Metasurface Element for Single-Aperture Imaging 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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional de-scanning systems use two scanners (one for scanning, one for de-scanning), then scanning and de-scanning functions are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning and de-scanning functions into a single scanner that sequentially performs both operations. The scanner first scans the outgoing light beam across the field of view, then de-scans the returning light beam along the same path, eliminating the need for a second dedicated de-scanning device and its associated synchronization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the scanning mirror for outgoing beams and the de-scanning mirror for returning beams. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of optical components while maintaining the necessary scanning and de-scanning capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple optical components (polarizer, beam splitter, quarter-wave plate) are used for Tx and Rx channels, then polarization control is achieved, but cost and system bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polarization control function from the traditional multi-component system (polarizer, beam splitter, quarter-wave plate) and implements it through a simplified optical path that uses the scanner's reflective surface and the target's reflection properties to achieve the necessary polarization state changes without requiring multiple dedicated polarization control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural polarization changes that occur during the scanning and de-scanning process. The outgoing beam's polarization is modified by the scanner's reflection, and the returning beam's polarization is further modified by the target reflection, eliminating the need for active polarization control components in the optical path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two apertures are used for scanning and de-scanning, then functional separation is achieved, but device size and cost double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outgoing and returning light paths into a single optical path that shares the same aperture. The single scanner sequentially directs both the outgoing scanned beam and the returning de-scanned beam through the same aperture, eliminating the need for separate apertures for transmission and reception.
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 reduced complexity by using a single aperture for both outgoing and incoming light, enhancing resilience against polarization interference and enabling efficient scanning and imaging tasks.
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
Implementation Method 2
an optical element 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
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
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.