Dual Steering Lens Layout for High-Angle Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decentered beam steering systems require large lenses with large deflections, leading to high expense, low steering capability, large footprint, and increased weight, while also suffering from vignetting losses and complex actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering system with a first and second steering lens, each coupled to a distinct actuator, allowing for independent movement along different axes, and a beam steering controller to determine lens positions for optimal beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large second lens is used to increase steering capability, then the maximum steering angle is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to larger actuators and heavier lens mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large lens system into two smaller lenses (first steering lens and second steering lens) working in sequence. Each lens handles a portion of the steering task, allowing the use of smaller, less complex actuators while achieving the same or greater overall steering capability. The first lens creates an intermediate image that the second lens then steers, effectively segmenting the steering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first steering lens is positioned within or near the focal region of the second steering lens. This nesting allows the intermediate image formed by the first lens to be efficiently captured and re-steered by the second lens, maximizing the use of available optical space and reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining steering capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second lens is displaced by a large distance to achieve high angle steering, then the steering angle is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases due to the larger lens size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering function across two lenses, each requiring smaller displacement distances. The first lens creates an intermediate image with partial steering, and the second lens provides additional steering on the intermediate image. This segmentation allows each lens to be smaller and lighter, reducing the weight of moving objects while achieving the required total steering angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a second lens with specific focal length and positioning it at a defined distance from the first lens. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high steering angles through a combination of smaller lens displacements rather than relying on a single large displacement, thereby reducing the mass of moving components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large lens is used for beam steering, then the steering capability is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to vignetting losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam steering process into two stages, with each lens handling a portion of the beam manipulation. This segmentation ensures that the intermediate image formed by the first lens is properly positioned and sized to be fully captured by the second lens, eliminating vignetting losses that would occur in a single-lens system where the beam might be clipped at large steering angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The first steering lens acts as an intermediary that creates an intermediate image, which then serves as the object for the second steering lens. This intermediate image serves as a mediator that ensures proper beam routing and prevents energy loss by ensuring the beam is properly formatted and positioned before entering the second lens, avoiding vignetting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the second lens size is increased to provide high angle steering capability, then the steering capability is improved, but the area of the stationary object increases due to the larger lens diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into two smaller lenses instead of one large lens. Each lens has a smaller diameter and occupies less area, but together they provide the same or greater steering capability. The first lens creates an intermediate image that the second lens then steers, allowing both lenses to be compact while achieving high-angle steering through their combined action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the first steering lens within or near the focal region of the second steering lens, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the system to achieve high steering capability in a compact footprint, as the smaller first lens operates within the optical path of the second lens without requiring additional lateral space, thereby reducing the overall area occupied by the stationary optical 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 system achieves high steering capability with reduced lens size and actuator displacement, minimizing vignetting losses and actuator complexity, while maintaining efficient power throughput and compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
A beam steering system with a first and second steering lens, each coupled to a distinct actuator, allowing for independent movement along different axes
Implementation Method 2
an emission lens, the emission lens comprising a positive lens having a second focal length
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system includes a first steering lens positioned between an EM source and a second steering lens, and the second steering lens positioned between the first steering lens and an emission lens. The example system includes the first and second steering lenses having a combined first effective focal length, and where the emission lens is a positive lens have a second focal length. The example system includes the first effective focal length being shorter than the second focal length. The example system includes a first steering actuator that move the first steering lens along a first movement course, and a second steering actuator that moves the second steering lens along a second movement course.