Beam Scanning Device With Phase Mask Nanostructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam scanning devices for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and LiDAR sensors have limited scanning regions, restricting their ability to provide comprehensive information around a vehicle.
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 extending the scanning region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel size of the spatial light modulator is reduced to increase the number of pixels, then the scanning resolution is improved, but the scanning region becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase mask component positioned after the spatial light modulator to add an additional dimension of phase control. This phase mask independently modulates the light phase, enabling the system to achieve both high resolution and wide scanning region by operating in an extended optical dimension rather than relying solely on pixel density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing a phase mask that independently controls light phase. This parameter change allows the system to decouple the relationship between pixel size and scanning region, enabling wide scanning angles without sacrificing resolution by manipulating the phase parameter of the light beam
2Measurement precision
If the pixel size of the spatial light modulator is maintained to preserve resolution, then the scanning region remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spatial light modulator and phase mask into a coordinated dual-component system. The spatial light modulator maintains resolution through its pixel structure while the phase mask extends scanning capability through independent phase control, and their combined operation achieves both high resolution and wide scanning region simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The phase mask acts as an intermediary component between the spatial light modulator and the target scene. It receives light from the SLM and performs additional phase modulation to expand the scanning region, serving as a mediator that enhances scanning capability without affecting the resolution-determining pixel structure of the SLM
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 without reducing the pixel size of the spatial light modulator, enhancing the scanning capability and efficiency of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity provided between the first reflector and the second reflector
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first reflector and the second reflector may include a distributed Bragg reflector or a grating reflector
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of nanostructures may include a dielectric having a refractive index of about 1.9 to about 4
Implementation Method 4
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 differently for each of the plurality of pixels to control the phase of the light
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.