Chip-Scale Optical Beam Director Using Subwavelength Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam directors in LiDAR systems face challenges related to size, cost, assembly complexity, and performance parameters such as range of operation, resolution, and field of view, particularly when using multiple diffractive and refractive components.
Innovation Solution
A chip-based optical beam director utilizing subwavelength structures in a dielectric layer on an insulator with periodic or semi-periodic arrangements to disperse different wavelength channels in distinct directions, enabling efficient light dispersion and directionality without the need for bulky, complex mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diffractive and refractive components are used to achieve wavelength-dependent beam direction, then the field of view and resolution are improved, but the device size, assembly complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diffractive and refractive components into a single integrated optical element. The beam director integrates a diffractive optical element and a refractive optical element in one structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining wavelength-dependent beam direction capabilities across a wide field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated beam director performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wavelength-dependent beam direction, achieves wide field of view coverage, and enables resolution enhancement all through a single optical component rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function
2Measurement precision
If multiple diffractive and refractive components are used to achieve wavelength-dependent beam direction, then the resolution is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a compact integrated structure, achieving high resolution through the combined diffractive and refractive elements within a single beam director unit, thereby improving resolution without proportionally increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength as an additional dimension for beam direction control. By exploiting wavelength-dependent diffraction and refraction, the system achieves enhanced resolution and spatial discrimination without requiring larger physical dimensions, effectively using the spectral dimension to overcome spatial limitations
3Ease of operation
If traditional beam director components are used, then light direction is achieved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components into a single integrated beam director, simplifying assembly procedures and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective light direction capabilities. The integrated design eliminates the need for precise alignment of separate components during assembly
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient light dispersion mechanism, reducing assembly complexity and enhancing performance by allowing simultaneous direction of multiple wavelengths in different directions, thus improving spatial estimation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the periodic or semi-periodic arrangement causing the first wavelength channel to be dispersed in a first direction within the light path and the second wavelength channel to be dispersed in a second direction within the light path, different to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a chip-based optical beam director, the beam director including: an input to receive light of a range of different wavelengths, including a light of a first wavelength channel and a light of a second wavelength channel, different to the first wavelength channel; an output to emit directed light from the optical beam director; a dielectric layer on an insulator; and at least one set of multiple subwavelength structures formed in the dielectric layer in a light path from the input to the output, each set of the multiple subwavelength structures having a periodic arrangement or semi-periodic arrangement, the periodic or semi-periodic arrangement causing the first wavelength channel to be dispersed in a first direction within the light path and the second wavelength channel to be dispersed in a second direction within the light path, different to the first direction.