Light-Controlled Metasurface Beam Steering Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam steering technologies, such as those using mechanical motors or MEMS structures, face challenges including increased volume, cost, noise, and vibration issues, limiting their application in various fields.

Innovation Solution

A beam steering apparatus with a transformation layer whose refractive index is changed by light irradiation, featuring a pattern layer with metasurface patterns and a light irradiation unit that controls the refractive index to steer beams in different directions, utilizing materials like semiconductor oxides and metals, and employing light sources with varying wavelengths and intensities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical motors or MEMS structures are used to drive a laser, then beam steering can be achieved, but the apparatus volume increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidapparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical driving systems (motors, MEMS) with an optical field-based control system. A light irradiation unit emits light that passes through a transformation layer to change the refractive index, which in turn controls the beam direction. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing apparatus volume while maintaining beam steering functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the refractive index parameter of the transformation layer to control beam steering. By varying the refractive index through light irradiation, the beam direction is adjusted without mechanical movement. This parameter-based control enables compact apparatus design while achieving precise beam steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If mechanical motors are used to drive a laser, then beam steering can be achieved, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical motors with an optical control mechanism. The light irradiation unit and transformation layer system controls beam direction through refractive index changes, eliminating mechanical noise generation entirely. This results in a quiet beam steering system suitable for environments where noise sensitivity is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If MEMS structures are used to drive a laser, then beam steering can be achieved, but vibration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical vibration by replacing MEMS structures with an optical field-based control system. The transformation layer and light irradiation unit work together to control beam direction through refractive index modulation, with no mechanical moving parts that could generate vibration. This provides a vibration-free beam steering solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If mechanical motors or MEMS structures are used, then beam steering can be achieved, but part costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidpart costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (motors, MEMS structures) with more cost-effective optical elements. The transformation layer and light irradiation unit are simpler, cheaper components that achieve the same beam steering function through optical field control rather than mechanical actuation, reducing overall part costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and vibration-free beam steering mechanism that efficiently directs beams by altering the refractive index of the transformation layer, enabling precise control over beam direction without the drawbacks of mechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

a transformation layer, of which a refraction index is changed by light irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight irradiation-induced refractive index change: Photoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10303038B2Beam steering apparatus and system including the same

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A beam steering apparatus includes a transformation layer, of which a refraction index is changed by light irradiation, a pattern layer arranged on the transformation layer and comprises a plurality of patterns, and a light irradiation unit arranged under the transformation layer. The pattern layer has patterns of a metasurface shape to reflect an external laser. The light irradiation unit may emit light having different characteristics.