Nanophotonic Phased Array for Dynamic 3D Imagery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3-D display technologies face challenges in generating high-quality, dynamic imagery with broad fields of view and high spatial resolution, as they are often noisy, difficult to scale, and computationally intensive, with existing autostereoscopic displays being unsuitable for consumer devices due to size, viewing angle, and image resolution limitations.
Innovation Solution
A radiation projector using a nanophotonic phased array with phase delay elements and a control signal generator to emit electromagnetic radiation that spans a contiguous solid angle, enabling the generation of dynamic three-dimensional imagery through synchronized angular scanning and modulation of illumination patterns, suitable for 3-D displays and other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If opto-mechanical beam-steering devices are used to generate 3-D imagery, then dynamic imagery can be displayed, but the system becomes noisy and difficult to scale beyond 30 cm×30 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces opto-mechanical beam-steering devices with an electro-holographic display system that uses electric fields and phased array technology to steer light beams. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts that generate noise, while maintaining the capability to generate dynamic 3-D imagery through electronic control of phase delays across the antenna array.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lenticular arrays are used for 3-D display, then autostereoscopic imagery is achieved, but the field of view and image resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phased array beam steering with electronically controllable phase delays to dynamically adjust the angular distribution of light across the display aperture. This allows the system to achieve high angular resolution and broad field of view by precisely controlling the phase and amplitude of radiation from each antenna element, overcoming the fixed geometric constraints of lenticular arrays.
3Measurement precision
If pre-programmed nanophotonic phased arrays are used for static imagery, then far-field imaging is achieved, but dynamic imagery generation becomes computationally expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable phased array system where phase delays can be adjusted in real-time through electronic control. This dynamic capability allows the system to generate different imagery patterns and update content without requiring complex computational algorithms, as the phased array naturally performs beam steering and focusing through simple phase modulation of each antenna element.
4Productivity
If conventional optical modulators are used, then imagery can be displayed, but the pixels are too large compared to the wavelength of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display aperture into numerous discrete antenna elements spaced at sub-wavelength intervals. Each antenna element acts as an independent radiating element that can be individually controlled through phase delay adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fine angular resolution and high spatial frequency content without requiring large pixel sizes, as the sub-wavelength spacing enables precise control of the far-field radiation pattern.
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 solution allows for efficient generation of high-resolution, dynamic 3-D imagery with a thin form factor suitable for consumer devices, supporting broad viewing angles and high spatial resolution, while reducing computational intensity and operational noise.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nanophotonic antennas configured to emit electromagnetic radiation... phase delay elements, each one characterized, at any particular moment, by a phase delay... control signal generator configured to generate a control signal associated with the plurality of delay elements, wherein the control signal is further configured to recurrently update phase delays of the plurality of phase delay elements in such a manner as to cause the electromagnetic radiation to substantially span at least one contiguous solid angle
Data Source
AI summary
A nanophotonic phased array is configured to generate dynamic three-dimensional imagery when employed as an oscillatory beam-steering device. A scanning nanophotonic phased array generates programmable light fields. That is, a phased array generates reconfigurable light fields when controlled to perform an angular scan of incident illumination synchronized with respect to modulation of the incident illumination.