On-chip Wavefront Sensor Using Antenna Array for Turbulence Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are large, require high assembly precision, and cannot be integrated into optical chips, making them unsuitable for miniaturized and high-integration applications in spatial light communication systems, especially underwater communication systems where turbulence affects signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An on-chip wavefront sensor is developed, comprising an antenna array, a reference light source module, a phase shifter array, and an optical detection module, which separates and processes received spatial light to perform coherent balanced detection, enabling dynamic measurement of wavefront distortion and intensity distribution with high sensitivity, small size, and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor is used, then wavefront measurement capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and integration into optical chips is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor structure with an electrical/electronic antenna array-based sensor. The antenna array samples the optical field and converts it to electrical signals for processing, eliminating the need for microlens arrays and CCD cameras, thereby achieving miniaturization and chip integration while maintaining wavefront measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process where the optical field is first sampled by the antenna array and transformed into electrical domain signals. This intermediary electrical signal representation enables subsequent digital processing and wavefront reconstruction, bridging the gap between optical measurement and electronic integration
2Measurement precision
If Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor is used, then wavefront measurement is enabled, but assembly precision requirement becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical alignment requirements of the Shack-Hartmann sensor by replacing its optical components with an antenna array that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution removes the need for high-precision manual assembly of microlenses and detectors, as the antenna array structure is defined by photolithography patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating domain from optical to electrical, allowing wavefront measurement to be performed through electrical signal sampling and processing. This parameter change enables the use of standard semiconductor fabrication tolerances instead of requiring precision optical assembly tolerances, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is implemented in wavefront sensor, then device size is reduced, but measurement capability and sensitivity are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the measurement approach from spatial domain (optical path length) to temporal domain (phase modulation over time). By using phase shifters to modulate the reference light and detecting the modulated signal in the temporal domain, the system achieves high measurement sensitivity in a compact footprint, overcoming the trade-off between miniaturization and sensitivity
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 on-chip wavefront sensor effectively characterizes wavefront distortion and intensity distribution, meeting the requirements of miniaturization and high integration, and improving the performance of spatial light communication systems by adapting to turbulence-induced phase mismatches.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array, configured for separating received spatial light to obtain a plurality of sub-light spots
Implementation Method 2
a phase shifter array, configured for performing phase shifting processing on a plurality of intrinsic light beams to obtain reference light
Implementation Method 3
an optical detection module, configured for performing coherent balanced detection according to the reference light and the sub-light spots to obtain a photocurrent corresponding to each of the sub-light spots
Data Source
AI summary
An on-chip wavefront sensor, an optical chip, and a communication device are disclosed. The on-chip wavefront sensor includes an antenna array configured for separating received spatial light to obtain a plurality of sub-light spots; a reference light source module configured for generating a plurality of intrinsic light beams; a phase shifter array configured for performing phase shifting processing on the intrinsic light beams to obtain reference light; and an optical detection module configured for performing coherent balanced detection according to the reference light and the sub-light spots to obtain a photocurrent corresponding to each of the sub-light spots.