Grey-scale Holographic Structure for Millimeter-Wave Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating a collimated wavefront in the RF Ka band or millimeter-wave frequencies are expensive, space-intensive, and inefficient, necessitating the development of more cost-effective and compact solutions.
Innovation Solution
A grey-scale holographic structure comprising a multi-layer transmissive material with varying thicknesses, providing differential phase delays to convert curved wavefronts into collimated wavefronts, utilizing a bitmap representation to fabricate the structure with 3D processes like machining or stereo-lithography, and applicable to millimeter-wave frequencies and RF Ka band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to generate a collimated wavefront, then the wavefront can be converted to collimated form, but the system becomes expensive and space-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D reflective surfaces to a 3D volumetric holographic structure. The holographic element uses depth information (z-dimension) to encode phase delays, allowing wavefront collimation in a compact space by utilizing the third dimension for functional integration rather than just spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical optical elements (mirrors, lenses) with a computer-generated holographic structure. This substitution uses computational algorithms to calculate and fabricate the precise 3D geometry required for wavefront control, eliminating the need for large mechanical optical systems while achieving the same collimation function.
2Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to generate a collimated wavefront, then the wavefront can be converted to collimated form, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the desired wavefront transformation through computer-generated holography. The holographic pattern is calculated computationally and then fabricated as a 3D structure, allowing for precise replication of the wavefront control function without requiring expensive conventional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the holographic structure (material properties, layer thicknesses, geometric dimensions) to optimize both performance and manufacturability. By adjusting these parameters during the design phase, the system achieves cost-effective fabrication while maintaining the required wavefront collimation capability.
3Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to generate a collimated wavefront, then the wavefront can be converted to collimated form, but the system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the holographic structure into multiple functional layers, each contributing to the overall wavefront transformation. This segmentation allows for optimized phase distribution across different depth planes, improving the efficiency of wavefront collimation by utilizing the volumetric space more effectively than conventional surface-based approaches.
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 the generation of a collimated wavefront with uniform amplitude characteristics in a significantly reduced space, achieving a compact and efficient system for wavefront conversion, suitable for use in millimeter-wave and RF Ka band applications.
Implementation Method 1
The grey-scale holographic structure comprises a transmissive material and has a surface that is arranged to provide differing amounts of phase-delay to an incident millimeter-wave wavefront as the incident wavefront passes through the material
Implementation Method 2
provide differing amounts of phase-delay to an incident millimeter-wave wavefront as the incident wavefront passes through the material
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a grey-scale holographic structure and system for generating a collimated wavefront in a compact range are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the grey-scale holographic structure comprising millimeter-wave transmissive material having a surface arranged to provide differing amounts of phase-delay to an incident millimeter-wave wavefront as the incident wavefront passes through the material. The grey-scale holographic structure may comprises a plurality of layers (N) to provide a phase total delay of lambda which results from a series tuned layers, each having a thickness of a wavelength/N. Each layer provides a predetermined amount of phase delay allowing the structure to operate as a phase-delay hologram.