MEMS Translatable Grating Optical Switch for LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical switches for LiDAR and laser communication systems are bulky, power-intensive, and limited by the density of binary optical switches, which restricts spatial resolution and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A partitioned optical switch system using MEMS-based translatable optical gratings and switches, allowing for high-density fabrication and reduced power consumption by selectively translating gratings between two positions for efficient coupling, eliminating the need for large phased arrays and phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical switches are used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems (gimbals, moving mirrors) with an integrated photonic circuit that uses optical switching to control beam direction. The optical switches route light through different waveguide paths, achieving beam steering without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining precise direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical spatial movement to optical path routing in a planar photonic circuit. Instead of moving components in three-dimensional space, the system uses two-dimensional waveguide routing with optical switches to achieve beam direction control, effectively solving the size-mass problem while maintaining functionality.
2Measurement precision
If optical phased arrays are used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but the system requires large numbers of emitters and phase adjusters increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical switching function into discrete, independently controllable optical switches within the photonic circuit. Each switch handles a specific routing decision, allowing precise beam direction control through coordinated switching actions rather than requiring numerous phase-adjustable emitters. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable optical switches that can rapidly change routing states to achieve beam steering. This dynamic optical switching replaces the static, precisely-tuned phased array approach with a more flexible, easily controllable system that achieves the same beam direction control with fewer components.
3Measurement precision
If binary optical switches are densely packed, then spatial resolution is improved, but manufacturing density limitations are encountered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical switching functions into a single integrated photonic circuit platform. By fabricating all optical switches and waveguides simultaneously using standard photonic fabrication processes, the system achieves high effective density without requiring extremely tight tolerances on individual component spacing. The integration approach bypasses the manufacturing density limitations that plague discrete binary switch arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the switching system by using optical path length differences and routing configurations rather than relying solely on physical component density. This allows high spatial resolution to be achieved through optical design parameters rather than manufacturing density, overcoming fabrication limitations.
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 higher spatial resolution and significantly reduced power consumption by enabling more dense packing of MEMS-based optical switches, allowing for precise beam steering with lower operational power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A first position of the at least two positions is sufficiently close to the respective waveguide to optically couple with the respective waveguide with a coupling efficiency of at least about 25%. A second position of the at least two positions is sufficiently far from the respective waveguide to optically couple with the respective waveguide with a coupling efficiency of at most about 5%.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steerable optical transmit and receive terminal includes a MEMS-based Nxl optical switching network. Each optical switch (322 - 336) in the switching network uses an electrostatic MEMS structure to selectively position a translatable optical grating (502) close to or far from an optical waveguide (510). In the close ("ON") position, light couples between the translatable optical grating (502) and the optical waveguide (510), whereas in the far ("OFF") position, no appreciable light couples between the translatable optical grating (502) and the optical waveguide (510). The translatable optical grating (502) is disposed at or near a surface of the optical switching network. Thus, the translatable optical grating (502) emits light into, or receives light from, free space. The steerable optical transmit and receive terminal also includes a lens (102) and can steer a free space optical beam in a direction determined by which port of the Nxl optical switching network is ON.