Metasurface Optical Element for Unified Scanning and De-Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-scanning systems for 3D imaging and LIDAR require multiple optical components, leading to increased cost, size, and complexity due to the need for two scanners and complex synchronization, which complicates alignment and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A ranging system utilizing a metasurface optical element (MOE) that transforms linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light and back, integrated with a scanner to perform both scanning and de-scanning functions, reducing the need for multiple optical components and simplifying the system architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two scanners are used for scanning and de-scanning, then scanning and imaging functions are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning and de-scanning functions into a single optical component (the metasurface element), eliminating the need for two separate scanners. The metasurface element performs both functions by transforming the polarization state of light, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the required imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The metasurface element is designed to perform multiple functions: it scans the laser beam across the target area and simultaneously de-scans the reflected light back to the detector. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require two dedicated optical components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two scanners are used for scanning and de-scanning, then scanning and imaging functions are achieved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the scanning and de-scanning functions into a single metasurface element, the patent eliminates the alignment challenges associated with coordinating two separate scanners. The single component approach ensures that the scanning and de-scanning paths are inherently aligned, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a quarter-wave plate and polarizer are added to separate Tx and Rx channels, then transmission and reception are differentiated, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the polarization transformation functionality directly into the metasurface element, eliminating the need for separate quarter-wave plates and polarizers. The metasurface element itself performs the function of differentiating transmission and reception channels through its polarization-state-dependent phase modulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The metasurface element serves as a universal component that handles multiple functions including scanning, de-scanning, and polarization state transformation. This multi-functionality removes the need for additional dedicated components like quarter-wave plates and polarizers, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.
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 a compact, cost-effective design with a single aperture, minimizing interference and alignment issues, enabling efficient scanning and imaging with reduced complexity and size, suitable for mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
a metasurface optical element (MOE) positioned to receive the emitted light beam from the source of polarized light and configured to transform the emitted light beam from having linear polarization to having circular polarization of a first handedness
Implementation Method 2
The emitted light beam reflects off the target, and returns as a reflected light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging system includes a source of polarized light generating an emitted light beam, and a metasurface optical element (MOE) positioned to receive the emitted light beam from the source of polarized light and configured to transform the emitted light beam from having linear polarization to having circular polarization of a first handedness. An optical element is positioned to receive the emitted light beam from the MOE and direct the emitted light beam toward a target. The emitted light beam reflects off the target and returns as a reflected light beam to be passed by the optical element back through the MOE as having circular polarization of a second handedness opposite to the first handedness. The MOE is positioned to receive the reflected light beam from the optical element and configured to transform the reflected light beam back to having the linear polarization. A sensor senses the reflected light beam.