Hybrid Optical Beam Steering With 1D Addressing and Lens Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for beam steering face challenges in complexity due to the need for complex electronic addressing of 2D emitter arrays or mechanical actuators to move lenses or emitters independently, which are either electronically or mechanically complex.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid approach combining selective activation of active emitting elements in one dimension with mechanical motion of an optical component in another dimension using a series of lenses and active elements, where the relative positions of the elements determine beam direction, reducing complexity by leveraging both electronic and mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 2D array of emitter elements is used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but electronic addressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam steering function into two independent segments: one dimension is handled by selectively activating individual emitter elements in a linear array, while the other dimension is handled by mechanical movement of the entire lens-array assembly. This segmentation reduces the electronic addressing burden from 2D to 1D, significantly simplifying the electronic control architecture while maintaining full 2D beam steering capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used to move lenses or emitters independently, then beam steering is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of beam steering in both dimensions into a unified mechanical system. The entire lens-array assembly is moved as a single mechanical unit to achieve steering in one dimension, while electronic selection of emitter elements handles the other dimension. This merging reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent actuators that would be required to move individual lenses or emitters separately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If selective activation of emitter elements is used, then beam steering in one dimension is achieved, but electronic complexity remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a purely electronic 2D addressing scheme to a hybrid approach by introducing a mechanical dimension. The mechanical movement of the lens-array assembly adds a physical dimension to the beam steering process, allowing one spatial dimension to be controlled mechanically rather than electronically. This dimensionality change significantly reduces electronic complexity while maintaining full 2D steering functionality.
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 approach allows for efficient beam steering in two dimensions with reduced electronic and mechanical complexity, enabling precise control of transmit and receive beams for improved signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first active elements is disposed behind a respective one of the first lenses so as when activated to emit light through the respective lens at a respective angle in a first dimension... different ones of the first active elements are arranged at different positions relative to their respective lens in a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Optical beam-steering apparatus whereby an actuator effects relative movement, in a first direction, between an optical component comprising one or more lenses and a series of active transmitting or receiving elements, each active element disposed behind a respective one of the lenses. Different active elements are arranged at different positions relative to their respective lens in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. Thus by selecting which of the first active elements to activate using the addressing circuitry, a first transmitting or receiving beam can be controlled to be formed at a selected angle in one dimension. Whereas by operating the actuator to effect a relative motion between the optical component and the series of active elements in the first direction, the first transmitting or receiving beam can be controlled to be formed at a selected angle in another, non-parallel dimension.