Light Steering Apparatus Phase Compensation Coherent Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light steering technologies face limitations in achieving efficient two-dimensional light steering with high output power and reduced power consumption, particularly in using non-mechanical methods like optical phased arrays, where maintaining optical coherence and phase difference between laser beams is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A light steering apparatus utilizing a tunable laser source with integrated ring resonators and optical amplifiers, where two laser beams with optical coherence are used, and a phase difference compensation device ensures efficient steering by modulating phases through splitters and modulation units, arranged in a one-dimensional array for improved output power and reduced element count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical phased array method is used for non-mechanical light steering, then mechanical rotation is eliminated, but maintaining optical coherence and phase difference between laser beams becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase difference compensation device as an intermediary component between the laser source and the optical phased array. This device actively compensates for phase differences and maintains optical coherence between multiple laser beams, resolving the reliability issue while preserving the non-mechanical steering advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control through the phase difference compensation device that continuously monitors and adjusts the phase relationships between laser beams. This feedback mechanism ensures optical coherence is maintained despite the non-mechanical nature of the steering system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveguides and unit cells are used to achieve two-dimensional light steering, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity and element count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple waveguides into an integrated optical phased array structure where waveguides are closely coupled. This merging approach achieves two-dimensional light steering capability while reducing the overall device complexity and minimizing the number of discrete elements required
Solution Approach 2:
The optical phased array is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides two-dimensional beam steering, maintains optical coherence, and enables wavelength tuning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby decreasing device complexity while preserving full steering capability
3Power
If laser output power is increased to improve signal strength, then detection range is extended, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering with an optical phased array that uses constructive interference of multiple laser beams. This substitution allows for extended detection range through coherent beam combining without proportionally increasing power consumption, as the system efficiently utilizes the output from multiple lower-power laser sources
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 apparatus achieves enhanced light output power and reduced power consumption by utilizing two coherent laser beams, maintaining steering performance while minimizing element count, and allows for two-dimensional light steering through wavelength and phase modulation.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator may include a heating element configured to heat the ring waveguide
Implementation Method 2
an electro-optic element configured to change a charge density of the ring waveguide by applying a current around the ring waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric element configured to change a refractive index of the ring waveguide or its surroundings by modification according to application of a voltage
Implementation Method 4
The tunable laser source may include an optical amplifier on at least one of the first and second waveguides
Implementation Method 5
a light emission angle according to the characteristics of a diffraction grating is controlled by using a tunable laser source
Implementation Method 6
The phase difference compensation device may be provided on at least one of a path of the first laser beam and a path of the second laser beam and further configured to apply an electrical signal corresponding to the phase difference between the first and second laser beams
Data Source
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AI summary
A light steering apparatus is provided including a tunable laser source and a system including the light steering apparatus. The light steering apparatus includes the tunable laser source and a steering device. A plurality of laser beams having optical coherence with each other and output from the tunable laser source are incident onto the steering device, and the steering device includes a plurality of modulation units for beam steering.