Optical Modulation Device Mirror Nano-Antenna Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulation devices require mechanical structures or complex circuits for steering lasers, leading to increased size, cost, and noise issues, and the Optical Phased Array method requires driving devices for each pixel, resulting in complicated structures and reduced field of view.
Innovation Solution
An optical modulation device comprising a mirror array with varying refractive indices, a nano-antenna array, and an active layer with electrically controllable properties, allowing for non-mechanical light modulation by applying uniform voltages to mirror elements and nano-antennas, simplifying the driving circuit and increasing the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical structures (motor or MEMS) are used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering structures (motors or MEMS) with an optical phased array system that uses phase modulation of light waves. Multiple laser beams are generated and steered by controlling the phase of each beam through optical path difference, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and significantly reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waveguide layer as an intermediary component that guides and modulates multiple laser beams. The waveguide layer enables phase control of individual beams through optical path manipulation, serving as a mediator between the light source and the target, and allowing beam steering without mechanical movement.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical structures (motor or MEMS) are used to steer laser, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical steering components with a planar optical phased array structure that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. The waveguide layer and phase control elements are integrated in a single planar structure, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides laser beams, provides phase modulation capability, and enables beam steering. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If OPA method is used with driving device for each pixel, then beam steering is achieved, but circuit structure becomes complicated and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waveguide layer with the phase control elements into a single integrated structure. The waveguide layer itself is used to modulate the phase of light, eliminating the need for separate driving devices for each pixel. This integration significantly simplifies the circuit structure while maintaining beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide layer performs multiple functions: light guidance, phase modulation, and beam steering control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure, addressing the complexity issue of the OPA method.
4Ease of operation
If OPA method is used with driving device for each pixel, then beam steering is achieved, but field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the beam steering capability to two-dimensional space by arranging waveguides and phase control elements in a planar array. This allows independent phase modulation in both horizontal and vertical directions, expanding the field of view compared to one-dimensional mechanical steering 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
The solution enables simplified configuration, reduced pixel sizes, and enhanced beam steering capabilities without mechanical noise, allowing for one-dimensional or two-dimensional beam steering in applications like LiDAR and 3D image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The active layer may include an electro-optic material which has a permittivity changed in response to an electric signal applied to the electro-optic material
Implementation Method 2
there have been attempts to use a nano structure, in which a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon is used with respect to incident light, in optical devices
Implementation Method 3
a mirror array including a plurality of mirror elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of mirror elements have different refractive indices
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical modulation device, a method of operating the optical modulation device, and an apparatus including the optical modulation device. The optical modulation device may include a mirror array including a plurality of mirror elements, a nano-antenna array including a plurality of nano-antennas, and an active layer disposed between the mirror array and the nano-antenna array. At least some of the plurality of mirror elements may have different refractive indices. The at least some of the plurality of mirror elements may include different materials, include different dopants, or have different doping concentrations.