Reflective Metasurface Laser Integration for Compact Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-emitting devices with reflective metasurfaces require complex optical systems for inputting and guiding light, which hinders miniaturization due to the need for separate systems for the light source and metasurface.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device integrating a surface emitting laser element and a reflective metasurface via a light guide layer, where the metasurface includes a light transmissive layer with a dielectric layer and metal films, allowing phase modulation of laser light without the need for additional optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective metasurface is used in a light-emitting device, then phase modulation of light is achieved, but the optical system becomes complicated requiring separate systems for light source and metasurface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source (surface emitting laser element) and the reflective metasurface into a single integrated device. The metasurface is formed directly on the laser element substrate, eliminating the need for separate optical systems for light source and metasurface, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining phase modulation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective metasurface with separate optical systems is used, then light phase control is achieved, but miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the metasurface directly onto the laser element substrate and using the laser element's own light output surfaces, the patent eliminates the need for separate optical components and mounting space, enabling miniaturization of the overall device while maintaining full light phase control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The laser element substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source substrate and the mounting platform for the metasurface. The light output surfaces are used both for light emission and as interfaces for the metasurface operation, reducing the need for additional components and space
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
This integration simplifies the optical system, enabling miniaturization by eliminating the need for separate optical components and allowing for efficient phase modulation of laser light.
Implementation Method 1
The second metal film reflects, towards the light guide layer, the laser light inputted from the surface emitting laser element through the light guide layer to the light transmissive layer
Implementation Method 2
the phase of the input light changes according to the thickness of the metallized layer. The metasurface of Non Patent Literature 1 described above can control the phase of light by arbitrarily changing the applied voltage
Implementation Method 3
metallization (state where the electron density becomes concentratively high near the interface between the dielectric layer and the transparent conductive layer) of a part of the transparent conductive layer occurs due to an electric field between the lower metal film and the upper metal film
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment relates to a light-emitting device comprising a reflective metasurface modulating a phase for each of pixels constituting a one- or two-dimensional array. The light-emitting device comprises a surface emitting laser element, a light guide layer, and the metasurface. The metasurface has a light transmissive layer including a dielectric layer, one metal film on one surface thereof, and the other metal film on the other surface thereof. In each of unit regions corresponding to the pixels, the light transmissive layer includes a portion exposed without being covered with the metal film. The width of each unit region and the thickness of the light transmissive layer are smaller than the wavelength of the laser light to the metasurface. The metasurface modulates the phase of the laser light for each unit region. A first light output surface outputs the modulated laser.