Dielectric Rod Horn Port Layout for Spatial Light Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulation systems, such as those using two lens systems with physical masks or micro-mirror arrays, lack the flexibility and imaging capability required for practical applications like real-time security, due to limited flexibility in lens configurations and mask movements.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optoelectronic system employs a layered architecture with a concentration layer, a modulation layer, and a collector layer, utilizing an array of optical concentrators, light modulators, and a collector waveguide to remap and combine light distributions, enabling advanced spatial light modulation and imaging capabilities across a range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two lens system with a single physical mask is used for spatial light modulation, then the system structure is simplified, but the imaging capability and flexibility are insufficient for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple functional layers: a concentration layer with multiple optical concentrators, a modulation layer with multiple light modulators, and a collector layer with multiple collector waveguides. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system flexibility and imaging capability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane mask system to a multi-layer three-dimensional architecture. By stacking concentration, modulation, and collector layers in the vertical dimension, the system achieves enhanced imaging capability and adaptability without proportionally increasing horizontal complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a micro-mirror array is used instead of a physical mask, then modulation capability is improved, but the system still lacks sufficient flexibility in lens configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically controllable components including variable focus lenses and electronically controlled light modulators. These dynamic elements allow real-time adjustment of optical paths and modulation patterns, providing flexibility in lens configurations without requiring complex mechanical repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mask movement and manual lens reconfiguration with electronic control systems. Digital signals control the light modulators and variable focus lenses, eliminating the need for physical mask translation stages and manual optical component adjustment, thereby improving flexibility while reducing mechanical complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical concentrators are used to concentrate light into smaller areas, then energy transfer is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical concentrators, light modulators, and collector waveguides into an integrated layered structure. By merging these components into a cohesive system where layers work together, the enhanced energy transfer from concentrators is achieved while the overall complexity is managed through systematic integration rather than isolated complex 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
This system supports compressive sampling and imaging with enhanced energy transfer and flexibility, offering significant improvements over prior art in millimeter wave and terahertz spectrum imaging, enabling more effective data collection and image generation.
Implementation Method 1
each optical concentrator including a concentrator input area and a concentrator output area that is smaller than the concentrator input area such that each concentrator concentrates a portion of an input light beam received at the concentrator input area into the concentrator output area
Implementation Method 2
A Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) to receive an incoming beam of light and modify one or more characteristics of the light as a function of the cross-sectional position within the beam of light... The amount of modification and type of characteristic(s) modified can change with respect to time as well as with respect to position within the beam
Implementation Method 3
An exit layer receives the modulation layer output having the modulation layer output spatial distribution and remaps the modulation layer output spatial distribution to a modified spatial distribution
Implementation Method 4
A collector layer receives the modified spatial distribution to produce a collector layer output... At least one detector receives the collector layer output to generate a detector output therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a horn having a horn body including at least one horn sidewall defining a first opening that tapers down to a second opening in a direction of elongation and a port that is tubular and dimensionally uniform transverse to the direction of elongation and extends in the direction of elongation from a first port end that is in communication with the second opening to a second port end that defines an external opening. A dielectric rod includes a rod length extending between a first rod end and a second rod end with the first rod end extending through the external opening of the second port end and into the port cavity such that the first rod end is in a spaced apart relationship from the port sidewall along the light path.