Optical Phased Array Phase Modulation Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR devices using mechanical beam scanning face challenges with productivity and high manufacturing costs, while optical phased arrays (OPAs) offer precise and fast control but require improvements in beamforming efficiency and light intensity.
Innovation Solution
An optical phased array design incorporating a light source, phase modulation optical amplification units, and optical splitters, with phase modulators and amplifiers aligned to enhance beamforming efficiency and light intensity by applying currents of different magnitudes to phase modulation optical amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical beam scanning is used in LiDAR devices, then the structure is simple, but productivity and manufacturing costs are problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam scanning systems with an optical phased array (OPA) that uses electronic phase modulation to control beam direction. The OPA uses a array of light emitters with controllable phase shifters to steer the beam electronically without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating mechanical components and reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling faster beam switching and higher productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to optical phase. By varying the phase of light waves from different emitters in the array, the system steers the beam to different directions. This parameter transformation enables continuous, high-speed beam control without mechanical limitations, improving both productivity and manufacturability
2Measurement precision
If optical phased array is used for beam scanning, then precise and fast control is achieved, but beamforming efficiency and light intensity need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using individual controllable light emitters (such as laser diodes or LEDs) arranged in an array, where each emitter can be independently controlled in terms of phase and amplitude. This allows the system to concentrate light energy at specific locations in the beam path, thereby enhancing light intensity at the target region while maintaining precise beam control through phase modulation of individual elements
3Productivity
If optical phased array is used for beam scanning, then non-mechanical beam scanning is achieved, but manufacturing costs need reduction through mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the optical phased array using standard semiconductor fabrication processes that can be used for mass production. The array structure and phase modulation components are integrated into a compact form factor compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure, enabling cost-effective mass production while maintaining high beam scanning speed and precision
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical scanning systems with an all-electronic optical phased array, the patent eliminates complex mechanical components, motors, and associated control systems. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly complexity, and enables cost-effective mass production while achieving superior beam scanning performance
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 design increases beamforming efficiency and light intensity in a region of interest, enabling more precise and efficient LiDAR operations with reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a phase modulation optical amplifier configured to amplify the emitted light while causing a remaining portion of the phase difference
Implementation Method 2
a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) configured to amplify the infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical phased array according to an example embodiment includes a light source configured to emit a light in an infrared band; a light irradiator configured to receive the emitted light and irradiate the light to an outside; a phase modulation optical amplification unit provided between the light source and the light irradiator; and an optical splitting configured to split the light emitted from the light source, wherein the phase modulation optical amplification unit is configured to amplify the light emitted from the light source while modulating a first phase of the emitted light to a second phase, and includes: a phase modulator configured to cause a portion of a phase difference between the first phase and the second phase; and a phase modulation optical amplifier configured to amplify the emitted light while causing a remaining portion of the phase difference.