Deformable Membrane Mirror for Laser Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for steering optical signals, such as light or laser beams, using dynamic mirrors are often bulky, slow, provide imprecise control, consume high energy, and suffer from high costs and durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A deformable diaphragm device comprising a conductive substrate with a rigid mirror on one side and a piezoelectric material on the other, where electrodes on the piezoelectric material allow for deformation of the substrate and movement of the mirror through the application of an electrical potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized mirror mounts, voice coil actuated mirrors, MEMS micro-mirrors or unimorph deformable mirrors are used to move a mirror dynamically, then the mirror can be moved in one or more directions to properly direct the laser beam to an intended downstream target, but the approaches may be bulky, slow, provide imprecise control, consume high amounts of energy, suffer from high costs or durability issues, and/or distort the light or laser beam received by the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible substrate that can be deformed into various shapes (concave, convex, planar) to position the mirror coating. This flexible membrane approach eliminates the need for bulky mechanical mounting structures while enabling dynamic mirror positioning through controlled deformation of the substrate itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and shape parameters of the substrate by applying voltage to piezoelectric actuators, which cause the flexible substrate to deform. This allows the mirror to transition between different curvature states (flat, concave, convex) and positions, achieving dynamic control without mechanical movement of the entire mirror assembly.
2Ease of operation
If motorized mirror mounts, voice coil actuated mirrors, MEMS micro-mirrors or unimorph deformable mirrors are used to move a mirror dynamically, then the mirror can be moved in one or more directions to properly direct the laser beam to an intended downstream target, but the approaches may be bulky, slow, provide imprecise control, consume high amounts of energy, suffer from high costs or durability issues, and/or distort the light or laser beam received by the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (motors, voice coils, MEMS mechanisms) with piezoelectric actuators that convert electrical voltage directly into mechanical deformation of the flexible substrate. This eliminates complex mechanical linkages and reduces actuation time by using direct electro-mechanical conversion, achieving faster response speeds for beam steering applications.
3Measurement precision
If motorized mirror mounts, voice coil actuated mirrors, MEMS micro-mirrors or unimorph deformable mirrors are used to move a mirror dynamically, then the mirror can be moved in one or more directions to properly direct the laser beam to an intended downstream target, but the approaches may be bulky, slow, provide imprecise control, consume high amounts of energy, suffer from high costs or durability issues, and/or distort the light or laser beam received by the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate acts as a compliant mounting surface that can be precisely deformed into controlled shapes. By applying voltage to specific piezoelectric actuators, the substrate can be shaped into accurate concave, convex, or planar configurations, providing precise control over the mirror's optical surface while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through flexible material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves precise control by changing the electrical voltage parameters applied to the piezoelectric actuators, which in turn produces corresponding controlled changes in the substrate's shape and curvature. This electrical control mechanism provides high precision for beam direction control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through software-controlled voltage adjustment rather than complex mechanical tolerances.
4Ease of operation
If motorized mirror mounts, voice coil actuated mirrors, MEMS micro-mirrors or unimorph deformable mirrors are used to move a mirror dynamically, then the mirror can be moved in one or more directions to properly direct the laser beam to an intended downstream target, but the approaches may be bulky, slow, provide imprecise control, consume high amounts of energy, suffer from high costs or durability issues, and/or distort the light or laser beam received by the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical actuation systems with piezoelectric actuators that consume minimal electrical energy to produce the required substrate deformation. The piezoelectric effect converts small electrical voltages directly into mechanical strain, enabling dynamic mirror positioning with significantly reduced power consumption compared to motorized or voice coil systems.
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 precise, efficient, and cost-effective movement of the mirror without deforming its configuration, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a flexible and robust solution for steering optical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material positioned on a second side of the conductive substrate; and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the piezoelectric material. The conductive substrate is flexibly deformable in response to application of an electrical potential to one or more of the electrodes positioned on the piezoelectric material to move the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to deformable diaphragms. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to deformable diaphragms which include a mirror component and may be used for steering optical signals such as light or laser beams. In one form, a device includes a conductive substrate, a rigid mirror positioned on a first side of the conductive substrate, a piezoelectric material positioned on a second side of the conductive substrate, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the piezoelectric material. In one aspect of this form, the conductive substrate is flexibly deformable in response to application of an electrical potential to one or more of the electrodes positioned on the piezoelectric material to move the mirror.