Free-Space Illuminated Photonic Phased Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical phased arrays face challenges due to the use of waveguide feed structures, which result in low antenna area fill factor, excessive optical waveguide losses, cross-talk, and limited scan angles, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high-density and high-speed devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of free-space optics to illuminate photonic integrated phased arrays, eliminating the need for waveguide feeds and allowing for higher fill factors and more complex beam profiles, enabling smaller, lower-cost, and higher-density devices with improved scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waveguide feed structures are used in optical phased arrays, then optical signal distribution is achieved, but antenna area fill factor decreases and device density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the waveguide feed structure from the optical phased array system, replacing it with free-space optical illumination. This extraction eliminates the space-consuming waveguide routing while maintaining optical signal distribution through direct free-space propagation to the antenna elements, thereby increasing antenna element density without the complexity of waveguide feeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar waveguide-based signal distribution to three-dimensional free-space optical propagation. By using free-space illumination from above or at an angle, the system eliminates the need for in-plane waveguide routing, allowing antenna elements to be densely packed in the array plane without requiring lateral space for feed networks.
2Loss of energy
If waveguide feed structures are used, then optical signal routing is enabled, but optical waveguide losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the waveguide feed structure entirely and replacing it with free-space optical illumination, the patent eliminates optical losses associated with waveguide propagation, bending, and coupling. The free-space optical path directly illuminates the antenna elements without the intermediate waveguide stages that cause attenuation.
3Reliability
If waveguide feed structures are used, then optical signal distribution is achieved, but cross-talk between elements occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the waveguide feed structure that causes cross-talk through evanescent coupling and mode interference. Free-space optical illumination provides direct, non-contact coupling to each antenna element, preventing the near-field interactions that cause cross-talk in integrated waveguide systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If waveguide feed structures are used, then optical signal delivery is enabled, but scan angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the waveguide feed structure, the patent eliminates the geometric constraints and coupling limitations that restrict beam steering angles. Free-space optical illumination can directly illuminate antenna elements at various angles, enabling wider scan ranges without the mechanical or optical constraints of waveguide-based feed networks.
5Volume of moving object
If photonic integration is implemented, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex waveguide feed structure from the photonic integrated circuit, simplifying the manufacturing process. By using free-space optical illumination instead of integrated waveguides, the system reduces fabrication steps, material requirements, and alignment tolerances, making photonic integration more manufacturable while maintaining compact device size.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for producing an optical probe beam includes an optical source that generates a free-space optical beam. An optical element is positioned in a path of the free-space optical beam to project the free-space optical beam to generate a projected free-space optical beam. A photonic integrated phased-array component positioned in a path of the projected free-space optical beam to reflect the projected free space optical beam, thereby generating the optical probe beam. The photonic integrated phased-array component comprises a plurality of antenna elements and a substrate positioned proximate to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of fan-out electrical connections from at least some of the plurality of antenna elements such that a size of a region comprising the fan-out electrical connections is larger than a size of a region comprising the plurality of antenna elements.