Optical Modulation Device Cross-Point Array Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulation technologies face challenges such as increased volume and cost due to mechanical steering methods, noise generation, and complex circuitry, as well as reduced field of view and pixel size with optical phased array methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical modulation device with a cross-point structure featuring electrodes on refractive index conversion layers, including nano-antennas and mirror members, which allows for non-mechanical light modulation, simplifying the driving circuit and increasing the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical steering methods are used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but volume of apparatus is increased and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering systems (motors, MEMS structures) with an optical phased array system that uses phase modulation of light waves to achieve beam steering. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, thereby reducing apparatus volume while maintaining beam steering capability through electronic control of phase shifts across multiple antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves beam steering by changing the phase parameter of light waves across different antenna elements. By independently controlling the phase of each element in the array, the beam direction can be dynamically adjusted without mechanical movement, thus reducing apparatus volume while maintaining steering adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical steering methods are used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but motor generates noise and MEMS structure vibrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components (motors and MEMS structures) that generate noise and vibration by replacing them with a static optical phased array system. Beam steering is achieved through electronic phase control rather than mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the harmful noise and vibration effects while preserving beam steering capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased array method is used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but driving device is required per each pixel or waveguide resulting in complicated circuit and device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete antenna elements arranged in an array, where each element can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the complex beam steering function to be achieved through simple phase modulation at each element, reducing overall circuit complexity compared to requiring separate driving devices for each pixel or waveguide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a unified phase control mechanism that serves multiple antenna elements simultaneously. By using a common control architecture that can adjust the phase of all elements, the system achieves beam steering capability without requiring separate driving devices for each element, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical phased array method is used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but size is increased and process costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical steering components with a compact optical phased array structure. By using phase modulation instead of mechanical movement, the system achieves beam steering capability in a much smaller footprint, reducing device size while eliminating the need for large mechanical assemblies.
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 solution reduces pixel size, increases the field of view, and improves beam steering efficiency by controlling phase modulation without the need for mechanical components or complex driving circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an active layer area whose refractive index is converted according to a voltage applied to the plurality of first electrodes and a voltage applied to the plurality of second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
attempts have been made to apply nano-structures using surface plasmon resonance stimulated by incident light to optical devices
Implementation Method 3
a mirror area including a plurality of mirror members that extend in a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided are an optical modulation device, a method of operating the same, and an apparatus including the optical modulation device. The optical modulation device may include a mirror area, a nano-antenna area, and an active area located between the mirror area and the nano-antenna area, and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes for changing physical properties of the active area may intersect each other to form a cross-point array structure. The plurality of first electrodes may be included in the mirror area or may be provided separately from the mirror area. The plurality of second electrodes may be included in the nano-antenna area and may be provided separately from the nano-antenna area.