Optical Modulation Device With Nano-Antennas and Active Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modulators have slow operation response times due to their mechanical driving methods, limiting their speed and efficiency in controlling light properties in optical systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical modulation devices with a double electrode structure and active matrix driving circuit units, featuring a patterned active layer with nano-antennas and reflectors, allowing independent voltage control to achieve phase modulation of light, thereby enhancing operating speeds without mechanical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical driving methods are used in optical modulators, then light blocking and reflection control is achieved, but operation response time becomes slow (several μs or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with an electro-optic modulation system. Specifically, it uses liquid crystal molecules that change their optical properties (birefringence) in response to electric fields, eliminating mechanical movement entirely. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between transparent electrodes, and applying voltage changes the molecular orientation, thereby modulating light transmission without any mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the liquid crystal material by applying electric voltage. The liquid crystal molecules transition between different orientational states (e.g., homeotropic vs. planar alignment), which changes the refractive index and birefringence properties. This parameter change enables rapid switching between different optical states with response times in the sub-millisecond range, significantly faster than mechanical systems.
2Speed
If liquid crystal materials are used for optical modulation, then optical anisotropy is utilized, but operation speed is limited by material response characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining liquid crystal material with transparent electrodes and specific alignment layers. The liquid crystal layer is formulated with specific molecular structures (e.g., rod-shaped molecules) that provide both optical anisotropy and fast response. The composite design includes surface treatment layers that control molecular alignment, ensuring consistent performance. This composite approach optimizes both speed and reliability by selecting materials with complementary properties.
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 enables rapid and efficient phase modulation of light, improving operating speeds and reducing noise, allowing for precise beam steering and enhanced performance in applications like LiDAR and 3D image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
an active layer located between the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of nano-antennas, wherein properties of the active layer are changed according to an electrical condition
Implementation Method 2
attempts have been made to apply nano-structures, using surface plasmon resonance stimulated by incident light, to optical devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an optical modulation device and an apparatus including the same. The optical modulation device may include a plurality of reflectors located on a driving circuit substrate, a plurality of nano-antennas located on the plurality of reflectors, and an active layer located between the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of nano-antennas and patterned to have a plurality of openings. The optical modulation device may further include a plurality of first connection members configured to electrically connect the driving circuit substrate to the plurality of reflectors and a plurality of second connection members configured to electrically connect the driving circuit substrate to the plurality of nano-antennas. The plurality of second connection members may be connected to the plurality of nano-antennas through the plurality of openings.