Fluid-Filled Beam Steering Prisms for Compact Laser Deflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser steering technologies are expensive, heavy, and require large volumes due to the use of mirrors, lenses, or Risley prism pairs, which are cumbersome and prone to vibrational interference, making them unsuitable for applications requiring accurate and lightweight beam steering.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering system comprising transparent plates with a fluid-filled polymer sack, where piezoelectric actuators manipulate the plates to dynamically form an optical wedge, allowing for precise beam deflection within a conical field of regard, reducing weight and volume while maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional steering mirrors, lenses, or Risley prism pairs are used, then beam steering accuracy is achieved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering components (mirrors, lenses, Risley prism pairs) with a deformable membrane optical system. The membrane can be dynamically shaped using electrostatic, magnetic, or pressure actuation to create variable optical power and beam steering without heavy mechanical moving parts, thus achieving accurate beam control with significantly reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by dynamically deforming the membrane shape. By altering the membrane's curvature and profile through actuation, the system varies the refractive index distribution and surface geometry to achieve different beam steering angles and focal lengths, replacing fixed mechanical components with a dynamically adjustable optical element.
2Measurement precision
If rotating nesting optics are used for direct azimuth and elevation adjustments, then steering precision is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rotating nesting optics with a deformable membrane system that achieves azimuth and elevation adjustments through shape control rather than mechanical rotation. The membrane can be independently actuated in multiple directions to provide direct angular control, eliminating the need for bulky rotating mechanisms while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the membrane shape to replace static mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The membrane's ability to change shape rapidly and precisely in response to actuation signals enables dynamic beam steering without the volume and weight penalties of mechanical rotation systems.
3Measurement precision
If Risley prism pairs are used, then beam deflection is achieved, but alignment complexity and difficulty of field adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces Risley prism pairs with a deformable membrane system that inherently provides aligned beam deflection. The membrane's continuous surface and integrated structure eliminate the need for separate prism alignment, as the entire membrane surface works together to steer the beam without requiring orthogonal or polar coordinate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides beam steering, focal adjustment, and wavefront correction all through shape control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms required by Risley prism pairs, simplifying both initial alignment and field adjustment operations.
4Measurement precision
If large mirrors and lenses are used, then beam steering capability is achieved, but system cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive large mirrors and lenses with a deformable membrane system that can be manufactured using flexible materials and standard actuation technologies. The membrane approach eliminates the need for precision-grown optical glass and complex mounting structures, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves beam steering capability through parameter changes in the membrane shape rather than through large physical optical components. By dynamically adjusting the membrane's curvature and profile, the system provides versatile beam control without requiring large, expensive optics, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity.
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 lightweight, cost-effective, and compact beam steering with high frequency response and angle precision, eliminating the need for large mirrors and reducing volume by 5 to 10 times, suitable for applications like 3D scanning and materials processing.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent fluid layer interposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of steering a beam using in-line fluid filled prisms having a first transparent plate, a second transparent plate, and a fluid layer interposed between the first and second plate. One or more actuators are used to manipulate the first and second plates relative to each other to create a prism to steer a beam. A second fluid filled prism may be used in-line, where one prism is used for fine adjustment and the other prism is used for coarse adjustment.