Optical Beam Director Using Dispersive Element and Steering Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical beam direction systems face challenges in efficiently steering light in two dimensions without mechanical movement, particularly in applications like LiDAR, where mechanical failure and fatigue are concerns.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing a dispersive element to direct light over an initial dimension, combined with an array of steering elements that align respective wavelength bands into planes distributed over a second dimension, allowing for two-dimensional steering without mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical beam steering is used, then two-dimensional light direction is achieved, but mechanical failure and fatigue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering components with an optical system consisting of a dispersive element and an array of steering elements. The dispersive element spatially disperses multiple wavelengths along a first dimension, while the array of steering elements directs different wavelength bands along a second dimension perpendicular to the first. This all-optical approach eliminates mechanical moving parts, thereby improving reliability and eliminating mechanical failure and fatigue issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves two-dimensional beam steering by utilizing two perpendicular dimensions: the dispersive element provides spatial dispersion along the first dimension (e.g., horizontal axis), and the array of steering elements provides directional control along the second dimension (e.g., vertical axis). This dimensional separation allows independent control of beam direction in both dimensions without mechanical complexity.
2Speed
If mechanical beam steering is used, then light direction is achieved, but scanning speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering mechanisms with static optical elements. The dispersive element and array of steering elements are fixed components that redirect light through optical properties rather than mechanical movement. This substitution enables rapid beam scanning limited only by the speed of light and electronic control, eliminating the inertia and mechanical response time limitations of traditional systems.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical beam steering is used, then light direction is achieved, but spatial resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: a dispersive element that separates wavelengths spatially, and an array of individual steering elements (such as mirrors or prisms) that independently direct different wavelength bands. This segmentation allows precise control of beam direction for each wavelength channel, improving spatial resolution while maintaining a manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high spatial resolution by separating the two steering dimensions: the dispersive element provides fine wavelength-based positioning along the first dimension, while the array of steering elements provides angular control along the second dimension. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of resolution in both axes without the mechanical trade-offs inherent in single-mechanism systems.
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
Enables stable and efficient two-dimensional light steering, reducing dependence on mechanical performance and improving scanning speed and spatial resolution, while minimizing mechanical failure risks.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element arranged to direct the light towards one of first directions over an initial dimension based on the selected one of the multiple wavelength channels
Implementation Method 2
an array of steering elements arranged along the initial dimension to receive the directed light, the array of steering elements configured to further direct the received light towards one of second directions based on its position along the initial dimension
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a system for directing light over two dimensions. The system includes a dispersive element arranged to direct light over an initial dimension based on wavelength. The system also includes an array of steering elements arranged along the initial dimension to receive the directed light, the array of steering elements configured to further direct the received light to whereby direction of the light over two dimensions is achieved. Also described is a method for directing light over two dimensions.