beam formation. This position-dependent phase modulation enables precise directional control while maintaining beam quality by compensating for distance variations between arrays.
2Ease of operation
If light emission arrays are arranged to achieve specific steering angles, then beam direction can be controlled, but higher-order diffracted light increases causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by using an aperiodic arrangement of output terminals rather than a conventional periodic grid. This asymmetric, non-uniform positioning of light emission arrays fundamentally alters the diffraction pattern, suppressing higher-order diffracted light while maintaining the desired steering angle control. The irregular spacing breaks the symmetry that typically generates strong higher-order diffraction lobes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters are used to modulate light phase according to position, then output light direction can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the phase delay parameter across different position arrays. Instead of using uniform phase modulation, each light emission array is assigned a specific phase delay value that corresponds to its position in the aperiodic arrangement. This parameter differentiation enables versatile beam steering while maintaining a manageable device architecture through systematic phase control.
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 enables more precise control over the direction of output light, reduces noise from higher-order diffracted light, and enhances the reliability of steering angles by using aperiodically arranged output terminals and phase shifters with adjustable phase delays, improving the overall performance of beam steering devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide configured to split input light into a plurality of split light along a plurality of paths
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of phase shifters provided in the plurality of paths, wherein at least two phase shifters among the plurality of phase shifters have different phase delay length
Implementation Method 3
A method of differently modulating the phase of incident light according to a position of an optical path of the incident light has been used to adjust a direction of output light. Such a phased array is referred to as an optical phased array (OPA). The OPA is capable of outputting light in a specific direction since constructive interference may occur in a specific direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering device includes an optical waveguide configured to split input light into a plurality of split light along a plurality of paths and output the plurality of split light to a plurality of output terminals which are aperiodically arranged, a plurality of phase shifters provided in the plurality of paths, wherein at least two phase shifters among the plurality of phase shifters have different phase delay length, and a signal input unit configured to supply a uniform signal to each of the plurality of phase shifters.