Nanostructured Acousto-Optic Device for Wide Diffraction Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acousto-optic devices using natural mediums have limited diffraction angles due to restricted optical anisotropy and acousto-optic coefficients, necessitating additional optical systems that increase system size and potentially reduce resolution.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructured acousto-optic device with alternating layers of mediums having different dielectric constants, where sonic waves create a phase grating that increases the diffraction angle of output light, eliminating the need for separate optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If raw natural mediums are used in acousto-optic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the diffraction angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple layers with different dielectric constants (metal layers and dielectric layers) to create a nanostructured acousto-optic medium. This composite structure enhances the acousto-optic coefficient and optical anisotropy, thereby increasing the diffraction angle range while maintaining device functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using bulk natural mediums to nanostructured layered materials, adding the dimension of nanoscale layering. This dimensional change at the nanoscale allows for enhanced control over optical properties and significantly increases the diffraction angle range beyond what is achievable with conventional bulk materials
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical systems are added to compensate for narrow diffraction angle, then the diffraction angle range is improved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the acousto-optic medium and the optical directing elements into a single integrated nanostructured device. The alternating layers with different dielectric constants perform both the acousto-optic modulation and the light direction control, eliminating the need for separate optical systems and reducing overall system size
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical systems are added to compensate for narrow diffraction angle, then the diffraction angle range is improved, but the resolution may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying dielectric constants through the alternating layered structure. Each layer is designed with specific properties optimized for its local function, allowing the structure to achieve both wide diffraction angle range and high resolution simultaneously through localized property optimization
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 nanostructured acousto-optic device enhances the range of diffraction angles, simplifying system design and maintaining or improving resolution in optical applications like scanners and holographic displays.
Implementation Method 1
The acousto-optic effect is an effect in which a refractive index of light is periodically varied in a medium by a series of compressions and rarefactions in the medium produced by sonic waves such as ultrasonic waves propagating in the medium. The series of compressions and rarefactions produces a phase grating in the medium, which diffracts light incident on the medium.
Data Source
AI summary
An acousto-optic device capable of increasing a range of a diffraction angle of output light by using a nanostructured acousto-optic medium, and an optical scanner, an optical modulator, a two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) conversion stereoscopic image display apparatus, and a holographic display apparatus using the acousto-optic device. The acousto-optic device may include a nanostructured acousto-optic medium formed by at least two different mediums repeatedly alternating with each other, wherein at least one of the at least two different mediums includes an acousto-optic medium. The acousto-optic device having the aforementioned structure may increase the range of a diffraction angle of output light. Thus, various systems such as the optical scanner, the optical modulator, the 2D/3D conversion stereoscopic image display apparatus, and the holographic display apparatus may not require a separate optical system to increase an operational angle range, thereby decreasing a size of the system and/or improving a resolution of the system.