Beam Scanning Device Using Spatial Light Modulator and Phase Mask
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam scanning devices have limitations in extending the scanning region of a light beam, which is crucial for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles that require broader coverage for accurate object detection and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A beam scanning device incorporating a spatial light modulator and a phase mask with nanostructures arranged differently for each pixel, allowing for independent phase modulation and control of light beams, thereby expanding the scanning region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional beam scanning devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the scanning region is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the scanning function into two independent components: a spatial light modulator for electronic phase control and a phase mask with nanostructures for beam steering. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, expanding the scanning region without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms (such as rotating mirrors or moving lenses) with a non-mechanical approach using spatial light modulators and phase masks. This substitution eliminates moving parts while achieving broader scanning coverage through electronic phase modulation and diffractive beam steering
2Manufacturing precision
If the pixel size is reduced, then the device resolution is improved, but the light efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters by introducing a phase mask with specifically designed nanostructures that compensate for the reduced aperture effect of small pixels. The phase mask modifies the wavefront to maintain beam quality and light efficiency even when the spatial light modulator uses smaller pixels for higher resolution
3Area of stationary object
If the scanning region is extended, then the field of view is improved, but the beam control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The phase mask acts as an intermediary component between the spatial light modulator and the target scene. It receives the phase-modulated light from the SLM and further steers the beams through its nanostructure pattern, enabling wide field of view while maintaining precise beam control through the combined action of both components
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 a wider viewing angle and field of view, enhancing the accuracy of light detection and ranging systems, such as LiDAR, by effectively steering light beams over larger angles with high light efficiency and reduced pixel size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a phase of a light for a corresponding pixel of a plurality of pixels
Implementation Method 2
The spatial light modulator may be driven independently for each of the plurality of pixels by an input of at least one of voltage, current, heat, and magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a phase mask comprising a support plate arranged in an output direction of the light that is output from the spatial light modulator and a plurality of nanostructures arranged on the support plate to control the phase of the light
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of nanostructures may include a dielectric having a refractive index of about 1.9 to about 4
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a beam scanning device and a system including the beam scanning device. The beam scanning device includes: a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a phase of a light for a corresponding pixel of a plurality of pixels; and a phase mask including a support plate arranged in an output direction of the light that is output from the spatial light modulator and a plurality of nanostructures arranged on the support plate differently for each of the plurality of pixels to control the phase of the light.