N-arm Interferometric Photonic Integrated Circuit for SWaP Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite payload systems are limited by size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, leading to high manufacturing and operational costs due to segregated module categories, which are typically single-function and computationally dependent, resulting in inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A scalable multi-use optical system utilizing a single photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with a processor and controller to switch between various operating modes such as laser communications, imaging, and interferometric imaging, employing N-arm interferometry and an array waveguide grating for reduced SWaP and improved performance, including non-mechanical steering and diffraction-limited imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If segregated module category systems are used, then single-function performance is improved, but size, weight, and power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-function photonic integrated circuit that can operate in multiple modes (imaging, communications, ranging, holography, beam generation, tracking) within a single device. This universal platform eliminates the need for separate single-function modules, thereby reducing size, weight, and power while maintaining specialized performance through software-controlled reconfiguration of the same hardware infrastructure.
2Reliability
If segregated module category systems are used, then functional specialization is improved, but manufacturing and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple specialized functions into a single photonic integrated circuit platform, the system reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, tested, and integrated. This universal approach lowers manufacturing complexity and operational costs while maintaining functional specialization through software-defined configuration of the same hardware for different missions.
3Weight of moving object
If computational dependence is increased, then low SWaP design is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering systems with computational algorithms that control optical phase shifters and beamforming. This substitution achieves low SWaP by eliminating heavy mechanical components while managing system complexity through integrated software control of the photonic circuit, where algorithms dynamically adjust optical paths to achieve desired beam steering and imaging functions.
4Measurement precision
If N-arm interferometry is used, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interferometric arms into a single integrated photonic circuit structure, where N waveguide paths converge at a common output. This consolidation achieves diffraction-limited imaging performance through interferometric combining while reducing device complexity by integrating all optical paths, phase shifters, and detectors onto a single chip rather than using separate bulk optical components.
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 solution provides significant quantitative performance improvements, reduced manufacturing costs, and flexibility in Field-of-View selection, mitigating the need for compressed sensing and computationally intensive reconstruction tasks, while achieving fade-resistant communication links and conformal integration with air and space vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
N-arm interferometry
Implementation Method 2
optical phase shifters coupled to respective ones of the plurality of apertures
Implementation Method 3
array waveguide grating
Data Source
AI summary
An optical aperture system is provided that includes a photonic integrated circuit. The photonic integrated circuit includes a plurality of apertures, a plurality of optical phase shifters coupled to respective apertures of the plurality of apertures, an optical splitter-combiner coupled to the plurality of optical phase shifters, an optical switch coupled to the optical splitter-combiner, a light source coupled to the optical switch, and a photodetector coupled to the optical switch. The optical aperture system further includes a controller configured to execute a first set of instructions to control the plurality of optical phase shifters and the light source in accordance with a first operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the optical aperture system, and a processor configured to execute a second set of instructions to process an output of the photodetector in accordance with the first operating mode of the optical aperture system.