Multi-Layer Optical Phase Shifters for Compact Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical phased arrays require a large footprint due to a traditional arrangement of one phase shifter per array element, leading to increased cost, complexity, and limited design options for optical communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer phase shifter architecture where each phase shifter is connected in series across multiple layers, reducing the number of phase shifters needed while maintaining effective beam steering capabilities, with processors determining instructions for incremental phase shifts to achieve desired pointing directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional arrangement of one phase shifter per array element is used, then beam steering capability is maintained, but the footprint and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifting function into multiple layers, where each layer contains fewer phase shifters than the array elements. The phase shifting operation is segmented across layers, with each layer contributing a portion of the total phase shift. This segmentation reduces the number of phase shifters needed in each layer while maintaining the overall beam steering capability through coordinated operation of all layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer arrangement to a multi-layer arrangement, adding the layer dimension to the phase shifter architecture. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the same beam steering functionality with fewer phase shifters per layer by distributing the phase shifting task across multiple layers, effectively reducing the footprint and complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fewer phase shifters are used per layer, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the precision of phase control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous phase control across multiple layers, where each layer contributes to the overall phase shift in a coordinated manner. The cumulative effect of phase shifts across layers maintains the precision required for accurate beam steering, even though each individual layer has fewer phase shifters. This continuous action across layers preserves control precision while reducing per-layer complexity.
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 results in smaller, more cost-effective integrated photonic chips with reduced complexity and thermal management needs, suitable for correcting beam distortions without compromising performance, and enabling smaller optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each phase shifter is configured to shift the optical signal incrementally to amass a total phase shift for each of the plurality of array elements
Implementation Method 2
the one or more bias means includes a thermal bias means configured to shift a midpoint of a thermo-optical phase shifter or an electro-optical phase shifter
Implementation Method 3
the one or more bias means includes a voltage bias means configured to shift a midpoint of an electro-optical phase shifter
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a transmitter configured to output an optical signal. The transmitter includes a seed laser, an optical array including a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters in a multi-layer arrangement. The multi-layer arrangement includes a plurality of layers between the seed laser and the optical array, wherein a first layer of the plurality of layers transmits light to a second layer of the plurality of layers. The first layer has fewer phase shifters than the second layer. The multi-layer arrangement also includes a plurality of branches wherein each branch includes a phase shifter from each of the plurality of layers connected in series between the seed laser and one of the plurality of array elements. Each phase shifter is configured to shift the optical signal incrementally to amass a total phase shift for each of the plurality of array elements.