Monolithic Homodyne Encoder With Diffractive Phase Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing homodyne encoding devices suffer from mechanical misalignment and degradation due to internal vibrations and mechanical components, leading to optical failures and increased integration time.

Innovation Solution

A monolithic homodyne encoder with a diffractive optical slab having optically parallel sides and phase maps on each side, eliminating mechanical components and ensuring stability against vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional homodyne encoding devices use mechanical components and mirrors, then alignment and adjustment are possible, but mechanical misalignment and degradation occur due to internal vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical stabilityVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mirrors and alignment components with a diffractive optical element that uses light diffraction and interference patterns to achieve homodyne encoding. This eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to vibration-induced misalignment, thereby improving optical stability while removing complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple optical functions (diffraction, interference, and encoding) into a single monolithic diffractive optical element. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate mechanical components and their associated alignment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical alignment components are used, then initial alignment can be achieved, but alignment complexity increases and requires mechanical locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment simplicityVSAvoidmechanical supports

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment components with a diffractive optical element that inherently provides the required optical path differences through its diffraction pattern. This eliminates the need for mechanical locking mechanisms and complex alignment procedures, making the device easier to operate and align.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical components such as springs are used, then structural support is provided, but degradation occurs over time leading to device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical springs and support structures with a rigid diffractive optical element that uses optical principles rather than mechanical tension or compression. This eliminates components subject to fatigue and degradation over time, significantly improving both reliability and operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traditional homodyne encoding devices are assembled with multiple components, then functionality is achieved, but integration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration speedVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical components (mirrors, diffraction gratings, and encoding elements) into a single monolithic diffractive optical element. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be assembled and aligned, dramatically reducing integration time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffractive optical element is designed with distinct functional zones (different diffraction orders and interference patterns) that perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure, achieving the functionality of multiple separate components without the associated integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 monolithic design enhances optical stability, reduces alignment complexity, and accelerates integration, while maintaining efficient imaging performance.

Implementation Method 1

a diffractive optical slab having a first side and a second side that are optically parallel to each other, a first set of phase maps on the first side of the diffractive optical slab that apply a spatial phase map to incoming light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

phase maps on each side... that apply a spatial phase map to incoming light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250334725A1Monolithic Homodyne Encoder

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A monolithic homodyne encoder is described herein. The monolithic homodyne encoder includes a diffractive optical slab. The diffractive optical slab includes a first side and a second side that are optically parallel to each other, a first set of phase maps on the first side of the diffractive optical slab that apply a spatial phase map to incoming light, and a second set of phase maps on the second side of the diffractive optical slab that directs the light to a component.