Beam Steering Device with Segmented Antenna Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering devices face inefficiencies due to variations in the size and shape of nano-structures on the antenna layer, leading to reduced resolution and emission efficiency, as well as increased complexity and cost from mechanical rotation systems and optical phased array methods.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering device with a layered structure comprising a first layer of reflection regions, a second layer of refractive-index-variable regions, an antenna layer with nano-structures, and a driving circuit layer, where the antenna layer is divided into steering and non-steering regions with uniform nano-structures in the steering region to control the refractive index and phase of incident light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical rotation system (motor or MEMS) is used to steer laser beam, then beam steering function is achieved, but device volume increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system (motor or MEMS) with an optical phased array system that uses phase modulation of light waves to achieve beam steering. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical components, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining beam steering functionality through optical interference control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical rotation to phase modulation. By controlling the phase of light waves emitted from different antenna elements, the beam direction is steered without mechanical movement. This parameter change enables compact device design while achieving the same beam steering effect.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical rotation system (motor or MEMS) is used to steer laser beam, then beam steering function is achieved, but processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (motors, MEMS structures) with a planar optical phased array that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. This substitution significantly reduces processing cost by eliminating complex mechanical assembly while maintaining beam steering capability through electronic phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an array of identical antenna elements with uniform nano-structure dimensions, where each element copies the same design. This standardization enables mass production through replication, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom mechanical components.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform nano-structures are used in entire antenna layer, then manufacturing is simplified, but beam steering resolution decreases due to parasitic peaks from non-steering regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna layer into two distinct regions: a first region with uniform nano-structure dimensions for beam steering, and a second region with different nano-structure dimensions that do not control beam direction. This segmentation allows the steering region to maintain high resolution while the non-steering region is optimized for manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different nano-structure properties to different regions of the antenna layer. The first region uses uniform nano-structures for precise beam steering control, while the second region uses varied nano-structures optimized for ease of manufacture. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and steering precision.
4Ease of operation
If optical phased array method is used with pixel drivers, then beam steering is achieved, but circuit complexity increases and processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pixel drivers into a single controller that manages all antenna elements. By consolidating the control architecture, the system reduces circuit complexity while maintaining the ability to steer beams through phase modulation of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal controller that can address and control all antenna elements in the array through a standardized interface. This multi-functional controller eliminates the need for dedicated pixel drivers for each element, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining full beam steering capability.
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 enhances beam steering efficiency by maintaining uniform size and shape in the steering region, reducing parasitic peaks and improving resolution, while minimizing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for complex pixel drivers and mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer on the first layer and including a plurality of refractive-index-variable regions, each having a refractive index that is controlled by an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
an antenna layer on the second layer and including a plurality of nano-structures having at least one sub-wavelength size dimension
Implementation Method 3
a first layer including a plurality of reflection regions
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering device is provided and includes: a first layer including a plurality of reflection regions; a second layer on the first layer and including a plurality of refractive-index-variable regions, each having a refractive index that is controlled by an applied voltage; an antenna layer on the second layer and including a plurality of nano-structures; and a driving circuit layer on a lower side of the first layer and comprising a plurality of circuit units, each respectively configured to control a voltage applied to one of the refractive-index-variable regions. The antenna layer is divided into a first region configured to control a travelling direction of incident light and a second region that is not configured to control the travelling direction of the incident light.