Mirror-Coupled Optical Waveguide for Compact 2D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices face challenges in achieving two-dimensional scanning without increasing structural complexity, with existing technologies requiring complex structures and being prone to vibration, and involving intricate wiring for phase control and light beam guidance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a waveguide element with a pair of opposed mirrors and an optical waveguide layer between them, where one mirror has higher transmittance, allows light to be emitted outside, and the direction of emission is adjusted by controlling the refractive index, thickness, or wavelength of the waveguide layer, enabling one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning through synchronous control of these properties across multiple elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use complex structures to achieve two-dimensional scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but device complexity increases and vibration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical components into a single integrated waveguide structure. The waveguide layer between two mirrors simultaneously performs light guidance, phase control, and beam steering functions that traditionally required separate components, thereby achieving two-dimensional scanning while reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide element serves multiple functions: it guides light from the light source, controls the phase of emitted light through adjustable refractive index, and directs the beam in two dimensions by coordinating refractive index changes across multiple waveguide elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate phase control wiring and beam guidance mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical scanning devices use complex structures with intricate wiring for phase control, then scanning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiring systems for phase control with an optical field-based control mechanism. By adjusting the refractive index of the waveguide layer through optical or electrical means (without physical wiring connections), the phase of emitted light is controlled, thereby eliminating intricate wiring while maintaining scanning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the phase and direction of emitted light by changing the refractive index parameter of the waveguide layer. By dynamically adjusting this optical parameter across multiple waveguide elements, precise two-dimensional scanning is achieved without requiring complex wiring for phase control
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical scanning devices use complex structures, then scanning capability is improved, but robustness against vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into a compact waveguide structure, the patent reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical connections that are susceptible to vibration. The merged structure is inherently more robust while maintaining full two-dimensional scanning capability through coordinated refractive index modulation
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 approach simplifies the structure while enabling effective two-dimensional optical scanning, reducing complexity and robustness against vibrations, and allowing for high-resolution distance detection in applications like LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide layer that is located in part of a region between the first mirror and the second mirror and propagates light in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
an optical element that is disposed on the first mirror on a side opposite to the first reflecting surface and emits incident light in a direction different from an incident direction by refraction and/or diffraction
Implementation Method 3
an optical element that is disposed on the first mirror on a side opposite to the first reflecting surface and emits incident light in a direction different from an incident direction by refraction and/or diffraction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: a first mirror having a first reflecting surface extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second mirror having a second reflecting surface; an optical waveguide layer that is located between the first and second mirrors and propagates light in the first direction; and an optical element that is disposed on the first mirror and emits incident light in a direction different from an incident direction. The optical element emits (1) incident light entering from the optical waveguide layer through the first mirror in a direction whose first direction component is smaller than that of an incident direction of the incident light by refraction and/or diffraction or (2) incident light entering from the outside in a direction whose first direction component is larger than that of an incident direction by refraction and/or diffraction.